After months of neglect the garden can feel like an overgrown jungle, and a rather treacherous place for inquisitive toddlers. Whilst we’re no doubt going to be spending the next few months re-arranging the garden back into some normality, there will be times when the little one’s want to escape into the outdoors without having to wait around for the grass to be cut or the trees to be trimmed. Because let’s be honest, to the children things like this don’t really matter, they just want to play!
You can spend hours checking the garden for any unidentified objects that may peak their interest, and then continue to follow them around like a shadow watching their every step with caution, but sometimes as a busy mummy, all you want to do is sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunshine watching the little ones explore. So to help keep your mind at ease, and those grey hairs at bay, this short guide is designed to help you and your little one enjoy the glorious sunshine that is due to come.
The Search Team
Before you let them loose on the garden, it’s your responsibility to ensure that their adventures will go unharmed. It may feel like a lengthy process, so perhaps try and do this whilst they’re taking their afternoon nap, or whilst you’ve got an extra pair of hands to keep an eye on their antics. Scouring the garden, remove any sharp objects such as broken toys, and tidy away any gardening tools to ensure they are well out of harm’s way. No doubt the recent windy weather will have blown in some debris, so remove anything that the children may want to get their hands on. As a toddling tot, you’ve got to remember that even the simplest of things can be a piece of treasure, so get your thinking cap on about what your child may be drawn to amongst the chaos.
Unfortunately it’s not the most fun job, but checking for any creepy crawlies that have made your garden into their new home is essential. Especially for any pesky biting ants or nests of wasps or bumble bees as these zones will need to be avoided or pest controlled to ensure there won’t be any trips to A&E.
Escape routes for your tiny explorer should also be locked or well boarded, as boredom may cause them to walk further afield when you’re not looking. Although you may not feel confident in checking for any poisonous plants that have embedded themselves into your garden, it can be vital part of the process, as there are plants that can cause long term harm to both you and baby. If you’re unsure about what you’re looking for, there are many Poisonous Plant Guides that can help you to recognise them by colour and shape.
Playing it Safe
Outdoor toys get a bit of hard bargain during the winter months, because if they’re not being beaten up by the weather, they’re becoming a toilet for the local bird population. Cleaning up the toys beforehand can be unthankful task, but once you see your children’s faces light up, it will all be worth it. If you want to ensure that the children can play on the toys in a safe and secure area, it may be beneficial to invest in a mini playground space within the garden, to avoid any future injuries. The rubber material created for playgrounds can give a softer flooring option should any trips occur, and can be cleaned much easier than grass or decking. There are a number of Playground Cleaning services now available or guides that can help you to do it yourself. So see what’s in the garden renovation budget.
An Education in the Outdoors
The garden can be a great adventure for children, and after so many months spent inside it can give them a real sense of freedom. Even as a mummy I’m sure your all looking forward to catching a little bit of sunshine and getting a breath of fresh air without having to be put through another series of Boogie Beebies. But bear in mind that you should also perhaps educate the children on the elements of the garden. With their nimble fingers so ready to prod, poke and pick anything, ensure to let them know what’s safe and what’s fun to do. Lead by example and they shall follow. If you can get them to help with gardening chores such as pulling the weeds, and mixing up the mud ready for fresh flowers, they may be more inclined to love the garden as much as you do.
thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeletep.s. your little one is adorable!