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Original poster

Not taking children out daily?

437 replies

Givemeabreak88 · 28/01/2021 13:57

Reading another thread it seems we should be taking our kids out everyday, I don’t do this, mine don’t want to go out every day, they would never want to just walk around the estate (we live in London and not a nice part!) there is a local park but they’ve been to it one million times now so no longer want to go, I haven’t taken them out for a while now (I don’t go shopping) is it bad to not take them out everyday? I can’t imagine getting dressed to just walk around a housing estate! What does everyone else do?

OP posts:
MessAllOver · 31/01/2021 18:57

One of the best things about being outdoors, especially when it's raining, is coming back in again.

Benjispruce2 · 31/01/2021 19:03

I can’t remember the last day didn’t go outside.Probably just after having a baby 17/20 years ago. Love fresh air .

Original poster
Givemeabreak88 · 31/01/2021 19:41

Well we did take a trip to the local park earlier today anyway and it was completely empty! (Normally very busy when not raining)

OP posts:
wardrobesandthebackofthem · 31/01/2021 19:52

So it's interesting how many people are worried that their children are confined to the house, worried about what it means for their mental health, would call it cruelty if we did what Spain did...

But don't take their kids outside.

That's volunteering for a much tougher lockdown than anyone is imposing

wardrobesandthebackofthem · 31/01/2021 19:54

One of the best things about being outdoors, especially when it's raining, is coming back in again.

True. Even if you don't enjoy it, you have the physical benefits and natural light, then appreciate home slightly more.

Tiquismiquis · 31/01/2021 20:04

wardrobesandthebackofthem There’s a bit of a balance to be had though isn’t there. My children are active and outside most days. The odd day spent at home isn’t really volunteering for lockdown or in my view failing at basic parenting. I’ve spent long enough walking in rain for a commute to know I don’t find it particularly fun or enjoyable. I think you’re better to look at things like activity and food over the course of a week as there will always be variation.

Many people will be struggling at the moment with work and remote learning. I’m very fortunate to have a school place but I couldn’t condemn people who have been glued to their lap tops struggling with getting outside. It’s not ideal and I’m sure they know it’s not ideal.

LondonLovie · 31/01/2021 20:06

We have been trying to get out as much as possible- but definitely not ever day with this wet and cold weather!

sailonsilvergirls · 31/01/2021 20:12

*True. Even if you don't enjoy it, you have the physical benefits and natural light, then appreciate home slightly more.
*
You have a very stressful energy.

wardrobesandthebackofthem · 31/01/2021 20:20

The odd day spent at home isn’t really volunteering for lockdown or in my view failing at basic parenting.

No. I was responding to posters aiming for once a week, or who couldn't remember the last time they'd done it.

Respiratory issues are often worse without time outside, too.

I feel for children in lockdown and house arrest is just taking things too far. They're too young to realise the importance of getting out...but as parents we should know! Otherwise, we're contributing to the problem.

NerrSnerr · 31/01/2021 20:29

@wardrobesandthebackofthem Please don't get a job in public health. You're really not persuading anyone with your posts.

Benjispruce2 · 31/01/2021 20:32

Agree with @wardrobesandthebackofthem

Original poster
Givemeabreak88 · 31/01/2021 20:40

Yeh see not going out for weeks and weeks is not the same as only going out 3/4/5 times a week, we haven’t been locked in the house for weeks we just don’t go out every single day.

OP posts:
mumwalk · 02/02/2021 22:10

To all those horrified at what they seem to suggest is a lack of good parenting, some of us work long hours. I manage to support some home schooling during the day (again not as much as I'd like), which results in my working day getting even longer. I get a 30 min lunch break, during which I have the choice of feeding my children or taking them for a walk. I take a break from work to cook a meal and then they get ready for bed. Undoubtedly I'd rather take them out more often but it is simply not possible. I'm baffled as to why people find this so hard to understand. For the record, under normal circumstances we are a very outdoors family.

Chutneywashisname · 03/02/2021 00:36

I get a 30 min lunch break, during which I have the choice of feeding my children or taking them for a walk

I agree.
What I can't understand is all those wfh and homeschooling and still managing to have an hour every day to go outside in the afternoons. I presume nobody doing this works from 9-5, grabs a quick meal and then tries to sort out homeschooling with reluctant kids? This nonsense about going out during lunchtime means you don't eat and by the time coats and outdoor shoes are located and on, there wouldn't be any time outside before coming in and changing clothes, settling kids with something to do to keep them busy and getting ready yourself to be back at the laptop.

ceeveebee · 03/02/2021 08:04

This is exactly what I said upthread! Today I have calls from 830 until gone 5 with 30 mins spare in the morning, during which I will submit the DCs work, and 30 mins break for lunch which is just about enough time to make a sandwich and maybe treat myself to a wee. After calls have finished I’ll then be continuing with work as have a big deadline approaching.

I may be wrong but perhaps those who manage an hour outside during the day every day either don’t work, or have a bit more flexibility in their roles.

Charles11 · 03/02/2021 10:18

I do think it’s important for children to move their bodies, well adults too.
If they’re doing that then that’s fine.
Maybe a 10-15 min kids exercise session, or running around the garden daily then more at the weekends.
Would preparing a ‘packed lunch’in the morning help those of you who are working full time in demanding roles? It seems a shame that you don’t get a break at all and have to rush around the kitchen preparing food.

Shibees · 03/02/2021 17:40

@ceeveebee

This is exactly what I said upthread! Today I have calls from 830 until gone 5 with 30 mins spare in the morning, during which I will submit the DCs work, and 30 mins break for lunch which is just about enough time to make a sandwich and maybe treat myself to a wee. After calls have finished I’ll then be continuing with work as have a big deadline approaching.

I may be wrong but perhaps those who manage an hour outside during the day every day either don’t work, or have a bit more flexibility in their roles.

Yes I am one of those fortunate enough to wfh in a very flexible, part time job. This enables me to support home schooling & get out every single day with DD for 1-2 hours in the fresh air. I can’t imagine being unable to do this. It just be hard working full time, 9-5 at the moment.
blowinahoolie · 04/02/2021 12:41

Charles that's a fab suggestion👍 if packed lunches were marked in fridge for everyone, they could grab a bag and eat. Frees up time for a 15 minute walk round the block.Smile

TheMoth · 04/02/2021 15:49

How do you make them run around the garden? One dc trampolines, the other stands and waits for the bell to go. He will cycle for up to about 20 miles in all weathers. He will walk a few miles/ hours without complaint. But he won't do aimless garden wandering as there's 'nothing really to do. And it's 30 steps to the end of my garden.

LondonLovie · 04/02/2021 22:18

A dog doesn’t have daily zoom calls, homework and lessons to attend. A dog isn’t 2.5 and tends to take 30 mins to get out the house either screaming and resisting. Life isn’t black and white

Oneweekleft · 04/02/2021 22:35

Ive seen kids and teens in my area out on rollerskates. Maybe this would make a walk round the block more appealing. Its healthy to get fresh air and exercise every day just to move your body and look into the distance for your eyes.

Pissedoff1234 · 04/02/2021 22:40

Getting so tired of all the smug parents on here. Seriously, if you want to go out every day because that helps your mood then go for it. If you and your kids aren't outdoors types then don't.

There's not much vitamin d to be got in winter so just take a supplement.

Life will be picking up in a few months time and the weather will be nicer. Health and fitness can be picked up too. This is not forever. We don't go out too much as we are all working and schooling, dark nights and rubbish weather. Once things are back to normal, my kids will be walking most places, energetic clubs and busy busy weekends. This isn't forever and the best thing that any of us can do is what is right for our family. We should all be supporting each other but that's not what Mumsnet does

Iknowwhatudidlastsummer · 04/02/2021 23:13

Getting so tired of all the smug parents on here.

such a shame some people have such low standards that people trying to make an effort are accused of boasting or being smug.

Iknowwhatudidlastsummer · 04/02/2021 23:18

What I can't understand is all those wfh and homeschooling and still managing to have an hour every day to go outside in the afternoons.

It's easy, we take an hour - or 30 minutes if that's all we get during office hours. But then we work more than 9 to 5.

It's 11, I am just wrapping work for the day, and having a quick browse on internet rubbish whilst printing what's needed for homeschooling and preparing for the day.

I don't need a search party for outdoor shoes and coats Confused , they are right there where we hang them when we come home.

The simple truth is to replace "I don't have time" but "it's not a priority". Gives a better perspective on things.

Pissedoff1234 · 05/02/2021 00:02

@Iknowwhatudidlastsummer

And there's the smugness again. You have no idea what effort I'm putting in with my kids but choose to decide I have low standards.