Outdoor Play in the Wet Weather

Thank you to Outdoor Mums Bath and Bristol for this blog post.

BARRIERS TO BEING OUTSIDE PART 1 - I DONT KNOW HOW TO BE AN OUTDOOR MUM

I was chatting to my friend yesterday while we were out and she was saying her biggest barrier to being outside was that she just doesn't know how to be outdoorsy. She never did it as a child and she has a tough time doing it as a parent partly because she has a health condition that inhibits her but also because her daughter is an only child and she can't always play with her and doesn't know how to keep her entertained. I was pondering this and thinking about my childhood too. I don't think my family was ever particularly outdoorsy either so where did I get my love of the outdoors from? Well, I can only conclude that it was my love of Geography. I had some amazing teachers at school that really cultivated a love of the environment and the outdoors and I really try to emulate that with my children. This was a particularly focus for me during COVID when I took the opportunity to try and really instil a love of nature in my children and also educate myself better. So with that in mind I'm going to focus this post on resources that help us get outside, things we do, things we take with us that add to the comfort or interest of the outdoor environment. I will do another post on Outdoor clothing and Outerwear in the near future.

1) Build a repertoire of places to go.

Places your kids love, places you find easy for when you're not up for it but the kids are going bonkers! Make a list and put it on your fridge.

If you're new to this group check out the featured posts for a long list of things to do in the local area. These cover everything in Bath and Bristol plus up to about an hours drive from our region to account for day trips.

2) Don't neglect the garden

If you're lucky enough to have a garden, use it! Winter gardens are just a bit depressing but my son has had a sickness bug this week and as he was starting to recover we managed to get some fresh air by taking his toys outside into the garden. Outside time doesn't have to be complicated. Similarly if the weather is nice out your coats and hats on and have lunch out there. I find my kids stay outside for miles longer when they are eating outside. If you have the money, buy a fire pit! We've had many nights sitting round a fire pit outside in the dark while the kids run around with a torch.

3) Take things to keep YOU comfortable!

So often I hear parents tell their kids that it's time to go home because they are cold or they are bored. Your outside time will increase greatly if you are comfortable too. I've included some pictures below of things that help me to stay out for longer (more info with the picture) but I would say the most essential thing is WARM SOCKS! (and gloves). My feet are always the first things to want to go home. If anyone has any recommendations I'm in the market! (Outdoor Clothing post to follow soon). I would also say that taking more than just your phone to entertain you is vital to being outside longer. A book or a portable craft like knitting or cross stitch are good, a like minded friend is even better  

4) Things for your kids to do

If like my friend, you have an only child or like me children who don't want to play together then here is a list of things I've found useful to keep them busy:

- Scavenger hunts (great for getting kids walking, there are an infinite number to print off from online)

- Go Find it cards - like a scavenger hunt, good for smaller kids

- Woodland Challenge cards (see pictures) - good for primary school age.

- Exploring Nature with Children Curriculum https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature.../

This was so massively helpful in giving our outside time some purpose during COVID. It is a weekly curriculum aimed at home schoolers and obviously you don't have to follow it religiously but it helped me hugely in getting my kids out and also increasing my knowledge so I was able to point things out to my kids. Also follow the enwc hashtag in Instagram and the profile "raising little shoots" who is the creator.

- Usborne Things to Spot books - in pictures. There are at least 8 of these mini books, including trees, insects and birds. They have stickers at the back for when you have spotted them and are tiny so easily fit in a backpack (available cheaper second hand).

- Go to the library!! ( What's that I hear you say...the library isn't outside!) This is true but if you can't afford to or don't want to pay for books that inspire you to get outdoors (there are some amazing books) then the library is your new best friend! Just don't take the book out with you, just take a screenshot of the pages! I tend to search Google for books I think look good and then search then on the Library Catalogue. A library card is free and you can download the Libraries West App so you can easily reserve/order in and renew books online.