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Had Your Fill of Fall Fun?
Monday, October 17, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Have you had your fill of fall fun?
I'm talking apples, leaves, pumpkins, cider, corn stalks, hayrides, and more!
No? Now's the time!
Let's face it, the clock is ticking (and for once, I'm not talking about my biological clock). I'm talking about Old Man Winter coming this way!
When it comes to child development, getting out and enjoying nature is an easy, inexpensive way for your child to learn, grow, play, and have some fun.
Whether you just brought your little one home or they've been toddling around for years, here's a few ideas to get you out and about before this glorious season fades.
1. Get to a pumpkin patch. First of all, it's a great place for pictures. Your little pumpkin surrounded by hundreds of bright orange pumpkins. Secondly, the sensory experience is perfect for little ones. Encourage your little one to touch, climb (well, as long as the owner of the patch doesn't seem to mind - lol!), and explore the pumpkins. Of course, often found at such places are bales of straw, colorful mums, apple cider (not too much for little tummies!), and a host of other fall fun activities.
2. Find a forest of trees and take a walk. Tykes are portable. Outings don't have to be long or elaborate; even a short excursion is appropriate and fun with your little one. If you have a toddler, slow down. Let them walk and pick up nuts, leaves, and sticks. Let them look at the ants that crawl along. One of the amazing things about having children is seeing the world through their eyes!
3. Carve a pumpkin. No, don't put the sharp objects in your little one's hands. However, even little hands can help with scooping the guts out of a pumpkin and can be part of a yearly family tradition. Don't want to carve? Get out some washable, non-toxic tempera paint and let your little one paint a masterpiece on a pumpkin. Don't worry about the product (if you are worried about the finished look, make one yourself once your kiddo has went to sleep!). It is the process of exploring with arts materials that your little one benefits from.
4. Find some leaves. If you're lucky enough to be in an area of a country where leaves fall from the trees, rake them up and have some fun. Lay in them (Kodak moment!), jump in them, crinkle them - see what your little one does with them. And, if you're looking to get some yard work done, don't underestimate the value of your little one. It's worth a little investment to purchase a few child-size yard tools (rake, shovel, spade). Our kiddos may slow down the pace a little when it comes to getting work done, but they can also make it a lot more fun. Enjoy the moment.
Are you guilty of rushing through fall, attempting to get all the outdoor projects done before the snow flies?
I am! Here's a friendly reminder to slow down.
Forget about trying to clean up the yard. Instead, enjoy the magic of the changing of the seasons with some fall fun.
What fall fun are you and your little one having these days?
