Kate Arroyo || The Road Less Taught

My Instagram page, The Road Less Taught, aims to show other parents that it’s okay to live differently from the hustle and pressure around us. Instead of chasing: 🏆 endless success, 🗓️ packed schedules, 💁🏼‍♀️ and the perfect image, we’re focusing on living true to our core values. It can be a courageous path to break away from the pack, but it’s worth it. If you feel drawn to a different way of living, you can start walking a new path today. We’re doing it day by day, and while it may be the road less traveled, or taught, it’s fulfilling and meaningful. Join us in embracing a life that truly reflects who we are at our core. We are just a family of four over here trying our best ♥️ #homeschool #homeschooling #unschooling #homeschoolingmom #mom #momlife #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodquotes #motherhoodrising #minimalist #minimalism #slowliving #intentionallife #family #parenthood #attachmentparenting #gentleparenting #naturalparenting #toddlermom #newmom

Yet for so many of us, outdoor time becomes an afterthought—something to fit into the “leftover” minutes of our day. But let’s be honest, who even has leftover time these days? Packed schedules, endless to-do lists, and constant busyness can make it feel impossible. That’s why outdoor time can’t just happen by chance—it needs to be actively planned and prioritized. Just like we think through our work meetings, errands, and dinner prep, we need to ask ourselves, “When will we go outside today?” Then slot it into the schedule like the essential piece it is. Time in nature isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our kids’ creativity, resilience, and joy—and for our own sanity. Let’s make it happen, not just when we have time, but because it’s one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and our families. #unschooling #homeschooling #wildschooling #outdoorplay #riskyplay #freeplay #natureplay #childledlearning #learningthroughlife #familyadventures #outdoored #outdooreducation #forestschool #natureschool #outdooractivities #childhoodunplugged #motherhoodunplugged

Spinning Activity Ideas 👇🏼 Spinning is so much more than just a fun activity for kids—it’s a key way to develop balance, coordination, and sensory processing skills. There is something called a ‘vestibular system’, which is a sensory system in the inner ear that helps regulate balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. It’s like an internal GPS. If it does not develop properly in childhood, it can lead to a range of risks, including: balance and coordination issues, sensory processing difficulties, poor focus and attention, fear of movement or anxiety, etc. So yes, let your kiddo get dizzy, and yes, they might even fall—and that’s okay! It’s part of learning how their bodies move and react. Encourage your kids to spin freely and enjoy the benefits of this simple, joyful movement. 🍄 Here are some activity ideas that are super fun and simple 🍄 - spinning in place: encourage your child to twirl around on the spot, changing directions occasionally to balance out the stimulation - sit & spin toys: some toys are designed for kids to sit on them and rotate themselves - swivel office chair: let them sit on a chair and spin around - spin on a swing: twist up a regular swing or use a tire swing or rope swing to spin in circles - roll down hills: encourage your child to do log rolls down a hill (lay down and roll sideways) or do somersaults - dance & twirl: put on some fun music and have a spinning and twirling dance party - spin with a parachute or blanket: have each person grab the edge and spin around Does your kiddo love to seek out these spinning activities too? What are their favourite activities? Add them below 🙃 #unschoolinglife #riskyplay #homeschoolfun #wildandfreechildren #vestibularplay #sensoryplayideas #childledlearning #outdoorkids #freerangekids #naturallearning #playbasedlearning #outdooractivities #wildplay #freerangekids #childhoodunplugged

Winter might feel daunting, but getting outside is worth it! Bundle up in the right layers and gear, and start small—even a 10-minute walk can work wonders. Chances are, once you’re out there, you’ll stay longer and find yourselves playing in the snow. We almost hit 3 hours today and had SO much fun ❄️ Fresh air is just as important in the colder months! #outdoorplay #winterfun #getoutside #naturekids #freshairtherapy #outdooradventures #kidsinnature #snowplay #winteradventures #familytimeoutdoors #exploreoutside #natureconnection #winterwellness #childhoodunplugged #letthembelittle #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodmemories #childhoodunplugged

We’ve forgotten the long-term consequences of taking away simple but essential activities like spinning on swings, climbing slides, or hanging upside down. These aren’t just fun—they’re necessary for healthy development. ✨ Spinning in circles and going upside down helps kids establish a strong balance system. ✨ Climbing on monkey bars offers a challenging, whole-body workout. ✨ Climbing UP slides strengthens their core and provides vital vestibular input (movement that helps the brain process balance, spatial awareness, and coordination). When we remove these opportunities, we’re not just limiting fun; we’re limiting growth. Kids need to move in all directions, take risks, and explore their physical potential. These natural challenges lay the foundation for strong sensory and motor skills, body awareness, and confidence. There was a school principal in New Zealand who decided to a study on getting rid of rules during outdoor recess. Kids were allowed to climb fences and trees, build with construction materials, ride scooters, play tag, spin on swings, etc. Want to know what happened? They saw a decrease in bullying, less serious injuries, and an improvement in concentration in the classroom. In New Zealand, it is rare for parents to sue a school (unlike here in North America 🙄), so it made this experiment way more possible. This story shows us how we need to stop bubble-wrapping our children. #childdevelopment #freedomtoplay #childdevelopment #freedomtoplay #sensorydevelopment #vestibularinput #kidsplaymatters #riskyinplay #outdoorplayideas #childhoodunplugged #motordevelopment #letthemclimb #playislearning #playforgrowth #motherhoodunplugged #intentionalparenting #momlifeunscripted #raisingkidswithpurpose #mindfulmotherhood

Why are we so scared of our kids getting a little banged up? Is anyone else okay with letting your kiddos take risks, even if it may end up in scrapes and bruises? Let me know you exist in the comments below lol 🙃 As parents, we often worry about our kids falling or getting hurt, but those bumps and bruises are sometimes the best teachers. By constantly saying “be careful,” we limit their ability to learn resilience, confidence, and problem-solving. A scrape or bruise isn’t the end of the world … it’s a lesson in how to pick yourself up and try again. Letting kids take risks, within reason, helps them grow stronger and more capable. So, let them fall, and let them learn—it’s part of growing up. #letthembelittle #riskyplay #outdoorplay #raisingresilientkids #parentingadvice #toughlove #gentleparenting #mothertohood #raisingindependentkids #adventurouskids #freeplay #parenthoodunfiltered #teachingindependence #familyadventures #motherhoodjourney #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged #freerangeparenting #freerangekids

This path often means late nights, finishing my work after the kids are asleep, so I can be more present and intentional during the day. And it’s a huge bonus that they are getting older and can come with me to work more often now if needed ♥️ It’s not always easy, but being intentional with my time is how I ensure our family values stay at the center of everything we do. #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #intentionalparenting #naturallearning #naturalhomeschooling #unschooling #lifeislearning #lifeschool #unschooled #homeschoolingmom #motherhood #momsofmuskoka #canadianmom #canadianmoms #muskokamoms #ontariomoms #motherhoodrising #lifewithoutschool #lifeisbeautiful

I’ve spent a big part of my adult life questioning the ‘normal’ path. The cycle of long work commitments and little time for family or passions felt suffocating. But why is this the way we’re supposed to live? Why are people who question it seen as lazy, crazy, or unrealistic? I wasn’t okay with forcing myself to stay on this path just because it’s the ‘normal’ way. So, I’ve pivoted. Again and again. Thinking, questioning, feeling - and then pivoting some more. The life I’m building now feels closer to what’s right for us. Will there be more pivots? Probably. And that’s okay. You don’t need to stay on a linear path. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to disagree with the decisions you made 5, 10, or even 15 years ago. Life isn’t static - you can pivot. You can find your own way. This applies to our children, too. The life that many adults are chasing, the freedom, the alignment, the purpose, our children deserve that too. This is why a life without school has gifted my children and our family in so many ways. They are free to fully explore themselves. They are developing such cool interests that aren’t influenced by “the cool crowd” at school. They ask such cool and fun questions every day that we can explore. So much learning 💛 #questionthenorm #pivotyourlife #findyourownpath #livewithintention #rethinkingwork #breakthecycle #createyourfreedom #lifebydesign #chooseyourpath #wildschooling #unschooling #homeschooling #canadianhomeschooling #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged

Some of my favourite childhood memories are from freely playing outside - feeling the wind on my face, exploring, and simply being in nature. Those moments shaped me, and as a mother, I’ve found that being outside does the same now - it makes me feel calmer, better, and at peace (mothering can be feel chaotic and overstimulating sometimes). Here in Canada, winters can be harsh. The cold bites, and let’s not forget the Olympic-level event of bundling young kids up to head outdoors! It can make you question if it’s even worth it. But trust me, it is. Our winter outings are often shorter, but we’ve invested in good-quality gear to keep us warm, and it’s been a game-changer. When we feel uncomfortably cold, it’s usually because we’re not dressed appropriately - not because nature isn’t meant for us. Each time we step outside, we’re reminded that even in winter, nature is healing and worth embracing. Let’s make those moments count, one snowy adventure at a time. ❄️✨ … in our house we are counting down the days until ski season opens up 🎿 #outdoorkids #natureplay #canadianwinters #winteradventures #natureheals #childhoodunplugged #freerangekids #outdoorfamilies #kidsinnature #naturetherapy #unschooling #wildschooling #lifewithoutschool #homeschoolmom

Connection over consumption this holiday season! 🎄 The world’s best toys - mud, sticks, rocks, and leaves - are all around us, sparking creativity and outdoor fun. Let’s focus on making memories and enjoying time together. #connectionoverconsumption #outdoorplay #simplifytheholidays #natureplay #mindfulparenting #creativityinnature #kidsandnature #slowdownandplay #holidayseason2024 #familytime #wildchild #freerangekids #wildandfreechildren

For real though 🫠 #introvertedparenting #extrovertforadayout #homeschoolinglife #reclaimingchildhood #outdoorplayfun #parentinghumor #introvertsunite #kidsneedadventure #outdoorlearning #parentingstruggles #homeschoolmom #homeschoolingmom #unschoolingmom

Less screen time, more play time! Let’s give kids the freedom to explore, create, and just be kids 🌳 #freetokids #screenfreekids #letkidsbekids #natureplay #childhoodunplugged #raisingcreatives #slowliving #wildandfreechildren #outdoorfamilies #letthembelittle #exploremore #simplechildhood #screensdown @waituntil8th @jonathanhaidt @1000hoursoutside