Nature Play Denmark WA
Connecting kids to earth, imagination & family with nature based play and traditional wisdom.
Playgroup Workshops Messy Play Bush School
Excessive technology is harming our kids
Tech has opened up a whole world of communication and education possibilities, but there’s a dark side to the technological revolution. It’s warped parenting dynamics, and has usurped the natural rhythm of childhood. We’re facing problems that past generations didn’t have: rising anxiety, shortened attention spans, a loss of imagination, sleep issues, impaired social skills, and an over-reliance on technology.
But the answer is simple: It can be found in the raw materials of life, in the wisdom of nature.
Leaning into natural rhythms and facilitating unstructured play with the raw materials of the earth does something profound for children. It stirs imagination, unlocks self-reliance and problem-solving skills, and kindles connection to the earth and other humans. It’s a deeply nourishing practice that brings the whole family into unity and presence.
And that’s the mission of Earth Parenting
To joyfully and humbly connect families through nature-based play and traditional wisdom.
What is nature-based play?
It’s the practice of spending time in nature, exploring and weaving, building and care-taking, or just sitting and enjoying. The raw materials of life are interesting for children of all ages.
The structure of nature-based play is formed by our reason for being there and the comforts we can achieve. The rest is unstructured and follows the contours of the children's interest while we guide them with the skills and resources they need for safe and effective play and work.
Nature-based play encourages curiosity, creativity, cooperation, physical resilience and is the foundation for exploration and imagination. It fosters a deep connection with the natural world, which has profound ongoing benefits for children.
It’s where ancient wisdom meets modern scientific understanding
Improved cognitive development, especially attention span, memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Enhanced physical health and motor skills by encouraging movement, balance and coordination.
A state of calm and emotional well-being, self-regulation, and resilience.
Development of social skills like cooperation, empathy, communication and connection to peers and parents.
A deep connection to the natural world and a desire for environmental stewardship.
Studies have shown the benefits of nature-based play are...
What do we mean by
traditional wisdom?
Humans are designed to interact with community and the elemental parts of nature. We used to cart our own water, cook and sit by fires, change our lives to move with the seasons, live in interconnected multi-generational homes, and have our hands in the earth to forage and farm food.
We’ve forgotten the simple wisdom that comes from designing our lives to fit with the natural world, rather than bending the natural world to suit us. When we talk about traditional wisdom, we’re talking about a return to the knowledge and understanding that comes from these grounded ways of being.
Earth Parenting’s Services
We help children thrive by weaving ancient wisdom and messy fun into modern life
Nature-based
Play Group
Set your little ones up early. Join our weekly, half-day playgroup and watch their imaginations and confidence come to life. Fun for parents and little people.
Messy Play Birthday Parties and Events
Gift your kids the experience of wildly imaginative play. Relax as we take care of all the mess and mayhem at your next birthday party or event.
Earth Parenting Workshops
Learn Earth Parenting! From bush skills to simple communication and presence, learn to connect with your children in a deeply nourishing way.
School Events and Incursions
Engage Earth Parenting to bring a bespoke educational program or event to your school. We delight in creating challenging and fun, hands-on learning experiences for all age groups.
Bush School
Workshops
Train your team to become nature play and bushcraft facilitators. We provide professional development for teachers, education professionals, homeschooling parents, and community groups.
Rigging & Climbing Frame Installations
Equip your playground with a custom-designed nature-play climbing frame. We install rigging for nature-based adventures, designed to your specifications.
Hi, I’m Kristill McMullan,
the founder of Earth Parenting
I’m a qualified nurse, sailor, mother of four, grandma, knowledge keeper, bushcraft teacher and parenting advocate.
I helped initiate the Bush School Program at Golden Hill Stiener School in 2018 alongside Bruce Anthony, and I’ve been involved as a Facilitator ever since. I also facilitated the first year of Kwoorabup Nature school's Walk About program with Regi Peppin in 2012.
I’ve worked in education in various forms for over 25 years, including homeschooling my own four children whilst living without modern amenities. I’m in my element helping families learn to connect back into the earth and each other.
I specialise in teaching nature play and bushcraft. I adore watching kids unfold into their true nature as they engage in shelter building, weaving, rigging, foraging, and making art from the raw materials of the earth.
I believe it's the restorative remedy to a distracted and damaged world. Nature is the antidote for the rising problems in childhood. It connects us back with our role as caretakers of God's Earth.
What they’re saying about Earth Parenting…
“Kristi demonstrates such warmth to not only the children but the parents as well, you can't help but want to be part of what she is offering each week.
Our daughter absolutely adores her and Kristi has such a wealth or earthy activities that engage and encourage kids to explore the why along with connecting deeply with the natural world and how to care for it. Kristi creates a village that is so often lacking in this modern world and creates a village which mummas feel safe and supported.
I can't thank her enough for enriching our daughter's childhood with her unique magic."
- Katherine Spargo
"One of my biggest inspirations when it comes to parenting is Kristi McMullan from Earth Parenting. Children don't need fancy clothes and toys, they don't really need anything except the basics and a big old bag of love and connection. Allowing them to explore the world around them equates to a better understanding of themselves and that world.
If you live in the Great South of WA you may be lucky enough to catch Kristi at one of the many workshops or playgroups she puts on- always looking for ways to share her knowledge and experience with community.”
- Rose King
“Kristi weaves a special kind of magic in her Bush School sessions.
Like a magician and with simple resources, she sets up a number of options and children are drawn into their choice of activity. It’s a joy to behold. In the space she holds for them, they become completely immersed, totally absorbed. She playfully guides them and supports their exploration of the environment, encouraging them to note their impact on the environment as well as how it impacts them- always in a spirit of respect and play.
In this space, they become capable, self-motivated, problem solving team players.
It’s been a privilege to work alongside Kristi and see how children flourish in the wonderful environment she creates for them.”
- Valda Wieland
Teacher, Golden Hill Steiner School
Ready to dive into the world of nature play and traditional wisdom?
Contact Earth Parenting to find out how we can help you connect.