photo by PaulaVK

So wherever you are in the country, Spring is either there or just around the corner.  Most of our children have a little bit of Spring Fever.  My son is obsessed with playing outside, actually he is obsessed with riding his tricycle.  Everyday he pretends to be the UPS man and delivers packages down the street to one of his friends houses.  He has improved so much on his tricycle and flies down the street pedaling as fast as he can go.  He has even take to riding on driveway slopes and occasionally crashing into curbs.  Also, my son enjoys playing with a soccer ball and kicking it in the street “it goes farther…”  Of course, it also gets mommy running after a ball before it rolls to far away, a little extra exercise for me!  Whether it is the park, the backyard, or the driveway, get outside with  your child.  Learning motor skills is essential to your child’s development and allows you time outside with your child to get you moving too.

I recently was introduced to a new site called ebeanstalk.com that discusses toys that are beneficial to your child’s development.  They actually brought in a host of experts to discuss why certain toys are better than others and which work at different times in your child’s life.  I am impressed with their panel and the interesting articles they include in their Expert Advice.  Physical Therapist, Deanie Barth contributed a great article on “Achieving Gross Motor Milestones and Play Skills through Summer Time Fun,” she discusses different toys for kids at different age milestones.   Check out their site, it is great to have recommended toys for each age group.

Overall, I am excited that my son finds playing outside so much fun.  As a kid I remember playing outside daily and having all our friends outside too.  It is good for their physical fitness and development and establishes a lifelong love for the outdoors.  Get outside with your child and have some fun!