The military has afforded our family the chance to live in a ton of different cities – which means we’ve had the chance to explore a lot of different areas. And for our kids, that means a lot of different PARKS! So, of course they’re big fans of that!
One of the things that I’ve always prioritized is taking my kids to the park. Of course, it’s a chance for them to play and get some energy out, but to me, it’s so much more than that. It’s a simple activity, it’s FREE, it doesn’t take much planning… and it gets you out of the house on the days you feel like you just might lose your mind! No matter where you go – the kids will have fun: the slides, the swings, the tunnels, the sand pit, the monkey bars – even playing in mulch and dirt (every toddler’s favorite activity, right?).
But for moms – the park can be our oasis, too. The park can be our place to let loose with the kids – race them to the swing set, go down the slides with them, build sand castles, and show them that mom can still hang on the monkey bars, too! It can also be a place to simply wind down – let the kids run around and run their energy out, while you sit back and watch; let them be kids, and be free without worrying about them tearing up the house.
If you take the time to sit back and watch – you’ll see all the different types of parents and caregivers at the park, too – the moms who let their kids run wild, the moms who watch over their kids’ every move, and the moms who are somewhere in between. You’ll see the moms who direct their kids to certain areas, and the ones who let their kids choose where to go. You’ll see the moms who have never-ending energy, and the ones who clearly deserve a break. You’ll see it all!
As moms, we all have our reasons for parenting the way that we do, and we’re all learning to be the parents that our kids need – so that’s something I really want to encourage all of you to explore. We’re all moms – we’re all in this together, no matter how we parent our babies – and we all have something to learn from our kids, and from one another! And the park is a great place to do that. So, next time you take your kids to the park, look around – no matter what reason you’re there, no matter what reason the other moms are there, we’re there for our kids to build memories – and that’s what it’s all about!
Have a great week mama’s! I hope you take some time and go to the park with your kids!
XOXO!
Amy Upchurch, Founder & CEO