As I looked back at our previous twelve months, I reflected on our time spent outside.
Inspired by Ginny and her 1000 hours outside movement, I’ve made a conscious effort to get outside with my boys.
It’s often not easy. It’s also not easy staying home. In this season of young children, nothing is easy.
Despite the challenges, I’ve never regretted time in nature with my boys. As I looked back at photos over the last year, I was so pleased to see that many of them were outside.
We made an effort to get outside in our yard. We added on nature to our everyday routine. We went out for adventures as a family.
When I am outside, I am less overwhelmed. I am a happier mother. I feel like I am a better version of myself. The more that I talk to other mothers the more I realise that it’s not just me. Being outside really does help us in our parenting.
Here’s a little something I wrote while my youngest napped next to me today.
Getting outside with children
is no easy feat,
even if friends
we’ve arranged to meet.
Putting on sunscreen,
finding the shoe,
grabbing the hats
and sunglasses too.
In winter it’s jackets,
boots and a beanie,
so many layers
to keep them snuggly.
The baby is crying,
it’s way past nap-time,
couch and the table
my toddler’s now climbing.
Filling the drink bottles,
stocking the food,
one kid is grumpy,
he’s in a bad mood.
Packing the car
with all of the things,
toddler is upset,
to my leg he clings.
The yelling and fighting,
whining and tears,
“can we just leave,”
I scream at deaf ears.
In what seems like forever,
we do make it out,
the calm has returned,
what was that fuss about.
We hike up big hills,
hide behind logs,
jump across rocks,
catch tadpoles and frogs.
Go exploring the woods
climb trees to spy,
create games together,
make cubbies to hide.
When time comes to leave,
they protest and plead,
“aw not yet, can we
stay longer please?”
It’s hard but it’s worth it,
leaving the house each day,
1000 hours outside,
memories made as we play.
Do you enjoy getting outside with your little ones? I find the hardest part is packing to go and leaving the house.
What do you find the hardest? Comment below or come and connect on Instagram or Facebook.
You can listen to episode 223 where Ginny and I talk about how nature takes away the overwhelm here.
Melanie Wegener
