Toddler Playtime Outdoors

Young children from age 2 to 5 are little learners. Getting them to go outdoors for a healthy play time encourages self-readiness skills. Being prepared for all occasions is an easy task which any parent should set aside time for, before leaving home. Having a favorite park or a list of places in your city to go to for the first time, starts a great adventure. I always take my three year old to places I know are safe, when I know we have enough time and the right the things for him.

Playtime is a simple thing for a preschooler. Most parks have slides, swings, a jungle-gym, fields and other structures combined with various textures. I usually sit back and watch him go off running to attack the play area. My son enjoys getting exercise from climbing, jumping, sliding, and running. I can on most days read emails from my phone during this time. After a while he needs my help to push him on the swings. Someday I swing along or go down the slides.

My cell phone is one item I can't leave home without. I often take photos or make videos of our time in the park. There are a few extra items I recommend to all parents or caregivers. Taking first aide kits can save the day if a child gets hurt. Bringing a snack with a juice box, and a few bottled waters can be necessary after playtime. Always apply hand sanitizer on their hands when children leave the equipment. Even a change of clothes can be efficient; sometimes pants can get dirty or torn.

The world Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all adults have at least 30 minuets a day of exercise, three times a week to be healthy. Children need even more time. So, plan around that amount of time be at the playground minimally. From 30 minuets to an hour and thirty minuets of time is about the typical range which I stay at outdoors with my son. Each week we go out to a park 3 to 5 times. Its okay if your child stays longer, I think most kids do.

The focus of all this being aware is to care more about the little ones who need play. Remember after playtime, they may be tired. Naptime is a car seat or stroller is normal for toddlers. Helping your child to learn safety is another great step parents must take every day.