Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : April 13, 2016 9:31 AM IST
If you are a working parent, you will know that making time for kids isn t really easy, let alone going to the park and playing with your tot. But restricting play to your room or even the balcony isn t enough. Board games and reading cannot make-up for the lack of outdoor play. Like many of you, even I miss playing with my daughter out in the open work, stress, and household chores don t leave me with anything more than just a couple of hours to spend with her before bedtime. However, there are few things I do to ensure that my child gets to play outdoors often. Here are few things you can do:
1. Take a short stroll in a nearby park every day
When you are pressed for time and your day ends really late, chuck your smartphone and go to the nearby park with your kid for at least 15 minutes daily. Never mind if it is past 10 pm, just make sure you don t end up playing games that charge her up and make sleep difficult. Taking a stroll or just sitting together on a swingwill help you both relax, refresh and bond better. Your child might just start ranting what happened at school when out with you, even though you had been asking the same for hours at home.
2. Make weekends special
If it is not possible for you to go out even for 15 minutes each day to a park or just take a stroll after dinner, keep weekends reserved for it. Yes, you too need your own time for shopping, pedicure and social gathering, but kids are your priority, right? On weekends, make sure you spend at least two hours with your tot playing in a park. Believe me, it is fun for the little one and a stress buster for you.
3. Take up an activity that allows you to spend more time outdoors with your kids
Sometimes none of these might really be a possibility, but still there are ways in which you can manage to spend time outdoors with your child. Probably take up swimming lessons together or go for outdoor camping once every fortnight. This will be equally beneficial for your kid.
4. Take turns to take your child to the park
Ever heard the phrase it takes two to parent? If you cannot make it to the park with your child due to other commitments, let your spouse do it. No, mothers don t have to shoulder the entire responsibility of ensuring a healthy childhood.
5. Have special breakfasts planned in a nearby park
Plan a Sunday morning breakfast out in the open. A small sort of picnic which pleases your child and makes family time special. Remember to clean the area before you leave. A good way to teach your kids community service!
6. Plan play dates outdoors
How about meeting some of your child s friends and with the help of another mommy, arranging a play date in the park? Doesn t it sound exciting? Of course, managing kids outdoors is really tricky. It is better if you have another mommy or two with you.
7. Make it a habit
Make a conscious effort to take your kids outdoor every single day. Other than watching mindless soap operas and debates with your kid on television, invest that time in breathing some fresh air and talking about everything under the sky while enjoying some peaceful time together.
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