Top tips for getting the most out of family walks for your kids this Spring!
As the chilly winter fades away and we enter the gentle embrace of early spring, it’s the perfect time to gather the family, put on your walking shoes, and head outdoors for some rejuvenating fun.
This is a collaborative post.
Did you know that a child’s physical development thrives on movement? Encouraging them to play simple outdoor games not only boosts their confidence but also nurtures their overall growth and well-being.
Let’s talk about games for the little ones. While walking can already be fun, adding a game or two can keep them entertained for that bit longer. It’s a fantastic way to help them believe in their physical abilities and enjoy the present moment!
Engaging in games like spotting the “biggest leaf,” finding a “round stone,” or walking to the “funny-shaped tree” can enhance toddlers’ focus and excitement.
You can adjust the game with older kids by challenging them to find specific items or objects of varying sizes. For instance, you could say, “Can you find 5 stones in different colours?” or “Find a stick that’s 30cm long.”
Just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can work wonders for your kids’ physical and mental well-being, it also makes them more likely to sleep, which, from a mum to a child who hated sleep, I know is welcomed by most parents. These games also create lasting family memories.
What to wear for those outdoor adventures
When planning outdoor adventures with your kids, it’s important to be well prepared. Start by choosing shoes that promote their physical growth. Well-fitted, sturdy shoes tailored to their age and development stage are your best choice. Cheap shoes have their place, usually in fancy dress boxes or worn for a photo shoot perhaps but well fitting shoes are a must. These shoes offer comfort and provide the right sensory cues for your child to learn how to walk and refine their natural stride.
Poorly fitting footwear can cause immediate discomfort and impact your child’s movement and walking habits in the long run. If their walking is affected by poorly fitting shoes, their brain might adjust, potentially leading to lasting issues like knee or spine problems which no one wants for their child, do they? Since a child’s walking style continues to develop until around age 16, it’s crucial to ensure they wear properly fitted, protective shoes to nurture healthy growth.
Important information about your children’s feet
Here’s some insight from Wayne Lubbock, Head of Technical Development and Start-Rite Shoes on the important relationship between a child’s development and their shoes:
“Our feet are made for movement. They tell your brain how your body is functioning and they become more healthy, the more we use them.
For toddlers, First Shoes must be shaped for their delicate, developing feet and accommodate their trademark underdeveloped ‘stomping’ style of walking. First Walking Shoes should have lightweight, flexible soles to maximise sensory feedback to establish balance and co-ordination and allow the toes the freedom to bend. A supple fastening and a ‘toe spring’ at the front of the shoes supports the little foot that is still mostly made up of cartilage and is yet to have developed an arch.
As we grow, our feet are constantly adapting and developing to our surroundings, continually sending signals to our brain that are fundamental to developing a healthy body. Look for shoes that are the right shape for your child’s foot so that it’s supported correctly and also look for shoes with flexible sole units and biomechanics engineered into the shoe. This means, the pattern of the flex grooves in the sole unit should be designed to enable the child to move naturally.”
Check out this range of biomechanically engineered boys shoes and girls shoes from Start-Rite shoes.
Heading outside – whatever the weather
The weather is so changeable isn’t it, especially in the UK Spring, so suitable footwear is a must.
If it’s a countryside walk you are planning, bring along some wellies for the kids, because there are bound to still be puddles and muddy patches. A solid pair of wellies to accompany the waterproofs is a no-brainer! Wellies are also so much easier to clean afterwards if they step in something they shouldn’t!
You don’t have to protect your child’s healthy development at the compromise of style. Start-Rite’s Spring/Summer 24′ collection has just arrived with some lovely styles I love and I am sure you will too.
Extras for your young explorer
Backpacks are a fun addition to any outdoor walk so the little one can pack away any ‘prizes’ they find during their adventure games. Whether it be a stick, stone, pebble, leaf, flower, or anything else that captivates their imagination, it’s an integral part of experiencing the outdoors.
For very young children with an independent, adventurous spirit, LittleLife has the answer with an adorable range of Toddler Backpacks with Rein, in a variety of fun, colourful and imaginative designs. With a two-litre capacity bag they could even have their drink in there at the same time. The reins are perfect as you can enjoy the moment with the peace of mind they are safely close by.
LittleLife’s Kid’s Backpacks provide a little more capacity, with a six litre main compartment for drinks, snacks and notebooks, for older children to enjoy an day out exploring. LittleLife also has a great range of products for active families, from First Aid Kits to Water bottles.