Check out these 5 adventures I want my daughters to experience. Â
I hear it all the time from those who don’t have daughters: “Aren’t girls so calm and gentle? Our boys are so full of adventure!”
There is a common misconception that girls can’t be adventurous, but as the mom of three daughters, I can attest to that not being reality.
My daughters–now 8, 5, and 4–are bubbling over with adventure.
I want to foster this adventurous spirit that I have already observed in them and encourage them to continue making adventures throughout their lives.
Here are 5 adventures I want my daughters to experience:
1. Build a Butterfly Garden and Observe These Gorgeous Creatures in Their Natural Habitat
This is one my girls can actually already check off their lists, as my husband has led them through building their own butterfly garden for the past several years.
Not only this, but they have also taken part in raising butterflies from egg through adult.
The metamorphosis they observe can all take place within the confines of our home and yard, but the entire process instills a sense of adventure and love for learning in my girls, as they take an inside peek into the lives of other creatures.Â
2. Climb Trees
This might sound like a small adventure for some, but let me assure you that it’s a big deal for a 5-year-old.
Our oldest was just five when we moved into our current home, and she was delighted to see that we have two huge cherry trees in our front yard and two large maples in the back.
She took to swinging on the branches and making herself “home” in these trees immediately.
I will admit that I was probably a bit too scared to climb trees when I was a little girl, but I am excited that my girls are adventurous enough to take on this challenge.
3. Learn How to Cook Foods From Other Cultures
My husband and I met in Costa Rica back in the early 2000s, and we both have a passion for other cultures.
One of the best ways to learn about different people groups is to try their food!
Even better? Learn how to cook it yourself!
While in Costa Rica last summer, my girls took a cooking class, where they learned how to make Costa Rican empanadas and patacones (a chip-like appetizer made from plantains).
I can’t wait to teach them how to make the traditional Costa Rican breakfast, Gallo Pinto, when they get a little older.
4. Volunteer in Another Country
My husband and I both spent our late teens through our late 20s doing volunteer work in various countries of the world.
From participating in home building and repair projects in Puerto Rico to cleaning churches in Scotland to translating for medical clinics in Peru to speaking at abstinence education camps in Zimbabwe, we were probably changed more than the people to whom we went to help.
Neither of us have ever been the same, as these experiences have forever altered our world views. We are now able to see the best in people, in a time when our country and the world landscape is marred with racism, prejudice, and violence.
We want our daughters to know the blessing of serving in other countries as well, as we believe this can be one of the greatest ways for them, too, to learn how to see the best in people.Â
5. Meet a President
In April 2015, I had the opportunity to meet President Obama. I never imagined I would get to meet a president face-to-face, and it was a surreal experience.
Whether or not you agree with the political principals, the Office of the President is one to respect, and I was glad to be invited to this event.
It’s hard to plan out a meeting with a president, but I would love for my daughters get to experience this adventure for themselves one day too.Â
Aimee
I would love for my daughters to experience the adventure of living on their own before marriage and after living at home! I want them to have the confidence that they can make it in the world on their own. What a wonderful post! It was very thought-provoking.
Erin
That is a really good one, Aimee! That is one I should add to my list. I lived on my own between home and marriage, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything! Thanks for sharing!!
Becca
I hate it when people say “boys are this” or “girls are that.” Kids are kids and every kid is different! My daughter is fearless and would quite happily bungie-jump off the Emperor State Building, while my son would be hesitant to visit the observation deck.
I want to raise my children to be fearless, and to be smart about being fearless. (I tell them the #1 rule of having adventures is to never get into situations they can’t get out of.) I want them to travel widely; live in another country; study their passion at university; fall in love; make a garden; learn to appreciate hard work. I want them to treat life itself as an adventure.
(However, I have to say that I have ishews with Belle. Stockholm Syndrome much?)
Erin
I love these adventures, Becca! Thanks for sharing! And the whole tip about not getting into situations they can’t get out of?! GENIUS!!
Leah
These would be such great opportunities for your girls! We’re planning to have a butterfly garden in the spring as part of our preschool at home curriculum. If you haven’t read Butterfly House by Eve Bunting to them, you definitely should!
Erin
My girls LOVE their garden so much! I hope your kids will love yours!I haven’t heard of that book, but I’m looking it up now!
Keelie Reason
I want my boys to experience a mixture of adventure and boredom. I think it takes both to be well rounded. 😀
I love the pictures of your kids.
Erin
I love that! Yes, boredom produces imagination!!
Jill York
I want my girls to experience adventures of serving others. Visiting a foreign country as you mentioned on a missions trip would be great. If they never have the opportunity, though, I want them to have experiences in serving in places like nursing homes and church projects. Far too many kids grow up thinking the world revolves around them, their happiness and comfort when true joy comes from putting others first.