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Spring has finally arrived to my Midwestern home. It has been a very long winter and my daughter and I have been cooped up for a long time. It has been great to be able to get out of the house and play outside. Plus the novelty of being outside is allowing me the chance to get some work done. Here are some tips for making the most of the weather and finding opportunities to work, while your children play.

Secure your yard. Much like baby proofing your home, your yard should also be safe place for your children to play. A fenced in yard with a self closing gate is ideal. If you do not have a fenced in yard, a play yard may be a great alternative for younger children. Do a thorough spring cleaning of your yard to pick up any sharp objects that could harm your child. If you have a swimming pool, make sure the area is secure. Here is a great article on childproofing your yard.

Have appropriate outdoor toys. A sandbox is always a hit. My daughter will spend an hour putting sand in a bucket and dumping it back out again. Make sure you have a cover to keep the sand clean. A swing set can also provide hours of enjoyment. In warm weather a kid’s pool can be great for cooling off.

Make sure that there is a shady spot for your children to sit in occasionally to avoid overheating. Sun block is also a must to prevent sunburn. Provide each of your children with a water bottle to keep from being dehydrated.

If you have wireless internet at your home and a laptop then you may be able to work from your yard if you need to be online. Otherwise I have found a simple pad of paper and a pen are great tools to have around in order to get the job done. And remember to have fun! Being outside and enjoying the fresh air is just as important to you as it is to your children.

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities? Do you find you can get more work done while your kids are playing outside? I really love this time of year.

Warmly,
Mia