Our Story: Parenting in the Great Out(and In)doors
Balancing muddy boots and pajama mornings – how we parent in both the wild and the quiet
Welcome to our little corner of the internet — a space where real families, real mess, and real joy meet the great outdoors. We’re not here to present a picture‑perfect version of outdoor life. We’re here to share what it actually looks like to get outside with kids: the magic, the meltdowns, the snacks, the detours, and the moments that make it all worth it.
I’m a Millennial mom, registered dietitian, and very recent student in the Big Feelings Academy, as my son and I have both recently been diagnosed with ADHD While our diagnoses haven’t changed who we are, they have changed how we understand ourselves and they’ve given us language (and understanding) for the way we move through the world — sometimes fast, sometimes sideways, sometimes with a backpack full of snacks and zero socks.
But this blog isn’t about ADHD. It’s about how we’ve reimagined our lifelong love of the outdoors with the chaos of our family in mind — and about my new understanding of why nature has always felt like home to me.
Our Family
Me: A passionate explorer with a background in exercise science and nutrition. I thrive on organizing chaos and building systems that help our family move through the world with a little more ease. I’m learning every day how to navigate this new emotional landscape, and being outside — with fresh air, open space, and movement — helps me slow down, reset, and show up as the human I want to be.
My Partner: My emotional support human and the stay‑at‑home parent who keeps our world spinning. He’s the adventure architect, the camp‑setup wizard, and the reason I don’t permanently fuse with the couch or accidentally starve. His steady presence makes everything we do possible.
Our Kids: Two energetic boys who bring curiosity, humor, and a WHOLE lot of movement to every trail, campsite, and living room fort. They love the outdoors….until they don’t. And when that happens, we pivot, snack, and try again
Our Adventures
Our rhythm swings between:
- Pajama‑day weekends full of rest, snacks, and slow mornings
- Epic outdoor adventures that leave us muddy, tired, and deeply connected
That balance — the cozy and the wild — is what keeps our family grounded and growing.
We’re happiest when we’re outside together. You can find us
- Camping under starry skies or beside crashing waves
- Hiking everything from kid-friendly loops to “maybe this was too much” backpacking routes
- Paddling some kind of vessel whenever we can get near water
- Skiing or snowboarding through winter weekends
- Climbing any rock formation we can find
- Exploring national parks one breathtaking landscape at a time
Nature is our reset button, our playground, our favorite classroom – even when someone is crying, someone is hungry, or someone forgot the sunscreen (usually me)
The Struggles (Because Real Life Matters)
Getting outdoors with kids is beautiful…and its also a lot. I can’t count the number of times my kids’ complaints have made me question why we even left the house – only to hear them talk about the same trip as one of the best moments of their lives weeks or months later. We like to call this Type 2 Fun.
Through it all we navigate
- Planning Fatigue
- Balancing a full‑time job with outdoor time
- Meal planning for sensory needs and food jags
- Keeping both kids engaged on the trail
- Safety near water, cliffs, and unpredictable terrain
- Managing energy levels — the highs and the crashes
We don’t pretend it’s easy. We just believe it’s worth it.
Building a Community
We want this space to feel like a campfire circle – warm, welcoming, and judgement-free. A place where families of all kinds can show up as they are, share what’s working (and what’s not), and learn from each other as we all try to get outside a little more
We believe in the power of honest stories, shared mistakes, and the kind of advice that comes from real experience – not a perfectly curated narrative. If our trials, errors, and “well….shit” moments make it easier for another family to step into nature, then we are doing something right
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or brand-new to the outdoors, there is a place for you here.
Respecting Nature
We teach our kids to love the outdoors and care for it. Leave No Trace, stewardship, and environmental respect are woven into every trip. Our goal isn’t just to enjoy nature — it’s to help protect it for the families who come after us.
Why This Blog Exists
I started this blog to help our family get outside more often, to push back against the paralysis that comes with busy schedules and neurodiverent brains, and to share what we’ve learned (and unlearned) along the way
Here, I’ll be sharing
- practical tips
- honest stories from the wilds and the quiet
- simple systems that make outdoor life easier
- kid‑tested adventure ideas
- and a real look at parenting in motion
If you’ve ever packed too many (or zero) snacks, forgotten the sunscreen again, or wondered if the chaos is worth it – you’re in the right place.
Wild(ish) One
Welcome to Raised Wildish Welcome to our online home! I'm a mom with ADHD, navigating life with my wonderful family and turning chaos into fun experiences. With my awesome partner and our two lively boys, we enjoy all types of outdoor adventures. We share tips, stories, and guides to help you enjoy nature, tackle life's challenges, and find joy in the process. Join us as we create a community that loves the outdoors and tackles the complexities of parenting in nature, one adventure at a time!