Walking Fun with Preschoolers

When a bad mood hits your home, take a hike. Walking has the almost magical ability to turn a cranky child, or parent, into a more pleasant individual. There is something about the fresh air, exercise or change of scenery that makes everything better. Simply walking is often enough, but keeping a few tricks up your sleeve can help keep a little one engaged, and off your shoulders. Most of these diversions work with older children too.

Go slow. You can power walk on your own or with a girlfriend. When you are walking with a child, slow your pace down. Fast walkers like myself really need to focus on going at their speed. Relax and look around; you may be surprised at how calming a child's pace can be once you give it a try.

Pick a color. Announce you are going on a color walk and then try to find as many items in a particular color as you can. For example, a red walk, could have you and your child pointing out red flowers, red cars, red shirts and red stop signs.

Pick a shape. Take a good look at the objects around you to see if you and your child can find circles, rectangles, triangles and squares. Circles can be found in a car tire, or door knob, while doors are rectangles.

Tape bracelets. Make a bracelet out of masking tape by wrapping a piece around your child's wrist with the sticky side out. Use this unusual bracelet to collect small flowers, pebbles and leaves. The finished bracelet won't last long, but it will be fun to make. Go ahead and make one for yourself too!

Magnify and illuminate it. Keeping a small bag packed, like a child-size backpack or sling bag with a magnifying glass and a small flashlight can turn any walk into a scientific exploration. Stop and really get a good look at the passing bugs. Inspect under rocks. Search for four-leaf clovers.

Chit chat. Let the child lead the conversation. I am always amazed at the interesting things my kids think about while on a walk. Let them ask questions and just think out loud as you mosey along.

Use your imagination. My son loved to imagine as a preschooler and it was fun to jump into his world for a while. Playing along with his fantasy often involved carrying a big stick, just in case a dragon were to jump out from the trees! Although I had other issues on my mind, the break from adult responsibilities was important.


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