Park Rules... for Moms

I'll be honest. I used to not like going to the park with my kids. Give me 5-10 minutes and I'd be ready to get out of there. Well, this summer we've spent a LOT of time at dozens of parks. We've got 3-4 within reasonable walking distance and let's face it, we've got long winters in Wisconsin, so I'd better get my kids out of the house while I can. What more does a 3-year old and a 1-year old love to do when it's warm out? Despite my past grudge with playgrounds, I really have learned to enjoy them.

10 Things This Mom Learned at the Park:

1. Don't expect to sit and read a book while your kids play. I never get through two paragraphs, so by not bringing a book I don't set myself up for disappointment.

2. When my kids turn three, they're not allowed to go in the baby swings. Try getting a three year old in one while you've got a baby on your hip! It's just too heavy and awkward to get them in and out and they really can handle the big kid swings by then.

3. I try to bring our own sand pails and shovels if the park has a sand box. This will occupy them for a while and it helps them to learn to share and make friends.

4. Teach your kids to pump as early as possible. My goal is by the time they turn 4, but we'll have to see how that goes next summer...

5. Never go down the slide with your kids on your lap. I've recently heard from two moms that they've broken their kids legs this way. Yikes!

6. I don't let my kids go on the swings until they've played for 10-15 minutes. I think I deserve a break while they find things to play on when we first get there. Plus, they would have me push them on the swings for hours if I let them.

7. Packing a lunch or some snacks really helps tide everyone over so that we can stay longer and not have meltdowns or McD's runs on the way home.

8. We like try out new parks all the time. It's exciting for the kids to explore new playground structures and it's more fun for me than just going to the same place every time.

9. The park is a great place for me to help my kids challenge themselves. I encourage my kids to go down the slide on their tummies hands first, run across the wobbly bridges, and try all the various climbing walls. With me near them they gain confidence and learn that they can reach a little higher.

10. You know what the best thing about the park is? Letting your kids run around wild and having no mess to clean up afterwards! Oh and did I mention that it's totally free fun?

These are just a few things that I've learned this summer. I hope they will help those of you with young children. What are your tips and tricks?