As part of my new years resolution to lose wait and get fitter I am trying to find more time to exercise. Goblin and I spend a lot of time walking and playing outdoors anyway so I get a chance to exercise then. But some days he wants to stay in and play lego, build with blocks and read books. On those days I find it hard to fit in any me time, let alone and time for me to exercise.
So I decided to take advantage of the 'witching hour'. For us the hours of 3pm to 5pm are a bit tricky. Until quite recently Goblin would have a nap around this time. If we've been out somewhere on a play date he will still usually fall asleep in the car on the way home around 4pm. But if we are having a quiet day at home he will no longer go down for a nap. I used to deal with these hours by sticking him in front of the TV, but we are trying to reduce his screen time so I need to find other things to do.
If we have been in all day I have often used up my ideas and I'm also tired by 3pm. And that's where the buggy comes in. Or to be more specific the converted bike trailer. Goblin is over 20kg now and most buggies struggle with that weight, but the bike trailer works a treat. So I bundle him in and we go for a walk.
I'm not immune to the fear of being judged by other parents. I hate the idea that people will look at me pushing my tall 4 year old in a buggy and think I am doing this 24/7 and not ensuring my child has sufficient exercise. But I have decided that finding some me time to exercise is more important than fearing what others think. Plus I know that my son gets loads of exercise so why should I care if others draw the wrong conclusion because they are Judgy McJudgyson.
Pushing Goblin gives me a really great work out. It also gives Goblin a chance to rest (and even nap), and get some fresh air. So we'll see how my new plan works out.
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Some of the links I enjoyed from last week include
Welcome to The Sunday Parenting Party, hosted by Dirt and Boogers, Play Activities, Crayon Freckles, Taming the Goblin, The Golden Gleam, Prickly Mom, and The Tao of Poop. The SPP is place for readers to find ideas on nurturing, educating, and caring for children, as well as honest posts about the stresses of being a parent or caregiver. Links to reviews and giveaways are welcome as long as they are relevant to the topic. All parenting philosophies are welcome with one exception: please do not link to posts promoting physical discipline, as this is something we would feel uncomfortable having on our blogs. (P.S. By linking up you agree that your post and photos are Pinterest, Sulia, G+ and FB friendly. We will be showcasing ideas on The Sunday Parenting Party Pinterest board.)
Looks like a fab idea, I was still using a buggy (huge clumpy 3 wheel mothercare thing) when Pol was 4 (and looked about 8) and older, I would have loved a trailer one like that :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your idea if going for a walk during those difficult hours before dinner! I may have to try that! Thanks so much for featuring my post!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see parents pushing big kids - I think of exactly what you wrote about and send them AWESOME parenting vibes because it is hard to get cardio in and pushing big kids is a great workout and it gets outdoors in fresh air. Plus, if the kids like it, why not? PS - thanks for including a link back to our strong willed child post!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I made my daughter stop riding in the carriage at 4 because of comments from other people and I wish I hadn't. Way to go for doing what's best for you and your son! :)
ReplyDeleteI love what you are doing! Taking care of yourself no matter what other people think. I often find it hard to do, so way to go.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I, too, think the same thing when I see a mom pushing an older kid in a stroller. Nowadays, I'm trying to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. Now if only I had a double stroller, I'd be doing this, too!
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