The Wild and Free Family: Forging Your Own Path to a Life Full of Wonder, Adventure, and Connection

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 217 ratings

Price: 5.99

Last update: 11-17-2024


About this item

""Ainsley Arment has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in [this] grass-roots community."" — New York Times

As parents, we dream of creating a magical childhood for our kids, yet it can be so easy to slip into autopilot. Ainsley Arment-- a mother of five, founder of the thriving community Wild + Free, and bestselling author-- is no stranger to the barrage of decisions, opportunities, and daily tasks that each day brings. But what Ainsley has discovered is that the magic of life isn’t found in the hustle and bustle of constant activity but in the intentional ordinary decisions of our days. And when we assume that a family has to look or act a certain way, we miss the opportunity to build a meaningful and fulfilling life together.

Drawn from her family's stories and those shared by the Wild + Free community, The Wild + Free Family explores how to create a family culture that breaks the mold by seeking to connect with our children, unleash their gifts, pursue a shared vision together, and redeem generational brokenness, among so much more. Inside these pages are Ainsley’s words of encouragement, honesty, and wisdom, guiding all parents to create a home where families can forge their own path to love stronger, live more fully, and grow closer to each other.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

Mike Blumenfeld
5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal book
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024
This book was a great read. It helped me make a decision about wanting to homeschool my family. This book gives you helpful insights to how to parent your children wild and free.
threetinytravelers
5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, Heartwarming, & Encouraging
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2022
I found that I enjoyed this book significantly more than I was expecting. I am a huge fan of Wild & Free and Ainsley Arment, but found myself a bit disconnected from her first book, The Call of the Wild & Free. In retrospect, I think it is because I was already solidly set in homeschooling, and firm in my calling to continue to do so.

This book, however, spoke directly to my soul. If you are a current homeschooling mama that wants to ensure that you are connecting with your family and creating the family culture that you dream of, this is the book for you.

Ainsley walks through creating a family culture, connecting with your children in a unique and healthy way. She then transitions on how important it is to heal, as parents, from any and all childhood traumas we may have, and how it is imperative we do so. Not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren. Effectively, we are breaking the bonds of generational trauma, with our grit and determinations. Finally, Ainsley wraps the book up by helping us help our children blossom and thrive as the children they were created to be, before we then allow them to 'fly the nest' while all the while keeping our homes open as a perpetual safe haven for them.

As a mama in the 'middle years' of parenting and homeschooling, this spoke directly to me, encouraged me, nudged me, and challenged me; to better myself, my family, and create the best culture and world possible for my children, and my children's children.
Alyssa F
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
I don’t like reading much but this is a really good book to just have a cup of coffee and read!
1000 Hours Outside
5.0 out of 5 stars I adored Ainsley’s Book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Ainsley has such a way with words and such a way with writing thought-provoking content that makes encourages you to make the changes you’ve always want to make with your family. Everything Ainsley touches leaves an impact on the lives of today and of generations to come.

I especially liked the charge to remember that family culture can leak over time. We need to be vigilant in watching out for the forces that can undermine our family values.

Another slam-dunk by Ainsley! I loved this one like I’ve loved all her other writings. I’ll be giving this one out as a gift to friends and family for sure.
Michelle Rozzen
5.0 out of 5 stars Homeschool mama
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
Love this book! I can’t put it down. Learning about the homeschool lifestyle and this book is very helpful.
Carl Abramowitz
5.0 out of 5 stars Alternative Lifestyle Must Reas
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
Attach this book to your lifestyle and watch yourself and your family of littles find authentic happiness. Education comes from within. Motivation and community about connecting with others.
Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023
Every parent should read this!
C
4.0 out of 5 stars Some solid advice, some filler
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
This book has 14 main chapters, and a total of about 206 pages, not including acknowledgements/notes.

Arment starts the book describing some events in her life that led her to decide to make a move with her young family back to her hometown; giving up the security of their jobs to chase a more purposeful life. She has a few inspirational words, that encourage the reader to find their own purpose and free themselves from a boring standard life.

The first few chapters cover creating a family culture, and connecting with your kids while preserving their childhood instead of treating them like adults too early. Arment suggests some specific steps to build the connection with your kids, and ways to identify and encourage their strengths. She also gives examples of how to create a positive and safe environment.

The next few chapters discuss healing from your past, and finding new adventures for your family to explore. Arment ways to support your children, nurturing their hopes and dreams; and she even gives some advice for handling tougher times.

Overall, I found this book to be somewhat inspiring, but I also would’ve preferred more science or research-based evidence. There is quite a bit of filler here, with some paragraphs that aren’t really providing much information. Still, there is some sound advice here, and hopefully the book will encourage some parents to embrace the challenge and create a more fulfilling environment for their kids. 3.5 / 5

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