Protective parents tend to keep their kids at home, most of the time for health and safety purposes. And it’s understandable. Children, more so babies, do not have fully developed immune systems until they are 12 to 14 years of age, say some experts. They shouldn’t be exposed to the elements needlessly. And unless the parents themselves take them out for a stroll, toddlers are best kept home.
But this does not change the fact that toddlers need to go out every now and then and engage in activities for kids outside of the home. Keeping them within the boundaries of home all the time has disadvantages:
- Boredom and uneasiness can make them have more frequent fits of tantrums. Seeing nothing but their room or the house all day everyday can become like a punishment to them. It can turn even the best nursery room into a prison cell. Children need to see new things and places.
- They hardly get enough sunlight and fresh air. They may not catch the cold or flu virus inside your home, but not getting enough sunlight and fresh air may result to other health problems as well.
- They don’t get exposed to people. Meeting other people expands a toddler’s experience and can help in his or her social and intellectual development.
- They don’t get to see more of Mother Nature. Every human being needs to appreciate nature now and then, even small kids. It adds inspiration to life.
That’s why the stroller was invented and businesses on it are making good money throughout the year. Parents see the need to take their kids out for strolls now and then and putting them on strollers instead of carrying them affords a lot of convenience. [INPOSTLB]
Sight is a sense that speedily sends signals to the brain. Thus, seeing is a quick way of learning new things, especially for toddlers. Aside from buying them picture books and educational toys, they need to see things as they actually are during their activities for kids. So, a trip to the zoo, park, or mall now and then can be very helpful to stimulate their brains.
But when taking them out, observe these precautions:
- Don’t take them to overcrowded places to prevent them from getting airborne infections or viruses.
- If possible, put medical masks on them.
- Keep them away from stray animals, like stray dogs.
- When taking them out for a quick stroll, do so either early in the morning (at 6 or 7 am) or late in the afternoon (at 4 or 5 pm when the sun is gentler).
- Make sure to take them to places where there is security, like the presence of security personnel.
