This month is all about reflecting on how grateful we are for the choices we’ve made for our family—and the freedom those choices allow. Freedom, however, isn’t just about doing whatever we want. More importantly, it’s about the ability to choose with intention.

For us, this idea of freedom goes hand-in-hand with independence. 

At the beginning of each May, Simen and I talk about how we can give Theo Vilje more opportunities to act independently. Consequently these small shifts make a big difference in how empowered he feels.

When Theo Vilje was one, that meant placing diapers, wet wipes, and cream within his reach. We also gave him an open cup and a spoon so he could begin feeding himself. By the time he turned two, his independence had grown even more. He began choosing his own clothes, setting the table, and helping clean up afterward.

To support this, we made small changes at home. For instance, we prepared a drawer with his own kitchen tools, added low hooks for his clothes, and placed a small washing station on the floor. Additionally, we gave him a sturdy chair he could climb up on by himself.

The same year, we were also renovating Grandpa’s cabin. As part of this project, his grandfather bought him real tools sized just for him. This gesture not only encouraged independence—it also gave Theo Vilje a strong sense of participation and pride. He could imitate our work and truly contribute, which meant the world to him.

The Norwegian National Day

I should mention that we’ve never really introduced the maypole tradition, although it’s common in some of our neighboring countries. As adults, we know it well and had intentions of including it. However, we haven’t yet shared it with Theo Vilje.

One reason for this might be that May 17th—the Norwegian National Day—is already such a big celebration for us. It’s a significant event in Norway, and interestingly, it feels even more meaningful when we’re abroad, gathering with other Norwegians far from home.

Because of this, working with themes of independence and freedom has felt like just the right amount for Theo Vilje between the ages of one and three. In fact, we’ve connected these ideas first to the story of The Little Goat, and later to 17th of May and The Lost Bee.

The Bees

After May 17th, we then shift our focus to bees. This is the second insect we explore during spring. Although we don’t often see bees in Norway during April or May (it’s usually too cold), we still choose them intentionally. That’s because both caterpillars–butterflies and bees fit beautifully into our seasonal themes: growth in April, and freedom and independence in May.

As part of this theme, we build a small insect house together and talk about how bees produce honey. These hands-on activities help connect us to nature in a deeper way.

One example of this is a song we return to again and again: “This is a beehive.” Theo Vilje has loved it since he was just three months old. Even now, at age two, it continues to bring him joy.

Planting

By early May, our plants have grown significantly. At this point, we begin transferring them outdoors or into larger pots.

Ever since he was a baby, Theo Vilje has loved being part of this planting process. When he turned two, he was finally able to plant some of them into the soil by himself. He was incredibly proud of this achievement.

Even though a few of the plants didn’t survive, the experience still mattered. In fact, the chance to do it on his own meant everything to him.

For us as adults, this is a powerful reminder: the process is more important than the result.