It’s a great feeling when I’m out and about with James in my local park and I meet new mum’s whom like me are trying to keep there little ones active and happy in the fresh air. I like to have a chat and see how their little ones are doing? It’s a great way for my little man to interact with other toddlers, as he’s jibber jabbing away and playing without even knowing it he’s gaining confidence and encouraging his social skills outdoors through play. I love chatting away having some adult conversation in the middle of the day it’s a definite positive for me too. I love how you don’t know what’s going to happen next, as you can end up singing nursery rhymes while pushing them on the swings or you can be counting the steps when you’re helping them to the top of the slide. All great fun for the kids and I have to say, it does make me feel good too!
It’s not always an easy task to keep my little man happy, as there are lots of factors that can change his mind in an instant! We can set off all excited and there’s no stopping him, then as soon as we arrive at the park he’s gone tired all of a sudden, he’s clinging onto my legs and wants picking up, so there’s just no point continuing, you know how it is! so its back home we go so I can put him down for a little nap, then when he wakes he’s like a brand new little man and we can do it all again! the lovely up’s and downs of motherhood! if we only had a crystal ball, how much simpler would our lives be!
There’s no stopping him now, he’s off seeking out his next quest, with his stick firmly placed in his hand, what will he find, and what magical experiences will James encounter next?! I’m not entirely sure, but I do know that I’m right beside him every step of the way. Encouraging social skills outdoors is definitely one of my top priorities, as we love the outdoors, meeting new people, sharing these magical moments is what makes being a mum the best!
Love
Mandy x

Author: Mandy J McDonald
A UK Family Lifestyle & Days Out Blogger – Sharing our mini family adventures & my love for all home and garden inspirations with lots of tips & tricks!!!
Katie Mulford
October 3, 2017 at 9:19 pmThat coat and hat – gorgeous! Enjoy exploring the great outdoors little man x #EplorerKids
Mandy J McDonald
October 4, 2017 at 3:36 pmAww thanks Katie, I just love that James loves the outdoors as much as we do! 🙂 xxx
Emma: Ettie and Me
October 4, 2017 at 12:46 pmwhat beautiful photos! I absolutely love the bobble hat 😀 Great post
Mandy J McDonald
October 4, 2017 at 3:32 pmAww thanks Emma thats so kind xxx
Sarah
October 5, 2017 at 9:09 amYou’re doing a grand job. I loved taking mine on walks when they were little and I still love it now that they are big. Nothing better than being outdoors. Sarah #ExplorerKids
Mandy J McDonald
October 10, 2017 at 1:07 pmAww thanks Sarah and you’re right there’s nothing better I’m just so glad my little one loves it as much as we do!:)xxxx
Helena
October 7, 2017 at 9:04 pmThere must be set times when the parents descend on the parks. We rarely see people when we go to our local one meaning we have it all to ourselves. #ExplorerKids
Mandy J McDonald
October 10, 2017 at 1:10 pmI know what you mean we’ve hunted high and low for the best parks in our local area and luckily for us just after the school run in the mornings and just the school finishes seem to be the best times.:) xxxxx
Su {Ethan & Evelyn}
October 10, 2017 at 9:16 amAww… Firstly, he is adorable! I missed that stage. It’s so exciting to see them doing their firsts. I like adult conversation too, even though we’ve seem to be talking about nothing else except my babies – well for me anyway. lol! But the park is a great place to make new friends not only for your toddlers but also for you. I think I’ve made a few good friends from just hanging with my toddler at the park. Such a lovely post.
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #ExplorerKids Linky. xx
Mandy J McDonald
October 10, 2017 at 2:33 pmAww thank you so much Su that’s so kind of you. I know what you mean about talking babies 😉 I think it’s a good common ground and I’ve met some lovely mum’s this way. Thanks again I love your #ExplorerKids linky there’s lots of great posts to read! xxx