People don’t spend as much time outdoors anymore, and that includes kids! But did you know that outdoor time is actually really important for our kids’ development?
I’ll be very honest with you: I stay indoors most of the time too.
I work on my desktop and love enjoying quiet moments alone in my room. It’s not that I deliberately avoid going outside; it’s actually more that I forget to be intentional about going outside! And I’m sure most of you city folks can relate.
But now that I have Luke, I try my best to make sure he spends a good amount of time outdoors! In fact, I include it in our daily schedule. (Tip: If scheduling is what it takes so you won’t forget, then schedule it!)
Finding Pockets of Greens in the City
And I know, it’s not easy to find places where you can go and enjoy the outdoors safely especially if you live in Manila (or a city like Manila!) BUT don’t be discouraged because if you look hard enough, you’ll find them!
For example, a good place within the city is Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. We had a picnic there with Luke last year it was wonderful and free! If you’re up for taking a longer drive, I highly recommend Nuvali as well.
Check out the link at the end of this article for more suggestions!
Benefits of Playing Outside
Whether you’re out in the gardens, playing on the beach or just enjoying a playground, letting kids enjoy the outdoors brings about a lot of benefits.
- Increases Vit. D Levels: A doctor once told us that a lot of Filipinos are Vitamin D deficient and they don’t know it! Did you know that some symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include depression, getting sick often and bone pain? You get Vitamin D from the sun, which is why you need to bring them out!
- They become more active: Kids are naturally more active outdoors than indoors and they are able to release their energy and stress as they play outside. It’s a great way to keep them moving!
- They learn how to explore and be more creative: Giving them a place where they can explore and experience unstructured play allows them to be learn independently and be more creative.
Getting dark, dirty and smelly? Consider them badges of honor!
Yes, it can get REALLY hot here in Manila but don’t let that stop you from bringing the kids outside.
My mom used to discourage me from spending too much time playing because she was deeply concerned about my skin getting really dark (haha!) But now that I think about it, so what if I get darker? I now consider them badges of honor; proofs of all the adventures I’ve been having under the sun. And the same goes with Luke!
(Of course though, I still make sure he is well-protected by applying the right amount of sunblock on him and making him wear a hat!)
As for getting dirty, sweaty and smelly? We don’t let that stop us either. Luke can play all he wants without worry as long as after playtime, I make sure to clean him up with wet wipes! If your kids get really smelly (hehe,) splash them with a little cologne! That’s an insider’s secret! #MomHack! Haha.
No, but really, I usually don’t use colognes but these scents from Bambini are an exception because they’re hypoallergenic and really mild! They keep him smelling fresh even after some good fun! My favorite’s the blue one called “Ocean Kisses” because he would smell like he just took a bath! (Tip: The 25mL bottles are perfect for travel!)
Enjoy Life’s Little Surprises!
No doubt it takes effort to go and bring the kids out, but do it anyway. Invest your time, money and effort on experiences. The joy you’ll see on your little one’s face will tell you that it’s worth it!
And it doesn’t take a lot to go outside; you don’t have to plan a getaway just to get them outdoors. You can have lots of fun even in your own backyard, literally! In the everyday things, always cultivate a sense of childlike wonder in your own heart. If you look hard enough, you’ll find that there are so many little surprises waiting to be discovered along the way.
People always say that “they won’t be babies forever” and though it’s so cliche, it’s just so true. So take them outside and enjoy life’s little surprises while you still have the chance!
(Click this link for ideas on roadtrips you can take with the kids from Manila.)
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About Bambini Baby Colognes
Bambini Baby hopes to be a part of every parent and child’s small moments and big adventures. They’ve sure been a part of ours!
The baby colognes come in 5 different scents and are available in three sizes — 25ml, 50ml and 125ml. All their colognes are mildly scented, dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. Perfect for your little ones!