A few weeks ago, Tony had some great tips on getting kids to use their imagination. But how can parents make sure their yard is appropriate and encourages outdoor play and exploration? Here are six tips, courtesy of Simple Mom.
- Emphasize open space. The more physical space your kids have, the more space they have to imagine and explore.
- Plant different flowers and plants. Having a garden lets kids watch fruits and vegetables grow.
- Keep safety in mind. Avoid dangerous plants and using pesticides and fertilizers, especially where your kids will likely play.
- Encourage space to build/create. Kids like to dig; get a sandbox!
- Use your imagination. The best way to encourage your children’s imagination is to show them how. Create forts between trees or pretend that your garden is a hideaway.
- Make space to relax. Kids have a lot of energy, but even they can get tired at some point. A shaded area to rest will encourage them to stay outside even when they’re pooped.
From Simple Mom. Photo by billaday.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love hiking on our acreage with our kiddos.
Also–make sure to keep your yard free of doggy messes!
We live in a condo, so our only yard is the parking lot! …thats safe right? luckily we live really close to an elementary school, so we play there a lot!
Great safety tips-when my kids were smaller-I was very conscious of safety but yet having fun..I made it a practice not to go into the house while leaving them selves outside-I had one mom say I was over protective-I told her I would "rather be safe than sorry "