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Outdoor Fun, Lots of Learning
Brave the Heat and Have a Ball with Your Toddler!
By Rachel Bauman
The Zoo
This classic activity is still a favorite. It's the perfect fun learning experience. Practice animal sounds, and check out the petting zoo, too! This is great to do with friends or just the immediate family. The bonus is that your toddler will learn more about animals. Later, go to the library to check out books about one or two of your child's favorite species. Outdoor Fairs
These can be a lot of fun – just make sure there are rides for toddlers and that they pass safety regulations. "Keep it simple" should be your motto when planning an outing. Don't prepare too much, and don't bring too much. Remember that toddlers can be fascinated by just about anything they see. If preparation becomes a burden to you, you'll choose to stay home. This will be bad for you and your toddler. You should be able to just pick up and go at the drop of a hat. One great way to motivate yourself to get out is to arrange outings with a friend a couple of times a week.
Safety Issues
Dr. David Fay, a family physician, father of two and iParenting expert, suggests a few rules to follow when dealing with outdoor safety for toddlers: - Observation. "Toddlers were not intended to explore the world alone," Dr. Fay says. "Try to anticipate unsafe situations, rather than reacting to them. The only real way to give toddlers the freedom to explore without danger is to stay close, especially near hazards like water or heights."
- Dress for the weather. Make sure that your toddler is adequately protected from the sun with clothing, sunscreen and a hat. Clothing will also serve as protection against allergic reaction to plants. Finally, and most importantly, make sure your little one is wearing good shoes with non-slip soles.
- Watch for animals. Both wild and domestic animals can be dangerous. Most wild animals will bite if pursued by humans. Domestic animals, such as dogs, will "play" with a toddler the only way they know how – with their mouths. This can lead to a severe bite.