I've said it before, and I'll say it again, getting outdoors with my toddler makes a world of difference to his attitude, happiness and energy levels. Before we left for Canada our rhythm wasn't exactly slow and steady. We were running around trying to get some errands done and it was bucketing with rain in Sydney. We were spending between an hour to three hours outside each day- not nearly enough for my growing boy. And with this lack of fresh air came irritability, mood swings, fatigue, aggression and many meltdowns. Of course, it's not just the lack of outdoor activity that affected him, but I am confident this had a large deal to do with it.
Since we arrived in Canada he has spent a minimum of 3 hours outdoors a day, most days 6-8 hours, and it is as if I have a new child. He roams, he climbs, he hikes, he explores and soaks up everything that Mother Nature has to offer. He is using his whole body - carrying firewood, climbing hills, kicking in the water, squatting while he examines a bug on the ground. He's not forever circling on his balance bike at the local park (not that this is necessarily bad, just unchallenging after a while).
As I said to Kristi, "there is fluidity and grace in his movements. He is more quiet and content. There is something in the earth and the trees that feeds him like nothing else". I am so grateful for this time outdoors, breathing the fresh air, exploring the wonders of nature... and I think he is too.
xo m.
