It’s June – and a glorious June it is!
I have a question for you, dear mother. Are your children outside? It is very important to be out in nature and out of the house!
Parents (mothers) need to get back to the good ol’ days where children play outside – especially in the wonderful months of warmer weather.
Even in the colder months, I am personally a dedicated fan for outdoor time. However, in the nicer months, there really is no excuse for your children playing indoors. Even in the smallest of backyards, there is still room for imagination and outdoor play.
As a child, I was raised to play outdoors — and I am so grateful for that. We lived in town for a short while, but from about age 11 onwards, we live in the country. I remember roaming the farmer’s field, watching wild animals and playing the small creek that run between the fields. I remember taking a book and finding a shady spot to rest and read. We worked in teh family garden and helped keep the property clean outdoors.
Now, as a parent, I have raised all my children to play outside and it is a given that we will be outside for most of the day once school has ended. We even eat our meals outdoors from mid April onwards (which is the best way to eat a meal, I must admit!). With raising three boys now, I see how VERY important it is for boys to play outdoors, as well!
{earlier this spring}
In the morning, during the summer months, we all have outdoor chores to do – weeding the garden, feeding chickens and animals – and the afternoon is reserved for play time for hte children. They can ride bikes, go swimming, jump on the trampoline, play baseball together, volleyball or just explore the sandy beaches. It feels odd to write this out, but this is actually healthy for your children – unstructured creative time outdoors.
You do not have to entertain your child all summer long; they do not have to be in VBS programs all summer or day camps, they do not need field trips and fancy vacations. They just need to play outside. It helps if you have animal for them to care for – get some chickens, have your children help take care of the garden or find something you can do together outdoors in your own yard.
It’s not just children that need to be outdoors, however. Mothers (and fathers) need to be outdoors, as well. If your children are younger, you are needed to be outdoors for their safety. Even if your children are nearing the ages of independence in playing, they will still need you at some point. It’s very important for mothers to spend time outside while their children are outdoors.
If you do not have a place to sit that is relaxing, find a spot in your yard that can shaded and protected from heat – or sunny in the cooler months – and set up a comfortable living spot for resting while your children play. My favourite spot to sit has always been a porch! Make it cozy and comfortable – bring out some books or handiwork (do you knit, sew or crochet?), a pot of tea or cool water and enjoy your time outdoors with your children.
Plant some flowers and make the spot inviting for yourself. Hang up a wind chime. Get some cushions for your chairs and get comfy. If you get your household chores done early in the morning, you will not fall behind on your chores or dinner making (this can be saved for another post) while you are outside. Organize your day so you can be outside after lunch with your children.
If you have a cell phone, leave it inside and simply enjoy being outdoors.
Do not underestimate the value of the fresh air and old fashioned un-scheduled play for your child.
You will most likely find that your child will sleep more soundly and all around be a healthier and happier! And the same will happen for you, dear mothers! So, go grab your book – and enjoy that amazing sunshine and fresh air with your child!
by Gigi
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