5 tips to help you get outside every day
Getting outside everyday before kids was pretty easy. You just put your shoes and coat on and off you go! No care in the world.
With kids, it gets a little trickier. The mental planning can be challenging, not to mention actually putting children's shoes on first time!
There has been a few times in the chaos of trying to go out, that I've said to myself, ‘shall we just stay in?’ But staying in is 10 x times harder with the mess, the toys, the housework waiting to be done and the noise, so the chaos of getting ready outweighs the chaos of staying inside. So we do, in some shape or form, go outside every day.
In the winter months, this may only be a 20 minute local walk, or it could be playing in the garden in the rain (my kids actually really like playing in the rain).
Now the days are getting lighter, longer and warmer, it is much easier to go outside, go for longer hikes, play football or rocket jump at the park, have picnics everywhere and play in the garden.
And can I let you in on a not so little secret? Parenting outside is so much easier! And, from my experience, kids behaviour is easier to handle. Now my toddler still has tantrums outside, don’t get me wrong, but it is much easier to calm him down, or distract him outside.
5 tips to get outside
Here are my five tips to help you get outside everyday:
Start small - Five minutes a day may not seem like much, but it is starting point. Get you and the kids outside, in the garden, at the park and set a timer for five minutes. This allows everyone to have the same expectation, but also, you’re not dictating the time and watching the clock. You can enjoy it too!
Then gradually, you can start increasing the time, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 1 hour and see how long suits you and your family.
Pick a time that suits your family - if you and your kids are up at the crack of dawn, going outside in the morning is a good way to burn off some energy, let the excitement out and be hungry for breakfast. Plus make the most of the longer days in summer time.
However, going outside afterschool might work for you and your family, the kids can have a break from the rules of school, have more play time before dinner and burn off even more energy!
Maybe the weekends are a time to spend longer periods outdoors for your family?
It is important to find the time that works for you so it’s not a chore, it becomes part of your family’s routine.
Pack for the weather - by having the appropriate gear for the weather, you can enjoy the outdoors knowing that you’re prepared, because let’s face it, British weather is unpredictable.
Now you don’t have to invest in expensive gear, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted are my go to’s, and Decathlon has a great range of stuff, but puddlesuits for toddlers are a must! Read this blog to find out what to wear at winter.
Snacks! - probably everyone’s favourite one, bring snacks, for everyone. This definitely boosts morale, keeps everyone outside for longer, is a great bribery tactic and incentive, but also, food always tastes better outside.
Start - start today not tomorrow. Five minutes does fly by! And it starts with you. By reading this, you are willing and ready to make a change that will benefit your whole family (well done you!), so you have to make that decision every single day. It may feel hard at first, but it will get easier for everyone.
Other things that will help when first starting to get outside everyday, is taking toys or games that you and the kids enjoy with you. Bring a football, build a den, bring the cars and trains outside, bring books, colouring, make an arts and craft station. In the summer months, a sand and water table is ideal for letting your child get creative and learning.
So, whatever it is, bring it!
One thing I really want you to remember, is to not compare your family's outside adventures to other families. Some may be avid thru-hikers and backpackers, or extreme adventure sport enthusiasts, but everyone has to start somewhere. Focus on your journey.
Lastly, let your kids explore first, take a step back and see what they go to. Then, do they want or need you to interact with them? Or just let them be? Allowing them to build their own confidence and ability to play independently will help them increase their problem-solving skills and self esteem.
I love hiking and bringing my kids with me, but some days it is a breeze, some, a mighty challenge, and some days it just doesn’t happen! Read this to find out how I keep my toddler entertained on a hike.
Happy walking!