When you’re looking after kids in the house, day in day out, it can feel a bit like you’re in prison. Like Steve McQueen in ‘The Great Escape’, throwing that baseball against the wall, time after time. Except that, instead of Steve McQueen, it’s your kids. And it’s not a baseball they’re throwing, but your crockery.
Before you start tunneling out through the floor, take a look at this list of 5 great things to get out to with your kids.
1. Storytime.
Most public libraries and even some cafes run a mid-morning storytime/singalong session for kids and parents. Some toddlers don’t sit still during the stories, but the singing and dancing is great for tiring them out in time for the afternoon nap. If the host is good they’ll throw in a few jokes for the adults along the way to keep you entertained.
2. The pool.
Kids love water. Splashing, screaming, divebombing – there’s plenty of ways to burn up that toddler energy. On the other hand, babies love a good relaxing float. Swim nappies for babies are a must, though. And make sure to time it so you hop in after they’ve done a poo. We don’t want any of those floaters!
3. Crybaby sessions.
Sounds like Hell. Listening to babies crying? What torture is this? Well, it’s not what you think. This activity involves going to a special screening at the cinema where the theatre is full of parents and babies. A lot of cinemas have them, especially the smaller independent places. It’s a great way to catch a flick without having to worry about your kid piping up at the wrong moment and ruining the atmosphere. The atmosphere is already full of cries. Unless the little ones are all asleep. Still, there’s a reason the movies are subtitled!
4. The park.
The good old park. If you’re lucky enough to have a play-park close to you, make the most of it! A 30 minute spell of running about between swings and slides and seesaws and sandpits can be the difference between a little angel and a destructive dynamo when it comes to nap time. As long as the equipment is age appropriate you can also get the chance to chat to other parents that may be there. If you have the place to yourself, why not join in the play. Go on! Down the slide! Nobody’s watching…
5. The beach.
Who doesn’t love the beach? Ok, maybe whales and dolphins, but most other higher mammals do – including your child. There are waves to run from, sand to build castles with, and discoveries to be made in the rock pools. Why not get an ice-cream and walk along the beach, teaching Junior how to skim pebbles? Go on, show the kids your amazing record of 7 skips of stone along the water…if they have the time.
‘Hold on…1,2,3…aah!…
wait, wait, wait…1,2,3,4,5…gah!…
this time,this time..1,2.3,4…bah!…
Hey…Wait up!!!’
So… if you feel like every day is Groundhog Day, just remember this motto:
Don’t break down. Break out!
First steps for Dad 