Going outside is essential Life can be simple. As simple as going outside. It's incredibly healthy for adults to get outside, go for a walk, explore your neighborhood. But going outside is essential for growing children and teens! There's quite a bit of recent research about spending time outside correlated to fewer symptoms of depression, improved physical well-being, developing independence skills and creativity! Fresh air & outside doings We have a new grandbaby - Noodle! She was born on March 6th and Little Guy absolutely loves her! This weekend he wanted to know if she could have a sleep-over with him in his room and assured his Mom he would be very careful to not roll over on her or push her out of his bed. Of course Mom said Noodle could sleep over when she was older. Next day Little Guy wanted to know if she was older yet. Anyway, as I was beginning to organize my family photos to set up a new digital album for Noodle I saw that more than half of my Little Guy pictures are outside! Playing at the park, walking with family, celebrating his first birthday with a backyard party. Pictures of riding in the canoe at Elk Lake or sitting in ocean tide pools or stomping in parking lot puddles. Little Guy lives a good part of each day outside! I suspect Noodle will also love being outdoors - her Mom and Dad are keen on fresh air and outside doings. Outdoor inspiration My favorite resource for "outdoor family inspiration" is the Run Wild My Child site and podcast by Sara and Ryan McCarty. There are amazing and useful posts such as ways to play in the mud, best rain gear for kiddos, and outdoor skills like teaching children how to build a fire. And the podcasts are interviews with other parents exploring everything from RV Life & Roadschooling to Outdoor Safety & First Aid. Listen to a podcast, read a post or just go with your own instincts to take your kiddos outside! Play with them, watch them explore -- or join in -- do what it takes to let them know being outside is wonderfully fun! It's as simple as going outside,
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Nonna's Thoughts are for busy parents who are looking for practical knowledge, and a bit of laughter, in growing strong, joyful families.
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