Embracing Whimsy and Imagination Outdoors | Susie Spikol (EP397)

What if the secret to raising curious, connected, and creative kids wasn’t found in an app—but in a mossy patch of forest floor? Naturalist and author Susie Spikol returns to share stories and insights from her new book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elf Picnic. Blending folklore, nature exploration, and hands-on activities, the book is a whimsical and practical guide for reconnecting children with the natural world—and their own imaginations. Together, Susie and Diane dive into the everyday enchantment waiting just outside our doors—from dandelion tea to fairy rings, moss gardens to mushroom lore. More than just fun projects, Susie’s work is a call to reclaim wonder in an age of screens and over-scheduling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🍄 Why nature is the best playground for imagination and empathy 📖 The inspiration behind Forest Magic for Kids and how it's sparking outdoor play 🧚 Hands-on ideas like potion-making, elf picnics, and building mini-worlds 🌻 How unstructured outdoor play builds resilience, curiosity, and connection 🏙️ Tips for bringing forest magic into urban environments 📵 The downside of too much screen time—and what kids really need instead 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why families should experience nature together , not just supervise it ----------------------------- Links Discussed in This Episode | Diane's Resource: App: Seek by iNaturalist Previous Episode: EP279: Nurturing Little Explorers: Cultivating the Animal Adventurer with Susie Spikol Book: Gnomes by Will Huygen Connect with Susie: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website Book: Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic About Susie| Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. A lifelong animal lover, Susie now helps people of all ages connect with the natural world. She is the author of The Animal Adventurer’s Guide (Roost Books, 2002). Episode Sponsors | The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal! Enjoy the Podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity . Questions | You can contact me through my website , find me on Instagram , Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook . Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away. For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact! Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com * Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST * Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy