There is nothing like a really cold and rainy winter season to make you appreciate spring. The daffodils have finally poked their heads out of the cold earth. Forsythia is in bloom, the trees are lacey with signs of new life and parents and children alike are doing the happy dance because the time has changed and warmer weather is on the way.
While many have been glued to their televisions watching March Madness or the healthcare debate, people seem to be chomping at the bit to get outside and soak up some sunshine. With spring break just around the corner, hopefully there will be lots of opportunities to do just that.
Even if you are planning a staycation, make sure that having fun outdoors is on the agenda. These days it’s just too easy to get caught up in computer and video games that rob your kids of great opportunities to soak up some vitamin D and enjoy the amazing outdoors that is so often taken for granted.
Just because you are staying in the area doesn’t mean there isn’t some serious fun to be had. Take advantage of this time to do some things you have never done. There is an abundance of activities in our community available to families at little or no cost.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Go camping as a family at one of our many local parks.
- Volunteer to do something that will help out another family.
- Take a picnic to Coolidge Park and play in the fountain.
- Help your kids build a fort in the yard and play with them once the fort is built.
- Go get hot donuts just because.
- Plant a flower or vegetable garden in pots or in a sunny spot in your yard.
- Plan a mystery destination for your children and some of their friends. Put together clues, questions, and stops along the way that will give them hints about their final destination. This takes a little work ahead of time, but it is worth it!
- Make chalk drawings with your children on your driveway or sidewalk.
- Visit the Nature Center, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga Zoo or other local attractions that we often overlook because we live here.
- Try out the new zip line at Ruby Falls.
- Take a stroll on the River Walk.
- Help an elderly neighbor get their yard ready for spring.
- Set up a lemonade stand and use the money to do something nice for someone who needs a “pick me up.”
As you can see, the options are endless. You’re limited only by your imagination. In spite of how you may feel some days as a parent, time does fly by and before you know it your little children aren’t so little anymore. Take advantage of this beautiful season and be thankful for the abundant opportunities that we have to play with our children, build strong families and give to others.
Copyright ©2010 First Things First
