July 3, 2023
My children raced around the small pond, nets in hand, their feet slipping on the wet stones. Their mission was clear: catch tadpoles. This little body of water was renowned for its abundant amphibians. My 6-year-old paused, tilting his head as if he could hear the tiny creatures beneath the surface. Suddenly, his net plunged into the water. “I caught some!” he exclaimed. “Look, I got one, two, three, four!” With excitement, he ran to show me his haul. Peering into the net, I noticed four tiny black dots wriggling in the mesh. “Just remember to release them soon,” I reminded him. “They need to breathe.”
He continued to catch more, and more. Normally, we would have brought a container to keep them, but today was all about catch and release. My 4-year-old joined in, and even my 2-year-old, with his uncoordinated flailing, managed to snag three tadpoles. I mostly stayed back, offering cheers of encouragement as they celebrated their amphibious finds. Blaise even caught a froglet, and I was startled when they presented one to me, its body pale against my son’s palm, limbs outstretched. “Oh! Oh! Yes, that’s a frog. Fantastic!” I realized it was a bullfrog. “Now, why don’t you go release it? Please, put it back in the pond. Okay? Okay. Now, keep it away from me.”
By textbook standards, we were engaging in scientific exploration, but in reality, we were simply playing. Sure, they learned a thing or two about frogs and tadpoles, but more importantly, they were immersed in the joy of a timeless childhood activity: catching tadpoles. Kids need this unstructured play. Sadly, we’ve stripped away the dirt, mess, and natural exploration, replacing it with organized sports. In doing so, we’ve lost something essential to childhood: the freedom to play.
After our frog adventure, we moved to another section of the park with shallow waters cascading over a rock dam. I dipped my toes in while our dog decided it wasn’t for him, choosing to lounge on the bank with me. But the kids? They were in their element, wading as far as they could (which was up to my 6-year-old’s thighs). They dug in the sandy bed, searching for rocks. Blaise climbed onto the only rock that was above water and discovered a snail, causing a mix of excitement and caution—my partner has always warned about snails and their potential parasites.
Yet, the snail didn’t deter them. They waded upstream under the birch trees, pretending to excavate dinosaur bones from the bank. By the time we left, they were caked in mud, their pants soaked. I stripped them down before buckling them into their seats to prevent the car from turning into a swamp. That’s what a responsible parent does, right?
We encourage our children to get messy in other areas as well. My partner has a fascination with carnivorous plants, which he has shared with our sons. They diligently water their Venus flytraps and hunt for flies to feed their pitcher plants. However, it usually ends in chaos. Water pouring often transforms into water fights, with my kids forming and breaking alliances as they spray each other down. From the porch, I call out warnings about staying away from me, lest they face dire consequences involving toy confiscations.
By the time they come inside, they are covered in debris from their outdoor escapades. I usher them straight to the tub, where they inevitably splash too much, requiring a post-bath cleanup.
Many families are over-scheduled these days. How many kids get the chance to play freely, to scream, and to make a mess in the bathroom like we did? Do stressed parents and busy schedules interfere with the simple pleasures of tadpole hunting and splashing in creeks? What adventures are today’s children missing out on? What hidden streams and muddy paths remain unexplored?
This weekend, make it a point to find a local spot to catch tadpoles. Equip your children with nets, spread out a blanket under a tree, and prepare for an adventure. You might be surprised at how much joy they find in it. After two and a half hours, my kids were still reluctant to leave. You’re in for an afternoon filled with genuine play.
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Summary
Children today need more opportunities for unstructured play, much like their parents experienced in their youth. Engaging with nature, whether through catching tadpoles or exploring local parks, is essential for their development and happiness. Families should prioritize these experiences over structured activities, rediscovering the joy of simple play.