Let's Play in the Backyard
Summer Backyard Essentials
June 02, 2009
We have started quite the collection of backyard essentials over the years. We haven't even had a backyard most of the time, so that is not a requirement! Kids love the outdoors. I have repeatedly encouraged and shred ideas to get your children out no matter what the weather. Rainy days and snow days are great in their uniqueness, but nothing beats a beautiful summer day.
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Celebrating Earth Day with your Children
April 14, 2009
Next week is Earth Day, April 22! We try to teach our children to live a sustainable and green life everyday, however celebrating always helps anchor those ideals. In an effort to plan our day I have been soaking up as much as I can, looking for activities that will help me teach our kids about Earth Day. Here are so ideas I have come across:
Read more...The Great Outdoors
March 30, 2009
Rain or shine, show or sleet kids need time outside. That is the mantra right? Yet somehow it isn't always that easy. When we were children we were sent outside. It was an expectation not an exception. Our mothers and caregivers let us loose in the world without a care. We were free to explore, learn, debate, wonder and dream. The endless days of summer were truly endless.
In our time as parents things have changed. We no longer send our children out to play without a worry in the world. In fact all we do is worry. Society has made us afraid, untrusting and unknowing. On my street I am the only mom that stays at home. When my children are out playing, they are the only children out. The people that live behind us have this awesome play structure yet we have never seen any one in their backyard.
Children are indoors a lot. I realize that not every family has a stay at home parent. However what about the weekends? Evenings? Where have all the children gone. In all the fear, we have lost sight on the things that are important to child development. Kids need to be outside. They need time to discover things on their own without a parent holding their hand. They need to play at the playground and discover their own forms of conflict resolution. Parents with the best intention hover over their children taking away what little freedom they have left. I have experienced this over and over again at the playground. Most parents are amazed that I give my children so much freedom.
It is a balance, between safety and freedom. Children need room to roam, to play to experience nature. Yet even in our our yard we are not free from fear. My children were playing outside, while I fluttered from inside to outside, making dinner and supervising their activities from a far, when a car pulled over unrolled the window and spoke to my children. I flew outside as they were pulling away. My preschooler did not know what they said, when I asked she shrugged her shoulders. Was it an innocent comment about playing or was it a predator?
One of my goals as a parent is to have my kids outside once a day. Either to play, for a walk anything to get them out in the fresh air, exploring their world. I cannot say that I reach this goal every day, but we try.
What are your views on outside play and freedom? Are you afraid?
Tomorrow I will share with you some ideas of what to do when you get the kids outside.
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A Book that Inspires Wonder
November 03, 2008
When The Opinionated Parent , first approached me to review the book, " Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative & Naturally Curious Children " by Ginger Carlson, in e-book form, I was so thrilled at the opportunity as creativity is so my thing. Unfortunately, as geeky as I am I could not bring myself to the computer to read a book. Blogs, geeky news, email *cough* games, were all Read more...
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in halifax
Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle
Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues
Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories
Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites
Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
The Voice of Being Savvy halifax:
Raechelle Masuda
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