Why You Need More Adventure as a Mom

Getting out and adventuring with your kids can feel daunting. I used to have this mindset, and it held me back.

I’m so grateful that I could bust out of that thinking because adventuring has made me a better mother, wife, and person.

So, because adventuring has helped me so much, I’d like to tell you why you need more adventure as a mom.

What is an Adventure?

So, first things first. What exactly is an adventure?

If you’re like me (and many others!), you may think that adventures must be this big production. First, you pick a destination far from where you are, do all this planning and packing, and then wrangle your kids.

That sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? And kind of intimidating.

Luckily once you start adventuring, you realize that that isn’t the case. Adventure really can be just right outside your door. Unless you’re in an entirely urban area, you likely have some sort of wilderness to explore that’s close-ish.  

And if you don’t, you can still have an adventure. Exploring a new neighborhood can be just as much an adventure as going out into the woods. Sometimes you have to make your own adventure where you can.

But the key is that adventure is a little different for everyone. A walk in nature and exploring around is enough for me. Others may need something a little different to fill their cups.

So now that we know what adventure is, why should you do it?

It Builds Confidence

When I first became a mother, I certainly didn’t feel confident in much. I’m sure this is how most mothers feel. You have this tiny human depending on you for literally everything. It can feel really scary.

Then they get older, and they get mobile and holy moly! With each new stage comes new challenges. You finally figure out what works for the stage you’re in, and then they’re on to something new.

While all this is happening, there’s something that’s happening to you that you’re probably not even realizing. You’re becoming an expert problem solver. And you can easily go through motherhood without realizing how amazing you’ve become at problem-solving.

Getting out on adventures definitely can feel intimidating in the beginning. But once you start getting out there, you’ll realize you’ve built all these tremendous new skills that easily carry over to adventures.

Sure, you’ll learn new skills while out there, but more than anything, adventuring will point out how awesome you already are. And sometimes, as women, we need that.

It Gets You Out of That Rut

Parenthood can feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel. You’re doing the same things day in and day out, just trying to keep your head above water.

Laundry, dishes, chores, what are we going to eat? Every. Single. Day.

It’s almost impossible not to get into a rut at some point.

Getting out for an adventure is a great way to break out of that rut. Even if it’s small to start, the change of scenery can make a huge difference.

You Lead by Example

It seems like some kids come out looking for adventure. So they’re into everything and exploring as much as they can as soon as they can roll around.

But a lot of kids aren’t—they’re more timid. They’re content just to let life come at them.

So how do you encourage them to be adventurous?

Just getting out and doing it is the best way. There may be a lot of carrying them in the beginning. They may not want to explore independently, but the more you expose them to it, the more confidence they’ll gain.

And it’s so amazing to watch these tiny humans gain confidence in their abilities.

It helps Keep You Fit to Chase Your Kids

Before having my son, finding time to work out wasn’t so difficult. I played roller derby and practiced twice a week, and did other training on top of that. So I didn’t have to think about it.

Even after retiring from roller derby, my husband and I had plenty of free time to work out.

But now? I don’t know about you, but working out regularly became much more challenging after having my son. He always needs something or is into something.

So, I love adventuring because it helps keep us in shape. Because carrying or running after a toddler on an adventure can be excellent exercise.

Be Better for Your Kids and Partner

We’ve all heard people say you can’t pour from an empty cup. You get tired of repeatedly hearing it without anyone saying how to fix it.

What everyone needs is going to be a little different, but I find that adventuring hits most of the critical things I need to be a better mom and partner.

Even if I’m exhausted, I find that an adventure in nature gives me energy. I come out of it refreshed, happier, and ready to take things on.

It fills the most important buckets for me. I become a much better version of myself—which is what ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ actually means.

You have to do things for yourself, even small things, to be better for others.

Be In The Moment

It can be so challenging to be in the moment sometimes. Especially if you’ve found yourself in a rut.

It can be tough to be present when you feel like you’re just going through the motions every day. And when you can’t be present, it feels like your kids grow up without you noticing.

That’s not a realization that any mother wants to have.

When you get out in nature with your kids, it’s much more difficult not to be in the moment. You have fewer distractions, so it’s hard not to notice how they’ve grown and how capable they are.

Regain a Sense of Identity

When you become a mother, a significant identity shift happens. You hear about it when you’re pregnant, but nothing can prepare you for it.

There’s a shift in the core of who you are, but you also experience a mourning of who you used to be. At least, that’s what happened to me.

It felt like ‘Mom’ was the only thing I was for a long time. It’s easy to get pulled down and lose your sense of self in motherhood. That’s why it’s so common.

But I knew I couldn’t be the mother I wanted to be if I continued not doing things for myself.

I still mourn my pre-kid life sometimes, but I’m much happier now that I’ve made a habit of getting outside in nature with my family.

Now I’m a mom who adventures. And I like that identity.

You’ll Have Lots of Stories to Tell Your Kids When They’re Older

Kids love to hear stories about themselves when they were younger. And it’s fun to recount everything they did when they were little.

If you want to have more to tell them than what words they mispronounced (don’t get me wrong, these are great!), getting out and adventuring is a great way to have those stories to tell.

And they’ll love to look at all the old pictures of themselves doing fun things.

Adventure as a Mom means You’ll Have Fun

With parenthood comes a lot of very unfun tasks. I can think of many things I’d rather do than wipe butts all day.

Or picking up toys.

Or wiping noses.

Or getting the hundredth snack or meal.

You get the idea. Because there’s so much that isn’t fun, we often have to make a point of finding fun.

If you’re out in nature adventuring, you don’t have to try to find fun. It just happens.

And we can all use a little more fun in our lives. Having young kids is hard.

You Deserve It

No matter your reason for wanting more adventure in your life, you deserve it. You do so much for everyone else, and it can be hard to remember you’re a whole human being with needs.

So get out with your kids and get adventuring—but do it for you.