Take them Outside!

A couple of days ago, my friend asked me "Why don't you try Little Gym or Gym for the toddlers in Forum and other shopping centres? They have a good reputation among parents with toddlers to improve their skills and confidence"

And I was wondering for awhile that it is not a bad idea to try a couple of times for Noelia. She probably required more skills and it looks like she's ready. Of course, I wasn't agreed to do it when she was below 1 year old. Furthermore, it's a comfortable place to hang out in aircon room. There are many indoor playground in Singapore these days.

When we look for child care around where we live, I took the consideration on how much time she can play outside. The staff explained to me about 45 min in the morning from 9-9.45 am. So I was pleased to hear that. She loves to ride a tricyle, jumping around on the grass, exploring the toy house with friends. But yesterday when I picked her up, Noelia jumped in to the tricyle and did not want to leave. The teacher told me that they didn't have outdoor activities because it was a morning rush for them and really busy. I regretted that they did not plan the day properly. But hopefully, it will be one occasion that won't be repeated again.

This morning I read an article titled 'Playtime-Take it Outside' by Rae Pica which now I have cleared the doubts about Indoor Playground on regular basis.

She said, "... The outdoor is a very best place for preschooler to practice and master emerging hysical skills...that the children can fully and freely experience motor skills like jumping, running and leaping.
The Outside is also important because the outdoor light stimulates the pineal gland, the part of the brain that regulates"biological clock", is vital to immune system and make us feel happier. Outside children more likely to invent games. As they do they are able to express themselves and learn about the world in their own way. They feel safe and in control, which promotes autonomy, decision making and organizational skills. Although the children are playing only to have fun, they're learning the following;

• communication skills and vocabulary (as they invent, modify and enforce rules)
• number of relationships (as they keep score and count)
• social custom (as they learn to play together and cooperate)

Furthermore she said, "...Children who spend alot of time acquiring their experiences through television and computers are using only two senses (hearing and sight), which can seriously affect their perceptual abilities"

Now I believe that outdoor in nature is their classroom. It may be hard sometimes for us to spend sometimes outdoor because of the heat and humidity under the sun. I know even if we are going for a jogging, we will choose the time after the sun goes down. But I know for sure that I won't pay to get my daughter enrolled in indoor gym on regular basis. Whatever the ad says that it improves the flexibility and skills, maybe it is. But nature is best for them now.

Recently I allow 30 minutes of Baby TV program, 4 times in a week. No, I am not thinking about introducing computer or laptop until she really needs it. Although most parents are proud that their kids (below 5 years old) can use the computer, well I don't.