031: Raising Little Foragers: A Simple Guide to Herbalism and Teaching Kids About Plants

If you’ve ever wondered how to introduce your kids to the magic of plants, this episode is the perfect place to start. Today, we sit down with a mama who has built a deep, joyful relationship with herbalism—and has spent years weaving plant wisdom into everyday family life.She shares how her own journey with plants began, the simplest way to explain herbalism to someone who may not be familiar with it,, and why learning about the natural world is such a powerful gift for kids. We talk about safe plant identification, easy herbs to grow with little ones, and gentle first steps for families who feel curious but unsure where to begin.You’ll hear practical, beginner-friendly ideas you can try this week, and ideas to help make herbalism feel approachable and fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, hiking, gardening in pots, or just hoping to help your kids feel more connected to nature, this episode gives you a clear and welcoming path into herbalism as a family.About Jackie Leed: I grew up a free-range kid in central Pennsylvania rooted in the Earth. My childhood was spent wandering through the woods, making jewelry out of cicada skins pried from trees, and cooking recipes that centered around the main ingredient mud. When I moved to Whidbey Island in 2020, herbalism came to me like a memory, a way back to the girl with skinned knees and soil under her nails. Now, motherhood carries me forward: barefoot in the garden, collecting nature treasures with my children, and appreciating the beauty of the moon from my backyard. I go outside because that's where I belong. I think a lot of us feel the same way.Resources mentioned: Plant app - Picture This AppConnect with Jackleen Leed: Instagram: @raising_little_naturalists Website: https://earthwisemothering.com/root-to-crown/ Photography Website: https://wildkinwandering.com/ Article Jackleen wrote for runwildmychild.com: https://runwildmychild.com/herbalism-with-kids/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/