Outside

Those of you who are new to the blog, I’m a huge fan of outside time! I think it is rejuvenating for the adults and the kids. But, even more importantly, it lends itself perfectly to unstructured play time. Verbal abilities become less important, and our basic humanity kicks in. We pay closer attention to the world around us and it is good for our souls.

If you have a safe, fenced area for your children to play, wonderful. If not, check the internet for “special needs playground near me.” These playgrounds often have safety fences and accessible equipment. This allows you to relax a bit more while still getting your kids some fresh air and sunshine. Even some typical playgrounds near you may have a fence and gate. I know you still need to be vigilant, but at least the fence provides an added layer of safety.
You can also look up “nature trails,” “hiking trails” or “bike paths” near you for other options for outside time with a buffer between you and the motor vehicles. Cast a wide net. Even just some vitamin D from the sun will be helpful for mood and overall health.
For more on the importance of getting outside, click the link below. There are extra links within the link to reinforce the importance of getting outside.
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink*
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