Do you get your children out in the fresh air every day?

[Daimari]

I do try but it’s raining pretty relentlessly here (12 months so not able to walk confidently yet.)

Probably a daft thread but I always think it seems to impact sleep!

Yes especially when toddlers. If not walking yet, waterproofs and at least a push in the buggy for fresh air and a push on the swings at the playground.

It drives me insane to be stuck inside with little kids - they need exercise and air to avoid becoming feral

We go out every day but usually because we just have to be somewhere and I very very rarely use my car. My kids are 2, 4 and 6 though so it can be slow going!

Yes, every day. Even if it's just a 10 minute walk with the buggy or a quick play in the garden. My oldest especially needs the fresh air or her behaviour is awful.

No and I don't know anyone who does.

@mistermagpie

We go out every day but usually because we just have to be somewhere and I very very rarely use my car. My kids are 2, 4 and 6 though so it can be slow going!

This is us too. Today our only 'time out' was that we went to collect a parcel and to the co-op to buy ingredients for scones - but that's a 25 minute round walk with a 3 year old! We walked past the park on the way and it was, unsurprisingly, empty and DS had no interest whatsoever in going on soaked equipment in the rain! He did have a good splash in a lot of puddles along the way, though. So we didn't really 'do' anything outdoors, but we all got our heads out of the house which I personally can't really cope without doing.

Yes I do no matter what the weather

I can't deal with being stuck inside all day either. So we always go out, if weather is poor I stick on waterproofs and allow them to jump in puddles and that keeps mind off the miserable weather

I try to! Even if it's a walk in the fields with the dogs or they go out for a spin on their quad.

It's nice when they happily go off on their own to explore or play without me prompting.

In the summer they are outside all day usually

Not every day, no. I did force everyone out in the rain on Tuesday (inset day) but it wasn’t really worth it - took half an hour to get 5 kids into wet weather gear but they were still cold and miserable in the park so we didn’t stay long. Today we chilled at home and it’s been much more fun for everyone. Though the youngest (2) did get taken out for a buggy run under the rain cover to get him to nap.

Good lord, yes! Children are like labradors and need to be exercised several times a day!

Now they’re older at school, I do rather miss the days of layering them into waterproofs and letting them loose in puddles etc.

Yes

Mines 3 now but when she couldn't walk around 1 (pre-Covid) I would take her to a shopping centre/large department store if it was raining like this.

The upper floors, particularly furniture section, are generally emptier so she would then be able to helped to walk around.

I only got the idea as years ago I worked with an Australian who did that with his toddler.

Since she's been able to walk it's wellies and puddlesuit for her, and wellies and waterproof trousers for the adult taking her out.

I always did but since the second lockdown I just cannot be arsed. So much effort for no reward.

And actually my younger dc are quite happy having the odd day at home just being able to play with their toys uninterrupted

Yes. At 12mo it was more for me than dc. I don't do well staying in all day. I need fresh air. When I work I don't get out as much but I'm dropping dc off and picking up so not cooped up all day and I go out to a cafe or to the gym.

So if you like staying in don't worry about it. I think as your ds gets older and more mobile you will need to get him to the park or on a walk. I do think fresh air and exercise is good for everyone.

The vast majority of days yes, but I don’t beat myself up about the odd day. My 2.5 year old hasn’t been feeling the best and we offered to take her out about 30 times today but she wasn’t interested, even when I went out without her. She happily played with her toys and read books and did drawing. Am sure she will want to go out tomorrow though! Xx

Yes, my son is 16mo and we go out every moring and every afternoon rain, hail or shine. If it is raining we go to a cafe for a quick snack then the supermarket, or head to a museum or the library.
I'm so sick of standing around in the cold these days 😒 but it definitely improves his mood and sleep and breaks up the day.

It's bringing back the horror of this time last year - being stood outside freezing my arse off with a new baby strapped to me while my 3yo had a quick run round the playground because there was nothing else to do.

We go out every day but I've got a car so if it's pouring down it's a quick trip to the supermarket, cafe or if I'm desperate, soft play. I don't mind a bit of puddle splashing but I've got a not yet walking 1yo and the idea of dealing with a soaking wet buggy dripping on my floors just doesn't seem worth it some days.

Yes. My kids are like dogs who need walked everyday. As babies it helped their sleep and as they have gotten older they need it too. Especially DS1 who has suspected ADHD and too much energy.

It is easier for me now as my kids are 6 and 8. They take themselves out in the back garden or play out front on their bikes (we live in a quiet dead end of a cul-de-sac). They also don't mind the rain too much.

Nope - although I know my toddler would prefer if we did go out daily. Sometimes I simply can’t be bothered.