I recently shared the incredible opportunity I had to travel to Iceland and why it deserves a spot on your bucket list. I was a guest of Animal Jam and Visit Iceland during the trip, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience.
You might wonder why a kids’ online game would bring bloggers to a remote part of Iceland. The answer is simple: we’re parents, and parents are role models. When moms and dads show their children that it’s okay to embrace adventure, unplug and spend time outdoors, and stay curious about the natural world and science, they set a powerful example. That example helps raise confident, well-rounded kids. Below are some ideas I’ve learned over sixteen years of parenting that I write for myself as much as for you.
I’ll be honest—I adore my kids, but I make mistakes. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and sharing these reminders helps me stay focused on what matters.
Tips to Raise Well-Rounded and Confident Kids:
(in no particular order)
- Expose your kids to different activities.
Give them chances to try sports, arts, science, performance, cooking, martial arts—everything. Being well-rounded begins with opportunity. One of my children loves sports; another has tried dance, theater, science team, cooking, jiu jitsu, and more. Exploring many activities reveals strengths and passions they might not discover otherwise. - Encourage dreaming while discussing reality.
Let children dream big, but be honest about what it takes to reach those dreams—hard work, persistence, and resilience when plans change. My parents modeled hard work and ambition: my dad worked tirelessly in business and my mom supported the family through creative work. Their example taught me to dream and to prepare for the effort required. Share your own story and keep the conversation open so kids learn both aspiration and practicality. - Let them take risks.
This one is hard for many parents. It’s natural to want to protect our children from harm or failure, but they need room to try, fail, and learn. Allowing calculated risks builds independence, problem-solving, and confidence. Overprotecting kids can limit their growth—give them chances to stretch.
Most importantly, be the role model. If you spend all your time indoors or glued to a screen, your kids will mimic that. If you pursue new experiences, embrace learning, and step outside your comfort zone, they’ll follow. I’d rather raise children who try new things with confidence than ones who doubt themselves—don’t you?
On our Iceland trip there were countless memorable moments, many of which I detailed in my other Iceland post. A few highlights that pushed me out of my comfort zone included horseback riding in Oddsstadir, where the peaceful countryside felt like a welcome break from busy Los Angeles. At the Fox Centre we enjoyed dessert bars while learning about foxes, talking with the town mayor, and hearing stories from our guide. During a sailing trip organized by Boreal Adventures, we visited a tiny house in the wild and learned about one woman’s experiences studying foxes year-round. The food was an adventure too—lots of lamb, delicate desserts, pastries, and roasted potatoes (my favorite). People were friendly, English was widely spoken, and Iceland felt safe, clean, and awe-inspiring. I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone and went.
I also love the video from Alison of How Does She about the foods we tried in Iceland:
When kids see you embrace new experiences and continue to learn, they’re more likely to do the same. That’s the spirit behind the #AdventureStartsWithMe hashtag.
We’d love for you to join the hashtag. Share what you’re doing to inspire curiosity, adventure, and a love of the natural world by tagging your photos with #AdventureStartsWithMe on Instagram—we’d love to see them!
Why Animal Jam?
If you know Animal Jam, you know it’s one of the largest online social experiences for kids. Their goal is to inspire curiosity about the natural world through interactive gameplay and complementary offline activities that promote a love of science.
Can an online game spark real-world adventure and a passion for science? Absolutely. Here are some examples:
- Animal Jam includes an in-game Journey Book where kids collect facts about animals and environments in Jamaa, encouraging exploration of habitats like the Kimbara Outback and the Coral Reef.
- Players can visit Brady Barr’s Lab or Tierney Thys’ Aquarium to watch field videos and submit questions for scientists to answer in future episodes.
- Animal Jam’s YouTube channel features the Wild Explorers series with crafts, experiments, and animal facts—great for extending learning beyond the game.
- Animal Jam Academy is a free resource full of science-based crafts and experiments, perfect for turning screen time into opportunities for hands-on learning and rewarding kids for completing activities.