What happens when you let your kids put the goat in the car? You get real-life lessons in curiosity, connection—and a little bit of chaos.
In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Bryerton, editor-in chief of Charlottesville Family Magazine, and a longtime advocate for outdoor family life. From backyard chickens and bunnies to fairy gardens and food-growing adventures, Jennifer shares how gardening and small-scale homesteading shaped her motherhood journey and gave her kids something even screen time couldn’t compete with.
We also talk about the importance of community, the future of parenting media in an AI-saturated world, and practical tips for getting started with your own family garden.
In This Episode:
⏳ 00:00 – Why bugs, dirt, and wonder might be the most underrated parenting tools
⏳ 02:00 – How Jennifer co-founded Charlottesville Family Magazine after leaving teaching
⏳ 07:00 – Gardening as a way to stay connected to yourself while raising kids
⏳ 09:00 – What beginner gardeners get wrong and how to keep plants alive in the summer heat
⏳ 11:00 – From bunny gardens to basil boxes: ideas for involving kids in growing food
⏳ 14:00 – Getting started withbackyard chickens and what you really need to know
⏳ 18:00 – Kids vs. screens: how to make outdoor time more compelling
⏳ 23:00 – Letting your kids fail at gardening (and why it’s still a win)
⏳ 27:00 – Gardening while parenting: managing expectations and finding joy
⏳ 31:00 – The emotional impact of sharing the outdoors with your kids
⏳ 33:00 – How nature parenting gave Jennifer her most treasured motherhood memories
⏳ 36:00 – The challenge of building community in an AI-driven world
⏳ 39:00 – From fairy gardens to friendships: the magic of small, intentional moments
Find Jennifer:
🪴 Charlottesville Family Magazine – Parenting stories, seasonal guides, and hands-on family ideas
📸 Charlottesville Family Magazine on Instagram
Links & Resources:
🐣 Cluck! The Charlottesville League of Urban Chicken Keepers – A fun and helpful chicken-keeping community
🌼 Piedmont Master Gardeners – Gardening resources for Central Virginia
📸 Follow Sage Mother Co. on Instagram
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