My son is almost two years old. We live in central Florida and it's pretty hot so I only take him to play in the mornings and evenings during summer for about 1 hour to two hours a day. Sometimes more or less depending on what we have to do. Is that enough? When weather cools we will be outside more.
I never questioned myself until a neighbor whos daughter is 9 told me I don't take my son outside to play enough! Her daughter plays outside after school and I don't let my son play that time of day because its too hot and no shade around my home that time of day. I realize 9 and 2 years are a big age diffrence for outside play time and maybe I just took it too much to heart what my neighbor said. Just trying to be the best Mom I can.
2007-09-06 06:04:25 · 12 answers · asked by bigzen_lilpanda 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My son is not unsupervised when playing outside I am with him always!
2007-09-06 06:11:52 · update #1
I think you are doing the right thing by keeping your son away from outside when it is very hot out. It is recommended that you wait until the peak heat is gone. As long as he has an hour of physical activity everyday, then he is fine. A young child has a harder time with high heat. They do not regulate their body temperatures as well as older children and adults.
Don't question yourself, he is your son...not your neighbors.
When it is very hot and humid I try to find indoor physical activities for my two year old. We go do indoor parks, we also do things like dance inside the house where it is much cooler.
2007-09-06 06:14:05 · answer #1 · answered by Umm Selma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the child. Some of my kids are bigger on being outdoors than others. My 5 year old (girl) likes to play outdoors for a little while and then come back in for her indoor interests. My 3 year old wants to be outside from the moment he gets up until bedtime. My 12 year old son likes being outside but not as much as my 9 year old daughter. Oddly the personalities of the 12 and 5 year old are very much the same as are the 9 and 3 year old.
I agree with keeping kids in some shade. It's been over 90 here for the past month and my kids have been outside most of the time. We have lots of big trees. If your child wants to be out more than he is, you might want to get one of those pop up awnings used for camping. We use one over the patio in the summer to keep things shady.
Don't listen to other mothers. Be the best mom you can by listening to your gut and your son. Only you know whats best for you both. Good luck :)
2007-09-06 06:58:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children need sunshine for about 20 minutes a day - but how much your son plays outside is up to you - running around inside your home is just as good as outside - and it is very smart of you not to let your son out in the high heat of the day.
A couple hours in the morning and a couple at night is perfect if you ask me - and when the weather cools if you go out more that's great too - but don't be guilted if you are inside as well.
Good luck
2007-09-06 06:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Finchy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have twins who just turned 3 and they would be outside all day every day if they could. We live in So Cal, so they are always playing in the yard and in the pool. I think it's good for kids.
However, playing outside isn't a requirement for a healthy child. Pop him in the stroller and take him for a walk in the evenings when it starts to cool if you are worried about him not getting enough outside time.
2007-09-06 06:15:26 · answer #4 · answered by Yogi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. We have alot of outdoor toys (Id rather sit on the deck than in the kitchen any day!) I think their absolute favorite is the bubble machine which is awesome because all you do is fill it. They also love their tricycles, those toy cars you power with your feet, our swingset, sandbox (I bought one with car ramps and a crane thing to pick up sand with), and of course the sprinkler and chalk. Just offer lots of different things and theyll have a blast. If you have a dog who plays fetch (or maybe if the neighbors dog needs some excersize) have your son throw the ball for him, if he doesn't bring it back but is friendly let your kid chase him to get the ball back. Its pretty much the most amusing thing to my son.
2016-05-22 19:52:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever amount of time is mutually enjoyable for mom/dad and child(ren) is the right amount of time.
In most of Canada during the winter only 2 1/2 hours of head and face exposure PER WEEK is enough to get adequate vitamin D.
2007-09-06 06:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what he is doing outside. If he is really active, then that is enough time to be outside in the heat. Small kids can dehydrate really quickly.
The best solution is to tell the other mother (in a nice way) to shut her fly trap. There is always someone who thinks they know better than you. You know your child best... listen to your own heart.
2007-09-06 06:12:00 · answer #7 · answered by Cathy K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nine year old can play outside unsupervised for a much longer time than a two year old, if you even let him play unsupervised. There is no set amount of time.
2007-09-06 06:10:17 · answer #8 · answered by smartypants909 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't worry about a time limit as long as he doesn't get dehydrated or get a sun burn. Hot weather doesn't hurt but direct sunlight and dehydration does.
2007-09-06 07:24:27 · answer #9 · answered by ignernt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think toddlers and infants can get dehydrated quicker.
2007-09-06 06:09:05 · answer #10 · answered by lillilou 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋