Getting out every day
August 13th, 2010So it is 6:14pm here and I just finished tidying up the kitchen with Jim when we turned to each other and discussed whether or not to go out to the park tonight.
Jim had a meeting this morning until after lunch, I took the car to get an tune-up and walked over to my gym while that was getting done this afternoon - but we were aware that Malcolm hasn’t gotten out today (aside from the two of us doing some gardening in the yard this morning for about two hours before lunch).
But I have this whole idea about “getting out” every day. We have a smaller house, we have a tiny yard, and I try to ensure that Malcolm gets out every day. If it isn’t a daycare day, we go to the park, the beach, a hike, a walk up from out house on the trail, drop-in gym, friends, or the fruit stand each day for 1-3 hours depending. Since Jim is home now, we are averaging 4-5 picnic lunches or dinners a week at the park. We keep it simple - just throw together a cheese sammich/ chicken salad/ egg salad/ fruit/ whatever … and go. The park we go to has a peanut pool, swings, jungle gym, and lots of grass to run run run!
I just think that people like to get out. And that Malcolm sleeps better. But I also realized tonight that it had gotten a little out of hand. In the winter we didn’t get out every day - but when it is sunny I feel like we’re *supposed to* get out there every single day. Since he turned 2 I feel like he has OTT energy, I think this has an impact on it all.
So tonight Jim suggested to me that probably most people did not go outside their home/yard every day. And that Malcolm would probably be okay if he didn’t go to the park tonight (which would be great, I’m kinda wiped out from this past week). So yes - this all boils down to a sudden awareness that I had made an unspoken rule that, deep down, I don’t know is useful or what I actually believe!
And so, my questions:
Do you and your family get out every day?
Does it differ with the season?
Does it differ with age of kid (if applicable)?



























