NANA SAYS LOTS OF FUN AHEAD OUTDOORS WITH THE GRANDCHILDREN

Although the weather is cooler than wanted, the outdoors and short day trips are on the horizon. Being outside with grandchildren is so welcome. The local park we call granpa's park is a simple little playground the children love.

With slides and monkeybars as well as swings, something for many children. A short walk from home, it has been a favourite activity for all the grandchildren.

Kids can make little adventures. Usually taking them in the little wagon where snacks can be stored when they need a break.
Of course, there may be car trips to other places like Pioneer Village or the Ontario Science Centre or a conservation area for a picnic. Sometimes the Moms drag me along on their trips like the Toronto Zoo last summer! Rainy days bring fun indoor places too. Bring on Spring and Summer with the possibilities of lots of fun! Who says children need to have all the fun!

NANA SAYS PRETENTIOUS PARENTS ARE ANNOYING

While babysitting my grandchildren last weekend, a trip to one of our locale parks was a must. A splash pad,  swings and spider web climber as well as an area with a multi functional climbers, slides and fun things. I overheard a local parent saying to her husband, come on let's go there is a better park for us. I took a good look at the area. It is connected to a community centre with a pool. There is a large soceer field as well as a baseball diamond which had teams playing that day. The splash pad has fountains that spray water from the ground and a huge fish that has moments of varying water spray. Not a cheesy place. It made me think about other children of the world that may be lucky to have a ball to kick. The complex is funded by local taxes, not costing for a day's visit. My little ones had a ball. After an hour of fun it was time to go home! What messages do we teach our children if we turn up our noses at very fun and functional things! What message was that pretentious parent giving to her little child? Sometimes we need to realize what we do have for ourselves as well as our children. Our local libraries always have programs beyond just books. Our Central Library has a coffee shop as well. Accessible areas for children can keep the playing field even. The park is open to everyone. So not just the neighbouring houses but others from housing complexes could come. No one knows where you live. Giving children a chance to exercise is always a good thing! As a grandparent, I worry that every parent thinks their child deserves more things! A message that may come back to bite someone in the butt!

A TRIP TO THE LITTLE PLAYGROUND PARKETTE

On a  babysitting Saturday night, an after dinner wagon ride to the playground near our house brought some interesting reflections. As the park is located near two large condo buildings, it was interesting to note that many of the children there were young teenagers. I guess they had no where else to go. Some older Persian women with their Timmies coffee watching the group while sitting on the picnic table. My two little grandchildren went down the slide, played on the monkey bars and the twirly ring-having some fun. 1/2 hour later it was time to go back home for baths and downtime before bedtime. Pulling the wagon, I have the knowledge of what a donkey thinks and feels!

NANA SAYS OUTDOOR PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

With the warmer weather here, the outdoors becomes a great playground. A fenced in yard can keep children safe. Depending on the day- bug spray, sunscreen , a good hat and we are now advised to use sunglasses for not only adults but children of all ages. My yard is paths and gardens so teaching the little to leave the dirt in the garden and the stones on the path is a constant struggle. We are creating a little area under one of the trees so it can become " a fort"! Cheap plastic toys, a wagon and somewhere to sit makes for fun! My yard is full of rocks that the children like to climb and sit on! If you do not have a yard, there are many parks with lots of equipment or just go to the grassy area for some creative play. Make a picnic! Low tech! Old imagination! Listen to the birds- identify them. Teach about the trees! Pick up pinecones- then try to find uses for them! Nature becomes a lesson in constant progress! Walks, jogging and long bike rides work for older children and teenagers! If you are a lucky one with a cottage, learning the rules of the water- swimming, boating- learning to canoe or row a boat, and whatever the area brings in terms of wildlife and vegetation! Every adult becomes a teacher! Of course reading a book outside or doing a craft with natural products becomes fun. What do you have in your yard? Can an area become a castle for a princess and prince? Can a section of your garden become the little one's spot for flowers or vegetables? Get a bird book and a natural atlas for your area! Have fun looking up new any unknown "thing" with the family! Even if teenagers appear to be totally uninterested, keep at it anyway! They continue to learn through osmosis! As we spend more time outdoors with the children in our lives, it can have a great benefit on us! I find the screaming, and sometimes fighting that occurs with my grandchildren is less annoying as the sound evaporates into the air! Of course, helps with naps and sleeps as the play and air does tend to tire children. Tires adults as well! Oh the great outdoors- just love it!