Heidi Smart
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here! I’m an unschooling mom to 3 energetic boys, sharing nature-based ways children develop social and emotional skills through real life, play, and imagination.
Our days are loud, messy, and deeply child-led, filled with outdoor exploration, big feelings, movement, storytelling, and the everyday work of learning how to be human together.
When I’m not keeping up with my boys, you’ll usually find me training Jiu Jitsu, rock climbing, or playing the guitar.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, where I studied experiential learning, play, and group dynamics. While I’m not a teacher or therapist, my background and lived experience shape the way I observe and write about social-emotional learning as it naturally unfolds in families.
It all Started with a Bee
Little Golden Grove began one afternoon in the yard, when my son was panicking about a bee. To help him through the fear, I offered a simple perspective shift:
“To that tiny bee, you must look like a giant!”
That moment inspired "BayBee and the Giant," and eventually a growing collection of stories, reflections, and resources designed to help children (and parents) explore fear, courage, empathy, and understanding in gentle, meaningful ways.
Why I'm here
Many unschooling families are already supporting social-emotional learning, often without calling it that. Through my blog and stories, I help name what’s happening and offer nature-based, play-centered ideas that fit seamlessly into real life.
Here you’ll find:
🌿 nature-inspired SEL ideas for home and unschooling families
❤️ reflections on emotional regulation, fear, and connection
📚 story-based tools that support empathy and perspective-taking
The Dream
Right now, Little Golden Grove lives in stories and shared ideas.
One day, we hope it will also be a real place - land filled with bees, sunflowers, and peach trees, where creativity, kindness, and community can grow.
Until then, we’re growing stories.
Thanks for being here. 🌻
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