Born Free: 6 Benefits To Raising Your Child Outside Of The Norm

There are plenty of how-to materials on how to be the perfect mother and raise the perfect family.

But there's a lot to be said for going about things your own way.

Now, I can't speak from personal experience. I haven’t even properly raised a basil plant, let alone a living breathing human being.

But I was really inspired after speaking with adventurer and Millennial mom, Morgan Brechler, who has been traveling with her daughter since she was just a few months old.

Maybe it’s because I live in NYC, where everyone pretends they’re 22 until they’re 37, but it seems like becoming a young parent is the ultimate taboo.

But another Millennial characteristic is that we don't give a sh*t what anyone else thinks, and that's exactly how Morgan feels.

Everyone’s timeline is unique and Morgan and her daughter’s highlights a beautiful story of finding the beauty in youth and a life in the wilderness.

If you’re a new mommy, instead of searching for the newest baby app, maybe all you have to do is venture outside to find your path of motherhood.

Here's why:

1. Your child will be ready for any adventure.

The more time you spend at home, the more you’re going to fall into that comfort.

Taking your kids outside will take them out of their comfort zones.

If you raise your child to hit the ground running that’s what will always feel natural for him or her.

It can be indoors or outdoors, as long as it’s something active. If you build an appetite for an adventure, they’ll always be hungry for more.

2. They won’t be attached to material things.

Most parents believe the more you give your child the better off they’ll be, but that couldn’t be more false.

If you’re constantly on the go, your child will come to understand what’s essential to have on them and that the rest is excess.

The best part about traveling with your child is he or she will create memories with experiences, not things.

3. It teaches them independence.

When you’re out in the wilderness there is usually not a Walgreens close by.

Your child will learn to go a day without her favorite juice or game, and figure out how to make with what she has.

These kids will grow up to be the ones who aren't afraid to ask for directions -- or probably don't need them in the first place.

4. They will have respect for all walks of life.

Someone raised spending a lot of time outdoors is not going to be the one whining for someone else to kill a spider.

She's going to be the one to calmly guide it to crawl onto a piece of paper and gently setting it free outside.

We seem to forget that the original mother was mother nature herself.

The more time your child spends with her, the more in-tune they’ll be with themselves and everything living around them.

5. You’ll create a special bond.

Motherhood isn’t only the birth of a child, it’s the birth to your new life.

The early years of a child’s life are so precious, and the time you’re able to spend with each other is so important.

Sometimes it’s hard to think of fun, bonding things to do with your child in the house, but once you’re outside, the options are limitless.

6. They’ll have a unique story to tell.

I’ll never forget the summers when my family and I would take out our camper and go on week-long adventures.

I didn't know at the time, but most of those vacation spots were in the same state, some only a few cities away from home.

But to me, it felt like a whole new world.

Just getting away and having different experiences from sitting in front of the TV will always be something I look back on and cherish.

Your child won’t be remember the hours spent on that new iPad you got her for Christmas, she'll remember the day the sun was shining, she was excited to be with you and you asked, “Do you want to go exploring with me?”