We live in New England, and our early spring has been so cold and snowy and rainy and not conducive to getting outside much. We’ve been so stir crazy! FINALLY, some nice weather has arrived, and oh, how it has changed the tone in our home. Turns out, now that our girl is walking, she’d be happy to live outside. And I’ve been happy to oblige. We have made so much toddler magic during the last week. I wanted to encourage you all that if you’re in a rut with your toddler–they’re not sleeping well, they’re melting down more than usual, they’re being more destructive than normal–GET OUTSIDE!

Magic happens when you get outside.

Magic for the toddler:

You wake up and the first word out of your mouth is “park.”

You find treasures like sticks and rocks.

You learn about bugs and watch with great fascination as ants march along rocks.

You fly through the sky on the swing and giggle and say, “Wheeee!” as the wind whistles around you.

You pick the most beautiful flowers and hunt the fields and park for more.

You splash in every puddle you can possibly find.

You take every opportunity to go outside, even if it’s just to take your dog out to do his business.

You collect your treasures and keep them in a pile to sort and examine and explore.

You recount your day at dinner by listing each outside adventure, even if it’s just the rock you found while walking to the car.

And magic for the parents:

You see the world through your toddler’s eyes, filled with wonder and exploration.

You stop and breathe in the fresh air.

Your heart fills when your toddler brings you a bouquet of dandelions.

You recount your day as you empty your pockets of forgotten treasures.

You can’t help but smile at the giggles and glee and wonder.

You get a break from the hustle and the bustle and the stress and the drama of the world.

And the best magic of all?

When the toddler falls asleep quickly and sleeps all. night. long. In all seriousness, this seems to be the tipping point for our girl to actually sleep through the night.

Find the magic: GET OUTSIDE!

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