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doris
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| Posted: Oct 29 2006 at 4:56pm | IP Logged
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I've really enjoyed reading everyone's Rule of Six. I was particularly struck by Elizabeth's insistence on fresh air and exercise. We're not very good at this. My kids just aren't very physical and would rather play inside, or be read to. I try to encourage them outside but if I'm not in the garden myself, they will only play in the sandpit, which is fine but not exactly aerobic!
We are in London, and the nearest playground is about 15 mins' walk away, making a trip there an hour long at least. Should I just bite the bullet and commit to daily trips there? Or similarly bite the bullet and go in our garden with the children? (They will reluctantly play with a ball, or on the climbing frame, if I'm there, but not otherwise.)
The other factor is that I'm not the world's sportiest person and I find going to the park a bit boring I'm ashamed to admit -- although I do not (consciously) convey this to the children.
Otherwise, Dd 6 does a weekly ballet lesson, and ds 4 does gym, and I'm sorting out swimming lessons for them both.
Any suggestions for this family of sloths?!
Elizabeth
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Oct 29 2006 at 5:05pm | IP Logged
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Could you use the time sitting in the garden or park bench to do something else that needs to be done, like make a shopping list, plan meals, balance your checkbook, knit or mend, sort mail, lesson plan, correct papers, etc? If it something you need to sit and do anyways, it might feel a bit more like productive time for you to supervise their outdoor time.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
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saintanneshs
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| Posted: Oct 29 2006 at 9:56pm | IP Logged
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doris wrote:
| The other factor is that I'm not the world's sportiest person |
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Are you not "sporty" because you don't want to be (meaning not necessarily talented in the area of sports)OR because you don't feel as though you have the time to devote to "sporty" types of activities?
I'm just wandering because both of these descriptions have fit me from time to time and there's a bit of a difference in my approach to them. For example, if I'm not actively engaged with the children (in the garden, say) because I'm 7 mos. pregnant and bending over is a bit troublesome, then I don't worry about it. There are also some sports that I'm not particularly talented in, but I don't mind trying them out from time to time with the kids. The challenge of learning something new is always an opportunity to practice humility at the very least!  So, at our house we commit to going outside to play every day and when we go out I do some stretches with the kids and then usually have them run laps up and down my driveway before allowing them the rest of their time for free-play (a lot of sand pit and especially mud-hole-making going on here  ). I've found that the laps help the boys stay in shape and release the "wild" energy they've contained all day inside. They love the laps and look forward to "On your mark, get set, GO!" I usually just sit and cheer them on and don't feel one bit slothful...I need the fresh air but not the jogging or the mud up to my knees! 
When I'm in shape and not pregnant and I choose not to engage in the children's free play because I want to spend the time reading or writing while on my swing, it's the same routine, but I know that exercise is important for me too. I take a timer out with me and when it goes off after a set time, we gather to do something together, like going for a walk or playing tag or bouncing a ball to each other. Even if it's only 10 minutes of doing something physical with the kids, it's good for us all (and usually is enough to satisfy their need to play with Mommy).
Now if neither of these two situations "fits" with what you mean by not being sporty, I'd say what about trying old-fashioned outdoor fun, like Hopscotch or Jacks or doing sidewalk chalk drawings together?
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Kristine
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doris
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 3:21am | IP Logged
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Thanks, Theresa and Kristine. Good suggestions.
Kristine, yes to both your questions! I'm very lacking in hand-eye coordination so the only sport I have ever excelled in is rowing. Also, I regard the time the children spend (or should spend) in the garden as a chance for me to have some time to myself. I really like the idea of the timer and joining in, even for a short while. That's a great idea.
So -- next question! What about when it's raining? My kids are not the sort not to notice, and neither am I! There are lots of rainy days in the UK in winter... and in the summer...
Elizabeth
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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Philothea
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I don't know about the UK, but here in my area we have quite a few indoor playgrounds. Some are at malls, some are at health clubs. When it is rainy or otherwise unpleasant outside, I take my son to the mall and let him climb all over the play equipment there. Or if it happens to be a "free play" day at the tumbling school (twice a week), we go there and he uses their trampoline, air bounce, etc.
As long as he gets to run and play, I'm not too concerned that it has to happen outside. Obviously that's ideal, but we have seasons here. I'm not the type to freeze my bottom sitting outside in 30f/0c temperatures (unless I'm skiing!).
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Elizabeth
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 7:01am | IP Logged
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I vote for walking to the playground. That is exactly what we did for years. We didn't have a second car and so we walked the mile to and from every day. Michael was about 18 months old and could do the walk all the way there. He rode home in the stroller. The walk will do you all good and will suffice for adequate daily exercise. So, when you get to the playground each of you can do as he pleases--read, swing, make daisy chains, whatever!
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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katilac
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| Posted: Nov 06 2006 at 11:18am | IP Logged
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Twice a week park days that you actually do and stick with would be better than daily park days that overwhelm you, so maybe start small?
That's two good days of exercise, then you have another day of dance/gym, and you're up to three. Commit to some time in the garden for two more days, and you have a much better setup than you do now.
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Martha
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I'm with some others. I dislike sports in general and their play time is often the only thing near a 'down time' that I get and I take it when I can. I don't feel remotely bad about it. I feel it's something I desperately need to be a decent mother.
I do enjoy going for walks when we can, but it's not as easy as it used to be. Few neighborhoods have sidewalks, parks are sporatic here and many don't have walking trails or playground equipment. It's getting better in the nicer areas, but I have to drive into town to do that. Which I do once a week, plus they have a homeschool p.e. thing once a week for the older ones that is enjoyed.
When the weather is nice I try to take a walk one-on-one with a kid on their day in the evening. I need to do that more, but it's hard with dh working so much.
I really want one of those dance mats for the playstation for bad weather days/weeks.
All of the kids are active and eager to get out as often as possible, so it's not a real issue here. I just agree with Elizabeth that it's important for creativity and good health. Not to mention it just makes them easier to live with and educate. All that energy has to go somewhere or it boils up in them and drives them and everyone around them a bit crazy as it eeks out or explodes.
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Martha
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doris
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| Posted: Nov 06 2006 at 4:44pm | IP Logged
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Thanks to all for these kind words of advice.
Since I posted the original message, I've tried to turn over a new leaf, and now we all go outside for a run around before our mid-morning snack. I have also signed up my eldest for a weekly gym class which is a half-hour walk away, so that's a good day. We do lots of walking the rest of the time too, so I think we're actually doing ok. But it is a real improvement to get some exercise in early in the day too.
Elizabeth
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CathinCoffeland
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| Posted: Nov 07 2006 at 3:01pm | IP Logged
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It is also frequently rainy here in the northwest.
I really try to get them out every day which is hard as i am inheirently slothful...a cup of tea and a cozy afghan are so much more inviting than a rainy walk.
I find that even tromping in puddles for 10 minutes is good. We dont have to even get to the park. My kids have been know to spend 30 min just poking at worms on the sidewalk- maybe not exercise per se but definetly fresh air 
Maggie
Dd also loves window shopping. She will tromp through a monsoon if it means looking in window displays - exercise doesnt have to be formal- as long you are moving!
There is the adage :"there is no bad weather only bad clothes" I forget this for myself and although kids since they are dressed well could spend way longer out i always herd them in before they are ready. This year i plan on investing if a good set of rain shoes and rain coat. Make sure you are all dressed adequately it will be more enjoyable.
one thing to remember is exercise time for the kids does not mean for mommy. ITs been so hard for me to learn to be patient and just sit or stand. They are running back and forth. Now i go on a morning walk by myself or with dd on her bike for my exercise and try and relax and enjoy the afternoon "amble"
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: fresh air and exercise
