People don’t spend as much time outdoors anymore, and that includes kids! But did you know that outdoor time is actually really important for our kids’ development?
I’ll be very honest with you: I stay indoors most of the time too.
I work on my desktop and love enjoying quiet moments alone in my room. It’s not that I deliberately avoid going outside; it’s actually more that I forget to be intentional about going outside! And I’m sure most of you city folks can relate.
But now that I have Luke, I try my best to make sure he spends a good amount of time outdoors! In fact, I include it in our daily schedule. (Tip: If scheduling is what it takes so you won’t forget, then schedule it!)
Finding Pockets of Greens in the City
And I know, it’s not easy to find places where you can go and enjoy the outdoors safely especially if you live in Manila (or a city like Manila!) BUT don’t be discouraged because if you look hard enough, you’ll find them!
For example, a good place within the city is Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. We had a picnic there with Luke last year it was wonderful and free! If you’re up for taking a longer drive, I highly recommend Nuvali as well.
Check out the link at the end of this article for more suggestions!
Benefits of Playing Outside
Whether you’re out in the gardens, playing on the beach or just enjoying a playground, letting kids enjoy the outdoors brings about a lot of benefits.
- Increases Vit. D Levels: A doctor once told us that a lot of Filipinos are Vitamin D deficient and they don’t know it! Did you know that some symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include depression, getting sick often and bone pain? You get Vitamin D from the sun, which is why you need to bring them out!
- They become more active: Kids are naturally more active outdoors than indoors and they are able to release their energy and stress as they play outside. It’s a great way to keep them moving!
- They learn how to explore and be more creative: Giving them a place where they can explore and experience unstructured play allows them to be learn independently and be more creative.
Getting dark, dirty and smelly? Consider them badges of honor!
Yes, it can get REALLY hot here in Manila but don’t let that stop you from bringing the kids outside.
My mom used to discourage me from spending too much time playing because she was deeply concerned about my skin getting really dark (haha!) But now that I think about it, so what if I get darker? I now consider them badges of honor; proofs of all the adventures I’ve been having under the sun. And the same goes with Luke!
(Of course though, I still make sure he is well-protected by applying the right amount of sunblock on him and making him wear a hat!)
As for getting dirty, sweaty and smelly? We don’t let that stop us either. Luke can play all he wants without worry as long as after playtime, I make sure to clean him up with wet wipes! If your kids get really smelly (hehe,) splash them with a little cologne! That’s an insider’s secret! #MomHack! Haha.
No, but really, I usually don’t use colognes but these scents from Bambini are an exception because they’re hypoallergenic and really mild! They keep him smelling fresh even after some good fun! My favorite’s the blue one called “Ocean Kisses” because he would smell like he just took a bath! (Tip: The 25mL bottles are perfect for travel!)
Enjoy Life’s Little Surprises!
No doubt it takes effort to go and bring the kids out, but do it anyway. Invest your time, money and effort on experiences. The joy you’ll see on your little one’s face will tell you that it’s worth it!
And it doesn’t take a lot to go outside; you don’t have to plan a getaway just to get them outdoors. You can have lots of fun even in your own backyard, literally! In the everyday things, always cultivate a sense of childlike wonder in your own heart. If you look hard enough, you’ll find that there are so many little surprises waiting to be discovered along the way.
People always say that “they won’t be babies forever” and though it’s so cliche, it’s just so true. So take them outside and enjoy life’s little surprises while you still have the chance!
(Click this link for ideas on roadtrips you can take with the kids from Manila.)
–
About Bambini Baby Colognes
Bambini Baby hopes to be a part of every parent and child’s small moments and big adventures. They’ve sure been a part of ours!
The baby colognes come in 5 different scents and are available in three sizes — 25ml, 50ml and 125ml. All their colognes are mildly scented, dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. Perfect for your little ones!
44 Comments
Mercy
March 21, 2018 at 11:36 amI am actually guilty of not taking my toddler outside regularly, your post has encouraged me really well. How cute is this Bambini cologne, would love to try it.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 21, 2018 at 3:50 pmYes hope you guys get to spend lots of quality time outside soon!! (And yes, the colognes smell great!)
Jennifer
March 22, 2018 at 12:12 amThese are all great ideas!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 22, 2018 at 3:34 pmThanks Jen!
monica sors
March 22, 2018 at 5:53 pmamazing post!
Jessica
March 22, 2018 at 6:37 pmIndeed, kids are meant to explore the world, so keep them away from gadgets and let them discover the beauty of the outdoors with their friends! It’s good for both their mind and body.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 22, 2018 at 11:06 pmI couldn’t agree more!
Nina
March 22, 2018 at 10:40 pmAdorable pictures! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Eena
March 23, 2018 at 2:58 amLove love love this! You know I’m a huge fan of the outdoors and I love seeing young ones being exposed to its beauty. Thanks for sharing, Sheena!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 1:10 pmAww yes I really hope more kids get to play outside more!! It’s good for everyone!
Amy
March 23, 2018 at 5:00 amThis is such a cute post, you have an adorable family. I think it’s so important to get children involved in nature from a young age, and by doing things like this you’re definitely shaping them into better people
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 1:11 pmThanks Amy! Yes I really believe it’s so important to make sure they’re not just stuck inside with their gadgets and toys!
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers
March 23, 2018 at 10:41 amThis post made Ben SO happy! It’s so sad how kids don’t spend nearly as much time outside these days as we did growing up. There are SO many benefits of playing outside. It keeps kids naturally healthy, helps them relieve stress and let off energy, helps regulate mood, and just makes them HAPPY. We all need to get outside more! Also, those baby colognes are the cutest ever!
Always adore Luke’s guest appearances in the posts!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 1:11 pmSO TRUE! I used to play outside so much as a kid and I hope Luke will also be able to do that! Thanks Susie!
Yasmin
March 23, 2018 at 12:15 pmOMG Luke is adorable! He looks like he’s in his element outdoors. I think the less stimulation the better. That helps teach kids to be curious and social.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 1:11 pmYes I agree!! They’re more creative when they’re given less, actually!
Nicole
March 23, 2018 at 12:18 pmI love this so much! I believe I’m a still a kid myself lol but there is nothing better than playing outside whether that be hiking or walking or bike riding.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 1:12 pmHey Nicole, so true. I love going outside too. It gets so hot here sometimes but when the weather is perfect, it’s amazing.
Amy
March 23, 2018 at 2:22 pmI work on my desktop and love enjoying quiet moments alone in my room.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 3:39 pmSame here! Haha, guilty!
Kathrine Eldridge
March 23, 2018 at 7:16 pmI couldn’t agree more about getting kids outside! My family and I are heading out on vacation to do that.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 23, 2018 at 8:12 pmExactly also why I LOVE vacations!! 😉
Simone
March 23, 2018 at 8:14 pmMy kids love to spend time outside and play. Fresh air does so much good to your health and they can run around and explore. Luckily here in Switzerland we have lots of places to go or just open the front door and take a walk to the playground or forest.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 24, 2018 at 3:03 pmI envy the fact that you guys have amazing outdoor places in Switzerland. Wish we could have the same here!
Violette
March 23, 2018 at 11:10 pmThat certainly the happiest moment for kids, I remember how how I was when I was a little girl to be outside and have a fun! I couldn’t even think it would have as many benefits as you said! These colognes must smell delicious!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 24, 2018 at 3:03 pmPlaying outside is amazing and glad we had that during our childhood. I hope future generations don’t lose that!
Dominique
March 23, 2018 at 11:53 pmThis is such a lovely and positive post! It’s great to see your kids enjoying and playing outdoors xx
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 24, 2018 at 3:03 pmYes my son really loves playing outdoors!
Nancy
March 24, 2018 at 1:43 amWith the age of technology, it becomes a bit of a challenge to get kids out these days. It’s great that you brought Luke out! Love how he’s learning so much and getting his hands on a lot of experiences. Love how you’re inspiring as a parent!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 24, 2018 at 8:20 amAww thanks Nancy yes I see a lot of kids stuck in their iPads! Hehe.
Mihaailo
March 24, 2018 at 5:40 pmLove the ideas and tips here! Amazing post!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
March 25, 2018 at 5:06 amI can’t wait for some warmer weather so I can get the kids outside more. We just went to the zoo over their Spring break last week and it was so good to have some fresh air, even if it was a little chilly with the breeze. These colognes have such fun packaging and I bet they smell great!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
April 4, 2018 at 9:31 pmOur problem here is opposite, it gets TOO HOT so we need to wait for cooler weather. Haha! Thanks Carrie!
Cris
March 25, 2018 at 6:45 amI totally agree with you. My kids are outdoor children and have always been. I have let them play free and wildly and they are naturally active. xoxo Cris
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 25, 2018 at 4:18 pmThat is amazing! My dream for my son and future kid/s. Hehe.
Joy
March 26, 2018 at 6:36 pmI agree with taking kids to outdoor activities, love your top
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 27, 2018 at 6:48 pmThanks Joy!
Emily
March 26, 2018 at 9:49 pmOhhhh my goodness! Your son is SO adorable! I can’t wait until the weather is finally warm enough to head outside – so tired of being cooped up this winter!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 27, 2018 at 6:48 pmYes!! SUMMER!!
Jenny Yang
March 27, 2018 at 2:01 amThis is so precious!!
xx jen
Sheena Sy Gonzales
March 27, 2018 at 6:47 pmThank you Jenny!
Princess Apreal Buenafe Asistin
November 20, 2019 at 10:25 amFor them to enjoy their childhood, let them go outside to discover, experience and do more! Hehe. Pag lumaki si little one ko, I want him to learn and enjoy outside. It’s okay kung madungisan nga naman, he’ll definitely learn something.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
November 20, 2019 at 10:34 pmThat’s true!
mama_telyamzon
November 27, 2019 at 3:26 pmIt’s okay to be dirty sometimes. Me as a mom too i let my kids playing outside to expose them in other kids like them. And know how to make friends. Thankyou again Mommy Sheena for the blog about this.