Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The key to sanity in parenting...

Take them outside! Children can be themselves and run around and you don't have to yell "NO!" a hundred times. Outside is key...to happy kids and happy mommies. Many times I'll just spread out a blanket and lay down and read a book while having a snack. seriously. A big open field at the park is perfect. Add a little creek and you have the whole day set up. When the day starts to get too tense and every move the kids make is the wrong move and every sound they make is a whine, I know it's time to take them outside. Not to a playground, though playgrounds are great, just somewhere they can have a little freedom and explore the natural world. Bring a ball or books or a truck or a jar to put bugs in, some snacks, and no expectations and no directing the kids' play. I just need to give them the space to do their thing.

Today I took the kids to a pseudo-farm. But it's where the Anheuser-Bush clydesdales are bred. I was really amazed at how Ladybug ran up and climbed the fence and tried to give the horse a kiss. (I was right there. She wasn't in any danger.) Here's a few pics from our day.








4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So true... not only will they get the space they need to do their thing, the sunlight and fresh air they'll get not to mention the exercise (since they can run around all they want), are priceless. Have a great day! Cute kids!

gem said...

That's exactly why I love summer. When we go by the sea on hols there are no strutured activities and I have no idea how many people ask me what they do all day. Answer: swim, dig, climb rocks, fish, explore rock pools, kyack, picnic, cycle...

Unknown said...

Looks like a wonderful day!

(I adore your "cupcake video" in the previous post. Praying and praying.

Melanie said...

Looks like fun!

Just letting the kids out to play is one of the reasons I love our acre yard!