Spring Has Arrived

Wednesday, March 20 The First Day of Spring (Spring Equinox) 2018

I’m not sure about you, but when I woke up today the day seemed just as normal as any other day. The morning routine was the same – get up, put makeup on, wake 5 yr. old up, feed him breakfast, get the baby up and feed him, load everyone in the car and take the oldest to his morning spring break camp. The morning didn’t seem to be any different than yesterday or the day before that. However, on the drive to the children’s museum where his day camp is, my son suddenly says, “Mom, I want to build a bird feeder. That way, we can watch all the birds eat!”

I wondered where in the world that thought came from, but then they announced on the radio that today is officially the first day of spring. Although the morning didn’t feel any different to me, my son obviously sensed there was something different. Why else would he ask to build a bird feeder out of the blue? Additionally, a Facebook friend posted a picture of her potted flowers that have begun to bloom.

Spring brings with it so many things. The trees begin budding, flowers begin to bloom, the kids start to get restless, etc. The majority of people look forward to spring because it’s a wonderful change of pace from the last few months of winter – when we were “locked” up in our homes. All that changes when spring arrives! Now we can all get outside and enjoy the outdoor activities as a family again.
I admit, as a mom, it is easy to treat the days of spring like the days of winter. After all, being confined to the house for months at a time does tend to promote habitual behaviors that can be hard to break. This is especially true for those of us with young kids. Steady routines are paramount for maintaining good attitudes and behaviors in young children. So, when spring rolls around and the daylight savings time begins, it can be hard to adjust.
Regardless, spring is here and we have to adjust! To help the kids ease into spring and all it has to offer, start by taking them to a nearby park to play a couple times a week or get the bikes out and head to a nearby trail one afternoon after school is out. I’m a big believer in making children play outside when the weather is nice. Getting kids outside and away from the electronic time-suckers inside helps build a healthy imagination while getting kids the Vitamin D and exercise they need on a daily basis.
For my family and I, the beginning of spring means afternoons spent outside kicking the soccer ball, playing catch, playing in the park, eating ice-cream and planting flowers. Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year because it’s when nature wakes up from the dormancy of winter. Therefore, celebrate! Go out and do something fun with your kids to celebrate the beginning of Spring 2013!

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