Published 4/30/26
Studies & Stats
If you are a mom, soon-to-be mom, dad, guardian, or educator, then this book is for you. Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom is a fascinating read that is not only based on real-world experiences but also expert studies and statistics. Childhood is one of the most important times in one’s life, and Angela takes a deep dive into how childhood has drastically changed. She discusses how these changes are affecting our children not only mentally but also physically. Our children are spending less time outside exploring and more time in front of screens.
The Whole Child
This book discusses development from infancy all the way through childhood, emphasizing the importance for children of all ages to get back outside. Angela explains how the outdoors shapes everything, from our senses and cognitive skills to physical abilities and immune systems. Even the most experienced parents and educators are guaranteed to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding for our children through this book. It offers easy solutions for even the busiest families to incorporate more outdoor time.
Start Simple
Angela Hanscom is an occupational therapist who has dedicated her time to improving children’s lives through her TimberNook program. Her program fosters play and learning experiences in the outdoors, which is exactly Balanced and Barefoot is all about. You don’t need to be an outdoor enthusiast to implement her tips; simply going outside for five minutes in the morning before starting a busy day is an easy start. Gradually implementing more time outside and building resilience is a great way to begin. You will likely find your children are more resilient than you think they are! Balanced and Barefoot is an essential and easy read for anyone who is part of a child’s life.
Ready to ditch the screens and head outdoors? Pick up your copy of Balanced and Barefoot here and let us know how it changes your family’s routine!
Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.
All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
