Yesterday, the notion came to me that I seem to be a better mom when I'm outdoors. It feels that way these days anyway...
It's so easy to get cooped up in the house in the winter with the cold and blowing snow... Now that the sun and warmth are here, I'm finding myself making a point of getting outside with the kids more.
Bike rides around the block, playtime at the park, taking the younger two for a stroll in the double running stroller as I go for a run, playing on our swing set or hopping the fence to sit with my neighbour in the back as our kids play together (we've been doing that a lot the past couple of weeks - it's been great spontaneous play dates!)
Why a better mom outdoors? Because when I'm out of the house, other than the odd weed needing to be pulled, there are fewer distractions... no dirty dishes, laundry or toys in the middle of the floor to deal with, no computer or phone calling my name... Just me and the kids, the birds, the squirrels and the odd bunny rabbit. We're silly, we're active, we laugh, we stop to notice things in nature... No one tugging on my arm trying to take me away from whatever task is causing me to only half listen to their pleas...
I always feel good about the days spent outside... and I usually don't feel so great when the distractions in the house leave me feeling like I've neglected the kids at the end of the day.
Outdoors I relax. I enjoy the kids and the sunshine. I feel alive.
Today is a bit of both... bed sheets and bathrooms needing to be cleaned before the long weekend, a few things to wrap up on the computer... but I won't miss out on heading outdoors when the baby wakes up. It's too beautiful out! If only I could forget the responsibilities that await me indoors altogether!
Have you been getting outdoors?
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Great reminder
12 years ago
I can SO relate to this Mel. I find it really hard to ignore the unfolded laundry or the dustballs or the dishes when we are in the house but when we're outside, I can be SO much more focused on playing, observing and learning about the world with Milo. A better mum for sure!
ReplyDeleteI like your post - I can understand exactly what you mean. My best mommy days are also outside with my girls. Not only do we feel better from the exercise and fresh air, but also at the end of the day the house is a lot less messy, since the kids weren't getting into everything!
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