As I watched my two sons explore the small pond, nets in hand and laughter filling the air, it was clear they were on a mission: to catch tadpoles. This little body of water was renowned for its thriving tadpole population. My oldest son, Oliver, paused, tilting his head as if he could hear the soft croaks of the amphibians. Then, with a swift motion, he plunged his net into the water. “I got some!” he exclaimed. “One, two, three, four! Come look!” He dashed over, net in hand, revealing four squirming black dots. “Make sure to let them go soon,” I reminded him. “They need to breathe!”
Before long, the boys had caught several tadpoles. Typically, we would bring a container for them, but today was all about catch-and-release. Even my youngest, just 3 years old, managed to net a few. I mostly stood back, offering praise as they reveled in their catches. Oliver even managed to catch a young frog, which they excitedly passed around until it was thrust into my hands. “Oh! A frog! That’s great, guys. Now let’s release it back, shall we?” My heart raced as I identified it as a bullfrog. “Please, take it back to the pond. Now, let’s keep some distance, okay?”
Many might call this a science lesson—learning about amphibians—but truly, it was pure play. Yes, they picked up a bit of knowledge about frogs and tadpoles, but what they truly experienced was the joy of childhood itself: the thrill of discovery and play. Unfortunately, such experiences are increasingly rare as structured activities like league sports take over, pushing aside the essential dirt, water, and freedom that define childhood.
After our pond adventure, we ventured to another area of the park, where a gentle stream flowed over a rocky dam. I dipped my toes in while our dog decided it wasn’t his scene and lounged beside me. But the boys? They were in their element, wading as deep as they could, digging in the sandy bottom for interesting rocks. Oliver climbed a rock and discovered a snail, a find that excited him but also worried me. My husband often cautions about the potential parasites snails can carry.
Yet, the kids were undeterred, wading upstream, pretending to unearth dinosaur bones. By the time we left, they were caked in mud, and their pants were soaked. I stripped them of their shorts before buckling them into the car to avoid a muddy mess. After all, isn’t that what responsible parenting entails?
We embrace the messiness of life in other ways too. My husband is passionate about carnivorous plants, a fascination he has shared with our boys. They diligently pour rainwater into their Venus flytraps and hunt for flies for their pitcher plants. However, this inevitably leads to water fights when they take their sprayers outside. The hose mysteriously turns on, and soon they’re drenched, forming alliances and engaging in playful battles. I can only sit on the porch, warning them to stay away from me or face the wrath of toy confiscation.
Upon returning indoors, I quickly undress them—shoes, shirts, shorts, and even undies—removing the sticks and leaves they’ve collected in their adventures. I march them straight to the tub, where they inevitably splash too much and have to be taken out. Cleaning the tub afterwards is just part of the deal.
It seems that many families today are caught in the trap of overscheduling. Do kids today get to play freely, not just occasionally but regularly? How many children have the opportunity to run wild, to splash around, and to create a mess? What are they missing out on as they juggle packed schedules? What hidden creeks and unexplored mud puddles are waiting for the next generation to discover?
This weekend, take some time to find a local spot for tadpole catching. Equip your kids with nets and bring a blanket to relax under a tree. You might be surprised at how much joy this simple outing brings them. After two and a half hours, my kids were reluctant to leave, proving that a little time outdoors can lead to unforgettable memories.
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In summary, it’s essential to prioritize play in our children’s lives. Outdoor activities, like catching tadpoles, foster creativity, joy, and a sense of adventure that is often lost in today’s structured environments.