Many different groups of parents (mostly Moms) that I know have various mornings where they (we) meet at parks around town. I have had some fun and some serious stress at these outings. For most of my upcoming summer park adventures, and for my own sanity, I will now be most likely to join up with the group at parks that cause the least stress. Call it picky or silly or crazy, but I call it survival.
Some of my tips for morning park outings with a toddler and an infant include:
- plan ahead and pack a bag (but not too much) the night before
- apply sunscreen on youngsters before leaving the house
- bring snacks
- bring a blanket for sitting (or wiping noses, or playing the parachute game!)
- pack Kleenex (to avoid above, nose wiping comment)
- bring a plastic bag (or 6) for disposing of diapers
- go to parks that are not too busy
- go to parks that are not close to busy streets
- choose parks with walking trails nearby if you are taking a stroller or wagon
- even better, choose parks with a coffee or ice cream shop nearby and DO bring a stroller
- pack some spare change (see above)
- go early to avoid the sun
- go with people who will understand if you suddenly disappear (because of cues from your kids you have packed up your car and sped off for home!)
- choose parks that have age-appropriate play equipment for your child or children
- choose parks with close parking...the closer the better
- bring a sand toy or two and a ball or other toy if appropriate
- bring snacks
- bring a blanket for sitting (or wiping noses, or playing the parachute game!)
- pack Kleenex (to avoid above, nose wiping comment)
- bring a plastic bag (or 6) for disposing of diapers
- go to parks that are not too busy
- go to parks that are not close to busy streets
- choose parks with walking trails nearby if you are taking a stroller or wagon
- even better, choose parks with a coffee or ice cream shop nearby and DO bring a stroller
- pack some spare change (see above)
- go early to avoid the sun
- go with people who will understand if you suddenly disappear (because of cues from your kids you have packed up your car and sped off for home!)
- choose parks that have age-appropriate play equipment for your child or children
- choose parks with close parking...the closer the better
- bring a sand toy or two and a ball or other toy if appropriate
- be prepared with "back pocket ideas" such as songs or games to amuse the little ones
(what a hit you will be)
RATING: If you know the above park, I give it a 10/10 for parking, shade, equipment and even location. The only thing I would change would be the sand to that really cool, special new park flooring that they have. Sand can be fun for the kids, but you never know what is "hiding" in there.
RATING: If you know the above park, I give it a 10/10 for parking, shade, equipment and even location. The only thing I would change would be the sand to that really cool, special new park flooring that they have. Sand can be fun for the kids, but you never know what is "hiding" in there.
GAME IDEA:
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT
In this game, one person plays the "stop light" and the rest try to touch him/her.
At the start, all the children form a line about 15 feet away from the stop light.
The stop light faces away from the line of kids and says "green light". At this point the kids are allowed to move towards the stoplight.
At any point, the stop light may say "red light!" and turn around. If any of the kids are caught moving after this has occurred, they are out.
Play resumes when the stop light turns back around and says "green light".
The stop light wins if all the kids are out before anyone is able to touch him/her.
Otherwise, the first player to touch the stop light wins the game and earns the right to be "stop light" for the next game. Source: http://www.indianchild.com/outdoor_games.htm
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT
In this game, one person plays the "stop light" and the rest try to touch him/her.
At the start, all the children form a line about 15 feet away from the stop light.
The stop light faces away from the line of kids and says "green light". At this point the kids are allowed to move towards the stoplight.
At any point, the stop light may say "red light!" and turn around. If any of the kids are caught moving after this has occurred, they are out.
Play resumes when the stop light turns back around and says "green light".
The stop light wins if all the kids are out before anyone is able to touch him/her.
Otherwise, the first player to touch the stop light wins the game and earns the right to be "stop light" for the next game. Source: http://www.indianchild.com/outdoor_games.htm
OTHER LINKS:
No comments:
Post a Comment