Recharge Your Batteries
Does this sound familiar to any of you? …
“Turn that game off and go outside to play”
“Come inside I don’t want you playing in the front yard by yourself”
I think our youth of today are confused. “Out or in Mom?”
The dangers are on both sides of our front door these days. Violent crimes on our streets and on game consoles is just one example. We as parents have to go to greater lengths to provide safe well rounded recreation time for our kids. That means sometimes preparing an activity, accompanying them on the activity and doing the clean up afterwards. It takes a lot of effort.
The process can become a struggle at times. That’s why it’s important to remind yourselves as a parent why you do it. Why go to the effort of taking your young kids on outdoor trips?
To remind yourself I encourage you to go on an outdoor adventure without your kids. It’s sure to rekindle your love for exploration. Leaving behind the car seats, child carriers and fruit snacks for a short time will allow you to recharge your batteries and rededicate yourself to immersing your kids in the outdoors.
Nature for parents is just as important as Nature For Kids.
My husband and I recently took an outdoor trip, just the two of us. Thanks to loving and supportive family members we were able to leave our three kids in good hands. It was my goal to wander our beautiful state of Utah with every piece of recreation equipment we had. By the end of three days I felt full, content and was bubbling with excitement. Once again I was ready to expose my children to the things we saw and experienced outside.
We rode a single track in the rain, looked over a canyon from the top of a climb, camped near a bubbling brook, relaxed in a hot pot, and stood under a freezing waterfall. Every sense was stimulated and recharged. Who wouldn’t want their kids to experience this?
What have you done as a parent to recharge your batteries? Share your experience by leaving a comment here at Nature For Kids.
outdoor adventure, outside, play, recreation, activities for kids, outdoors
Getting City Kids Outside
CBS news put together a great segment on getting city kids outside. I tried to embed the video here but wasn’t able to, so here’s the link to the video. It’s only 2 minutes and it’s worth taking a look at.
We live in a small town surrounded by lots of nature and recreation possibilities. I can’t imagine the challenge that inner-city kids have in connecting with nature especially during this day and age.
In San Francisco there is an organization called R.O.C.K. (Real Options for City Kids). They take city kids on outdoor adventures. Most of the people that make the program successful are volunteers. I love the concept and hope many parents are taking advantage of this program or taking the time to take their kids out themselves.
Photos from SFGate.com
If you’re from an urban area leave a comment about getting city kids outside. We’d love to hear your ideas at Nature For Kids.
outdoors, adventure, kids, activities for kids, activities for children, outdoor recreation, city kids, outside, SanFrancisco
