One of the questions I get most often is “So what’s it like having four kids?” Honestly, it’s indescribable. It’s busy yet beautiful, exhausting but wonderful all at the same time. My usual response, though, is the first word that immediately leaps to my mind: LOUD! If my children are with me, I don’t have to explain. Whoever the nice stranger might be can hardly hear me anyway. Having four girls, there is non-stop talking in our house from sun-up (sometimes before) to sundown (sometimes after). Being a homeschooling family, we are also in our house together for most of the day as well.
There are times when the constant noise, though cute, starts to become just too much. If you have at least 1 child, I know you’ve been there too.
It’s at that point, I say “Get your shoes on, we’re going outside!” (Then of course, I have to remember to remind them to use the bathroom and wash their hands first.) My oldest has long learned to quickly start packing up our snack bag with four water cups and snacks. She’s such a help! Then the chaos of the shoe conundrum begins. I have tried so many different tactics for tackling this issue, but for some reason it’s just always a big crazy mess. One daughter is usually dancing around and has forgotten why she’s standing in front of the door. Another daughter is desperately searching for a “more-fashionable” pair of shoes, meaning dumping the huge basket of the family’s shoes all over the floor. The oldest daughter is just sighing watching the whole thing as she rolls her eyes with her shoes already on and snack bag in hand, or yelling at the others. And the baby is trying to climb up the stairs or eat out of the trash can. Phew. I know. It took a lot out of me to even think of all that. At that point I sometimes start to wonder if it was even worth it to suggest going out.
However, every time we open that front door and we FINALLY make it outside, I am reminded of why I decided to do so.
Whether we simply go for a walk in the neighborhood or pack up the minivan and head to a park, something magical happens when kids get outside. I’ve witnessed it time and again, how my usually distracted daughter suddenly can focus on the beautifully mundane things all around her. A dead centipede? Amazing! A lizard? Awesome! My three-year-old is obsessed with nature collections. I honestly don’t even know how this started with her, but wherever we go she finds either a shiny rock or a prickly pinecone that becomes her new treasure. Our oldest daughter is very athletic and loves the freedom to jump and run and do cartwheels as she pleases. And of course, the baby loves toddling around discovering new things to put in her mouth.
But it’s not just magical for my kids, it’s stress-releasing for me!
I have found even just 30 minutes outside changes my whole attitude if I’m having a hard day. It’s simply good for the soul, no matter the age. Lately I’ve started trying to really look around and appreciate what’s around me. The sights, the smells, the feel of the warm (ok, hot!) sun on my face become the world’s best piece of artwork. Another thing I love? It’s a fun FREE activity. No paying $10 a kid for the world’s best playground.
One thing I adore about Palm Beach County is that it offers a myriad of wonderful nature centers/parks to explore!
Here are a few of our favorite local places:
- Okeeheelee Nature Center/Trails – the nature center is only open certain days so check the website but it has great activities and animals to see. The nature trails (open daily) are very fun and paved so you can bring a stroller if you desire.
- Royal Palm Beach Commons Park – offers big open fields and two playgrounds, as well as a scenic walk by some small lakes with wildlife. Click here for directions.
- Phil Foster Park – one of the most kid-friendly beaches. Playground, bathrooms, and gentle waters all make it easier to enjoy with little ones. Get more info here.
