Spring fever!
Can you feel it in the air?
The nights are crisp but already the days are getting warmer! The sun is peeking out and I can feel a tickle in my nose and an itch in the back of my throat. After a long, rainy (very welcomed of course) winter I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy to welcome hayfever!
Spring. What a fabulous time to brush off the cobwebs of a winter trapped inside and get out and about with the kids. Improve your and your children’s fitness and general wellbeing and reignite their curiosity in the world.
There are so many things to do. You can start with a simple walk in the park and a play in the playground but I’m an advocate of the slightly more interesting.
How about a bike ride? There are many bike seats out there for children, front and rear mounted or tandem trail behinds but what to do with the littler ones who are prone to falling asleep, head lolling?
Try a bike trailer. Your kids can happily potter about in the back with a few toys, a drink and a snack enjoying the view whilst you improve your fitness.
Bike trailers range in price but if cost is an issue many bike rental shops have them available for hire.
We recently hired one and rode the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley South Australia. 20 kilometres later and we realized we could be a bit fitter but what a lovely family outing - riding through vineyards, stopping at the local pub for lunch, a few little wine tastes (in moderation of course). Beautiful!
Or how about a hike in the hills? There are plenty of tracks suitable for little legs but for babies a hiking pack is a must. Take the opportunity to teach your children to savour the great outdoors - look at the new growth, smell the air, look for animal tracks and fresh animal poo! Do a little research beforehand so you can tell your children who’s poo is who’s!
Stop at creeks and ponds and search for yabbies and tadpoles. Feed the ducklings. Enjoy the new life that spring brings to the land. You and your children will feel invigorated by it!
Again hiking packs range in price but you may like to see if you can borrow a friend’s or have a look on ebay.
An outing that is often closer to home is a trip to your local farmers market. It’s a great opportunity to talk to your children about seasonal produce and for them to learn how it all grows and how products are made. It is also a great way to promote healthy, interesting eating.
A friend’s four year old daughter Lucy picks something each week to try that she has never had before. Some items they have tried so far have been venison sausages, a runny goats cheese, sheeps milk, kumquats, pumpkin bread and silvanberries. The results have been mixed but even when the taste isn’t quite to her palate, Lucy loves the thrill of the search and the risk of trying something new.
And finally, get out into the garden!
What a wonderful time to explore the new growth and to plant some spring vegetables or flowers.
It doesn’t need to be involved, some seeds in a pot on the window sill is just as exciting as growing a large crop.
Try growing herbs - taste and smell them and talk about what food you could put them in. Make simple bottles of herb scented olive oils.
Crush lavender and rosemary in a little piece of cloth and run your child’s bath water through it for an aromatherapy bath. Sprinkle in some flower petals…And when your children are in bed, have an aromatherapy bath yourself! Bliss!
Spring presents us with so many options so make the most of it.
You and your children will feel better for it!
Emma Anderson
Childcare professional and mother
