It sure feels great when hubby tells us that our food tasted good or when our children tell us that they had a great time on a recent trip because we all like to feel recognized for our efforts. You know, I know a secret to get your child to clean, be motivated, and excited to help out. It is so simple too. Ok, you ready for it? Every time you see something that your child does well you tell them that you like what they are doing and most likely they will repeat it. It is crazy how easy it is but how we forget to do it. I’m the first to admit that it is easier to point out what our loved ones did not do right than what they did do right. Even though our kids are homeschooled they all take showers and get out of their pajamas before we start our school day. I on the other hand might still be in my pajamas and robe until right before hubby comes home. I thank them for getting ready for the day. I thank them for cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, doing laundry, washing dishes, setting up the table, and just about everything else they do that I like and would like them to continue doing. When we thank our children they feel valued and appreciated. I also take notes in my head what my children and husband like and don’t like. These cues that seem so small and in-significate can bring so much peace and closeness. Since I have been far more present this year I have noticed the Nigerian proverb, “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot” to be so true. When my son was a baby we had prayer at our house often on Friday nights and I remember receiving praise for keeping my house clean and for making unique and simple tea snacks and because of the praise I was motivated to try new recipes and create something new each time. Praise should not be the main reason for doing something but the point I’m trying to make here is that when others acknowledge our hard work we do it with much more enthusiasm and excitement. This same concept works so well for our children. So I challenge you and I to tell our children all the things that they do right on a daily basis and I have a pretty good feeling about how well the results will be.
There is so much to see and do at Salt Point State Park. If you love hiking you’ll love the 20 miles of hiking trails.
Picnic
There is nothing better than eating outdoors with a breathtaking view. Talk about lunch with a great view! You can see the entire coastline from the picnic tables.There are picnic tables not far from the visitor center overlooking Grestle Cove. We love to eat together. There is something so special about sharing a meal while having a conversation. Food brings people together and I hope our children remember that there is no place for phones during meal time.
Let’s Fly a Kite
We love flying kites and even though the winds were not greater than five miles per hour we decided to take out our lighter kites and give them a try. Stump Beach Cove is a sandy beach and is a short walk from the parking lot. We had the beach all to ourselves.
Our kites are from Into the Wind.
Low Tides
We love exploring low tides and Salt Point is such a great place to do it at. You can see seals soaking up the sun on bull kelp beds, red abalone, starfish, and so many unique marine organisms. Many come to see the Tafoni which look like many small holes next to each other on rocks. They are pretty impressive to look at. When the tide is low you can see that marine organisms like them as well.
Mushroom Picking
Frisk Mill Cove seems less visited. We could tell as soon as we hit the trail because it is more overgrown than other places. However, here you get a sense of adventure and if you come during the rainy seasons you’ll find all sorts of mushrooms. We picked two mushrooms to take home with us but usually we just enjoy searching for them.
Hands on Learning
We brought two mushrooms home with us and learned how to better identify a mushroom. We did not cook or eat any of the mushrooms. We learned that one of the mushrooms was the coral mushroom and it is actually edible.
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Aduke Schulist
I love adventures where learning can happen. And kite flying? Oh my gosh! I haven’t done that in way too long.
Sarah Bailey
Oh my goodness what an amazing state park this is! It looks like there is so much to do around the area and hey who doesn’t love to picnic by the shore.
Dee Jackson
I love your pictures. Everyone looks like they’re having so much fun
Courtney Buechle
This looks like such a gorgeous fun family filled day! This state park looks beautiful! I adore all of your pictures!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
How fun! Love flying kites by the water. Also, your dress is super cute!!
Jennifer
Oh goodness! I was just talking today about flying a kite. I want to go out and fly one once spring officially hits!
Emma Steve
How fun it is!I love fun with adventures where a lot of learning can takes-place.The park looks so beautiful.
LavandaMichelle
I love going places with my family. Family time is super important because you never know how song you have with someone. These pictures are so beautiful, it looks like they had such a great time. This really put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing.
Sapna Krishnan
That looks like an amazingly gorgeous place to be at. I like family time without any kind of gadgets – always refreshing. I loved the bit about appreciating kids.. I always do it with my kid and I like how she appreciates her friends too.
Sakshi
This ks such a beautiful place. You got me at kites.
Flying kites is a thing here in india. A whole festival just dedicated to flying kites.
P. S you got a beautiful looking family?
Ada
Wow, Salt Point State Park looks absolutely gorgeous!
Amy-Lynn Vautour
Firstly, yes, it is HUGE to use positive reinforcement rather than begging, pleading, nagging, and all that negative stuff. Secondly, omg how do you look so great on a rocky beach? I’d be in sweatpants for sure haha way to pull off a trendy dress and rainboots!
Holly Hood
Wow, what a beautiful location and fun times with the family flying kites. You guys look so happy enjoying nature and eating seaside. Thanks for sharing, I feel as though I am there with you.
Elizabeth O
This looks like the perfect place for family time. Picnics, kite flying and exploring what more could you want 🙂
Jillian
Never been to this park, but making note of it especially because We love flying kites too! We have a huge kite that has traveled with us to TX, Ireland, New Jersey’s Coast, and more places. It is helpful to know where is roomy and windy enough to fly kites.
Evelyn, Path of Presence
Thanks for taking us along on your adventures! Your photography is amazing – I feel like I was there. I love how into and engaged with nature your kids are. It’s wonderful to see. Blessings, xo Evelyn,
Angela Milnes
That looks like a really fun day with the kids! I love getting out into the weather and seeing nature!
Alison Rost
Such a wonderful hike! I love that you explored so many parts and that you also got to learn along the way. I’m sure the kids also enjoyed their time there! All the photos are beautiful.
Ayana
This looks like such an incredible adventure! I do find myself trying to remember to thank my husband for simple things that honestly I think should be done without asking. But I know he appreciates the gratitude rather than nagging! I practice this with my son as well. I have been toying with the idea of homeschool for my son, if it looked like this post I would be all over it!
Ana Ojha
This looks like a splendid state park and landscape is just breathtaking! Your pictures speak for itself how much fun your family had! Also, that mushroom picking and practical learning class for kids sounds so much fun!
Preet
This looks like so much fun and relaxation. I miss flying kites, it used to be so much fun when I was little. All the pictures look great and the location is beautiful.
Nati
There is nothing like a nice family activity outdoors, and if it is also educational, even better!
Becca Talbot
Oh wow! It looks like you and the family had the perfect day out! I totally agree with you too – eating outside in the fresh air with an amazing view like that, definitely makes for a better meal 😉 x
Fiona
A perfect family time 🙂
Tesha Cummings
this looks so fun! I am not that sort of outdoorsy person but I am sure my husband and sons would love this.
Fiona
What a beautiful way to raise your family. It is so amazing to take out time and spend it outdoor and being appreciative of everything around us.