I Should’ve Worn Different Shoes

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Spring = Mud. Embrace it.

We're cruising right through April, which means those April showers have been drip-drip-dropping just as promised by Bambi and his friends.

All that pitter-patter on the roof can mean only one thing—mud. Mud stuck to boots, smeared across pants, and somehow finding its way onto coats and car seats.

At our house, we've got piles of mud-covered footwear at both the front door and the back. It's a continuous cycle: let them dry, smack them together so most of the dirt falls off, then watch the kids pull them back on before rushing outside to stomp around and start the process all over again.

Letting children get dirty does create more work for us parents, sure, but there's something magical about watching them play with complete abandon, not worried about a little (or a lot of) mud. Their joy is pure and unfiltered.

I'll admit, I'm not naturally a fan of getting dirty or muddy myself. But over the years, I've learned to embrace it. After completing a few Tough Mudders, I discovered that once I mentally prepared with "yes, you're going to be muddy from head to toe," it became incredibly liberating to run and roll through the muck.

So maybe next time it's a muddy day at your house, don't just send the kids out to play in it—join them! Toss on some mud-appropriate clothes and get dirty together. It'll make their day for sure, and it just might end up being one of your favorite memories too.

Unplugged in Action

A couple weeks ago, I shared a newsletter about simple family traditions—those small, consistent things that quietly build connection over time. I asked what kind of routines you’ve made your own, and David wrote in with one that really stuck with me.

Every morning, he and his almost 3-year-old son share breakfast out of the same bowl. Sometimes it’s cereal, sometimes oatmeal or yogurt with granola. David fills the bowl, and his son grabs the spoons. They’ve been doing this for about four months now—and just like that, a beautiful tradition is born.

And following last week’s backyard treasure challenge, a dad in Oregon picked up an old play kitchen for five bucks at a yard sale. He set it up under the deck, and now it’s the headquarters for daily “mud stew” and “leaf pizza.”

I love seeing how these ideas play out in real life. If something you try sparks a great moment with your kids—send it my way. I might include your story in a future issue.

The Unplugged Idea: Mud Play Day

This week, instead of dodging the mud… lean in.

Pick a day when the yard is wet or the trails are sloppy, and let your kids explore it without holding back. Even better—prep for it ahead of time so you’re ready to say “yes” when the moment comes.

Here are a few age-based ideas to help:

Ages 0–3: Set them up with a bucket of water, a spoon, and some dirt. Let them stir, squish, and splash to their heart’s content. Sit nearby with a towel and maybe a cup of coffee.

Ages 4–6: Make a simple mud kitchen using old pots, pans, and spoons. A plank of wood on a couple bricks is all it takes to spark hours of “cooking.” Bonus points if they name their creations (“Mud Stew Supreme,” anyone?).

Ages 7–10: Challenge them to build a muddy obstacle course, create a “mud potion lab,” or carry buckets of mud from one side of the yard to the other without spilling. If they’re ready for a little friendly chaos, you could even do a family “mud relay.”

If you’re feeling brave: join them. Toss on your grubby clothes and embrace the mess. You’ll laugh, they’ll light up, and the hose will handle the rest.

Unplugged Wrapped Up

Sure, you’re gonna have to spend a little extra time washing your clothes—and your kids. But you just cooked up the best mud pies this side (or maybe that side) of the Mississippi.

And those smiles and memories? That’s something worth getting dirty for.

-Ted

P.S. Got a good mud story—your kids, your backyard, or your childhood? I’d love to hear it. Just reply to this email. I read and respond to every one.

P.P.S. Know a dad who’d like this? Forward it to him and share the fun.