Avoid Meltdowns, Go Outside and Still Get Work Done

We evolved outside.  Our ancestors spent close to all of their time outside.  And that is just what our toddlers want to do.  They want to spend every waking moment outside.

Unfortunately, few of us can actually do that.  We are working from home and trying to get stuff done.  Spending 8+ hours outside isn’t conducive to fulfilling our other obligations.  

So what can we do to get our little ones more outside time, and keep them occupied while they are there?

A surprising amount. 

Bring the Outside In

We cant always go outside, but we can bring the outside in.  It is getting nice out, so consider opening the windows during the day. The breeze and nature sounds will help to calm your overactive toddler, even if you can’t go out right now.

You can also use nature-inspired items to give them something to do.  Pour sand and rocks or arrange flowers.  Include storage that is organic, like woven baskets instead of plastic bins or cardboard boxes.  Consider putting a flat woven rug in the playroom that uses organic material and has a fun texture.  

Add some climbing equipment or a swing to the playroom if you can.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, but anything that gets them moving inside like they would outside will help you too.

The more you can bring the outside in, the happier your toddler will be inside.

Set Up Your Outside Space to Work FOR You

Not everyone is lucky enough to have an outside space.  But if you do, you can set it up so you can work while your child plays.

Most children are perfectly happy to play outdoors with whatever they find, but if you are setting up to work outside, you need more than just rocks and sticks.

Make a nice seating area with a table to work on

A table and chair of some kind are indispensable when working outside.  You should set up your work area close to an outdoor outlet so you can plugin if you need to.  If possible, you should also set up in a well-shaded spot so you are not constantly fighting to see your work in direct sunlight.  And make sure wherever your table is, you can see the child’s play area.  You still need to keep an eye on them just as if you were inside.

Bring everything you might need with you: your computer, some water for both you and the kids, some easy snacks, and anything else you would usually have inside.  Then set up at the table so you can see the kiddos and set them loose.

When working outside like this, you should be prepared to be out there for a good block of time (like the morning until lunch, or all afternoon).  Sure you can go back inside if you all want to, but I find that playing outside in big chunks helps the kids wear out better.

After the kids get bored finding rocks and generally exploring, there is a lot you can still do with them outside.  

Extend Your Outside Time

There is nothing worse than getting all set up outside only for your toddler to decide it is time to go in.  Try these activities to spend more time outside and less time going back and forth while you try to work.

Play with water

Set up a water station where they can pour water into different sized jugs and bowls, or let them explore with some toys in the water.  To make it safer as your attention is divided, put the water station at chest height for your toddler.  

You could also turn on a sprinkler and let them run through the water or give them a watering can and have them water plants.  

Adding water to outside play will increase the amount of time you are outside significantly.

Always make sure you can see the child and the water they are playing with and make sure you pay closer attention to them as they do so.  

Paint

Watercolors and chalk paint are great for working outside.  The baby can paint next to you while you work and you don’t have to worry about cleaning anything up.  Who cares if the outdoor table gets some watercolor on it?  And anything that gets on the toddler’s clothing will come out in the wash.

Toddlers love to paint, and their attention to their works of art will allow you to get some work done.

Play with ice

Just about anything you can do with water, you can do with ice.  You can pour it, find “lost” toys in it, and you can paint with it. 

The added sensation of the cold is great for sensory work as well.  Consider bringing out a bowl of ice and let your little one go to town.  The best part is there is no cleanup if you are playing with it outside.

Get them their own garden

An herb and flower garden is great for this age of child.  They can water and care for the plants, and then pick flowers or leaves without really harming anything.  

I know my daughter can easily spend an hour in her little garden exploring everything. 

Get out of the house and forget work

As much as you need to work, you would also benefit from a break from time to time.  It is definitely worth taking your toddler our of their home environment for something different.  

Explore the Neighborhood

Going on walks is a great way for children to see and experience new things.  But remember, when it comes to waking with a toddler there will be less walking and more exploration.  

They want to touch everything.  If that bugs you, consider going on walks with a purpose.  You can take a color swatch with you and try to collect things of that color.  Or you could go out and try to find as many unique examples of a common thing that you can (like leaves or rocks).  

By focusing the walk, your little one will start to make connections between types of things and their environment.  And it gets them to keep moving instead of sitting on a neighbor’s lawn for 40 minutes examining a single clover.

Go to the Park

Where I grew up there was a small park for every 20 houses or so.  It was awesome!  People went to the park every day, and older kids could just walk and hang out there.

Unfortunately, there are only one or two large parks per city where I live now.  It is horrible, but we still try to make it out to the park at least once a week.

The climbing equipment and slides are really important to help with your little one’s gross motor development.  The more time your child can spend on the monkey bars and swings, the better.  So go out to the park for a bit and check your email on your phone if you feel the need to work.  

The Bottom Line

It is getting nicer out, and our kiddos want to spend as much time outside as they can.  It is not a bad idea to figure out a way for us to fulfill our work obligations while they play outside.

Everyone benefits from outside time.  So grab your books, take the computer, and do your work/ homeschooling outside while the younger ones play.  You will enjoy it, I’m sure.

What are your family’s favorite things to do outside?  Let me know in the comments below!

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