When you are a stay at home dad looking after children all the time it is important that you get out of the house from time to time. It is good for children to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise and to see new things and have new experiences. They need to meet other adults and children and learn how to behave and how things work in the outside world. Also they can go to places where they can have fun, use up some energy and learn how to be more sociable.
Getting out of the house is also good for you too. It means that you get a change of scenery, it gives you something to do and it is a great chance for you to meet new people and have some adult company. Another bonus of going out is that it means that the children have less time to make a mess in the house and so means less tidying up that you have to do later.
So where can you go and what can you do?
Well you could take the children swimming. If you have a local swimming pool or if the local school has a pool you will probably find that they have baby and toddler sessions that you can go along to. Most children love splashing about in the water and the younger they start going swimming the quicker they will learn and they will have much more confidence about being in the water. Another great thing about going swimming with the children as a stay at home dad is that you may often find that you have the male changing room all to yourself.
Another place you could go is to a gym or 'tumble tots'. A lot of gyms have baby or toddler sessions where children can play with all the equipment and everything is made safe for soft play. Children love jumping into foam pits or ball pools and bouncing and sliding on padded cushions. This is a great way to keep your children fit and wear them out while they have lots of fun too.
You could always take the children shopping. When you have kids it's seems like there is always something that you need from the shops, whether it is food, new clothes, toys or equipment. I know that taking children shopping can be hard work but it can also be fun if you can engage them in it and give them a role to do. For instance depending on the age of the child you can; get them to find the things you need on the shelves; or get them to put the shopping in the trolley; or they could push the trolley; or hold and read the list, or add up how much money you have spent. You may have to be firm with them and not let them have everything they want but letting them have a little treat when you have finished if they have been good usually works well.
A visit to the local library is another good way to pass the time and is very educational too. Most children love reading and looking at books and will enjoy going to the children's section of the library to look at all the books there. Some libraries even have a special 'children's time' when someone will come and read stories and sing and play with the children. Of course you can also take home any books that your child selects to read at home and best of all it's free.
Parent and tot groups and playgroups are another good place to go to with young children. I know that it can be daunting and a bit scary to go to a group that is populated mainly by women but most groups are very welcoming of home-dads coming along. You may be seen as a novelty to start with but once you get to mix in and have been going there for a while then you will soon be accepted as another parent. You will be much appreciated if you offer to help out with such things as getting the toys out, putting them away or helping to make the tea.
It is important that your children get to mix with other children of all ages to learn social skills, how to share, how to make friends and to gain confidence in themselves and others. Equally important is that you get to meet other parents and share your experiences. It is nice to know that other parents are having the same issues and problems that you are and you may get some good advice or even be able to give some advice yourself. Having an adult conversation will make a nice change and you may even make some new friends yourself.
A trip to the local park is always fun for the children and is something that is easy and safe to do. They will get good exercise from using all the equipment and some good fresh air too. Most parks are in public areas and are open all the time so you are only restricted in going by the weather and once again the best bit is that it's free.
Sometimes you could take the children to a zoo or farm. Many children love animals and will really enjoy getting to see them up close and to touch and feed them. Such a trip is also educational as they will learn about the different animals and how to look after them. However trips to farms and zoos can be expensive and you may have to travel a long way to get there and as such many parents only go on these outings occasionally and often reserve them for special treats.
So there are lots of places to go and things to see and do. Also for variety it is an idea to use different methods of transport to get to where you want to go. For instance you could take the bus or train to the shops rather than the car. It is good for children to use public transport to get around as it teaches them how to use it and that it costs money. Children love going on the train or bus, they see it as an adventure and often like it as much, if not more, then the place they are going to.
Finally when you do go out anywhere make sure that you take everything that you may possibly need with you. It may sound obvious but you need to be prepared for all eventualities and that can mean an extensive amount of stuff of carry. So make sure you start getting ready early and have plenty of time to get to where your going on time and in one piece.
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