Single moms always have a lot on their plates to keep up with so finding the energy to exercise, and ensure that their kids exercise as well, can be a challenge. Many families fall into a rut during the winter months, but once spring hits it’s time to get outside and embrace the benefits that being active provides. There are plenty of basic ideas that single moms and kids can do together to be active, but there are lots of creative options that can generate some fun as well.

Outdoor exercise benefits your mental wellness as well as your physical fitness

Embracing the nice weather in the springtime provides the perfect launching pad for getting outside and getting active as a way to improve your wellness. As Women Fitness points out, exercise can help not only with physical fitness, but it has a major impact on mental wellness as well.

For those single moms who face issues with depression, outdoor exercise helps to build positive behaviors, provides increased energy and mental well-being, and helps moms to feel less stressed. Getting outside for exercise can also have a significant impact on issues such as chronic pain and addiction recovery as well.

Get creative about getting outdoors with the kids

What kinds of activities work well for single moms to get out and do with their kids? There are the basics like bike riding, walking, and swimming, and as Parents details, teaming up with the kids for outdoor work like yard work, and gardening can turn into a fun and active family project as well. Children may enjoy scouting the local farmers market for some fresh treats, getting in some exercise as the family checks out all of the vendors, then hitting the park for a picnic and family playtime.

Steady Strength suggests learning new activities as a family and it can be fun and motivating to connect with other families for activities and outings as well. Whether you join up with friends to do an outdoor activity together or take it a step further and make it a bit of a competition, the idea of the more the merrier definitely applies here. You can come up with relay races, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, or put together friendly games of flag-football, soccer, or even old-school kickball.

Keeping it simple works well too

Sometimes as a single mom it feels as if there is never enough time to get everything as it is, so getting creative about getting outside with the kids can feel like an overwhelming addition to the to-do list. However, once you get out and get going, the payoff will definitely feel worth it. Wired points out that even doing something as simple as hide and seek, kick the can, hopscotch, basketball, jump roping or hula hooping can get everybody some great exercise and there is no doubt that your mood and energy levels will be elevated as well.

For some single moms, there may be an opportunity to combine outdoor springtime exercise with a way to make a bit of extra cash. Maybe offer to do some dog-walking for other busy families, check into getting a paper route, or put together a babysitting opportunity where you are getting the kids out for some fun and then you get some fresh air and exercise, and the cash in your pocket is just a bonus.

Sometimes as a single mom it feels great to send the kids outside to play on their own, but joining them sparks numerous benefits. Not only do you get some great bonding time with your children by joining them during the springtime weather for some outdoor fun, but you benefit both physically and mentally after putting in the effort. Take a walk around the block, throw together a friendly competition with another family, or play some hopscotch and take some time to invest in yourself and reap the benefits that you’ll experience both mentally and physically.

Parents, Halloween is on its way. That means costumes, costume parties, corn mazes, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, and a whole lot more will become part of your to-do list. You probably fondly remember all the fun Halloween activities you enjoyed as a kid, and want your kids to experience those same feelings. With all of the fun and festivities, however, Halloween can be a spooky day filled with dangerous drivers, potentially hazardous treats and potential harmful situations for kids.

The last thing you want to see on Halloween is your child, or any child, fall victim to an occurrence that can easily be averted. A bit of research can truly be the difference between spending the end of this festive night happily with your kids or in unplanned turmoil.

Murky Motorists

Halloween falls during the waning period of October, which ranks as the second most dangerous month for fatal car accidents. Halloween contributes to that number in many ways, but the biggest reasons are the potential for DWI incidents and noticeably high traffic in neighborhoods.
To make sure your child is easily seen and safe, always consider traffic when deciding on your child’s costume. Here are a few things to consider when planning what your child will wear:

• Opt for face paint rather than masks, which tend to obscure vision and make breathing difficult.
• Use reflective tape on bags and have your child carry glow sticks or a flashlight.
• Make sure they wear a well-fitting costume that doesn’t drag behind.
• Make sure they wear sturdy shoes that will be comfortable for walking.

Cloaked Candy

Potentially dangerous candy given to kids is the stuff of genuine nightmare for all parents. No one wants to believe candy givers bear ill will, but it’s not always malice that can lead to bad treats. Food allergies, choking hazards and bacteria are some things that you or treaters might not account for on this night. In order to ward off any potential issues, try the following:

• Share a family meal before going out so your child doesn’t eat along the way.
• Conduct a full check of candy when you get home.
• Beware of any treats that aren’t commercially wrapped or look like they’ve been tampered with.

Doorway Demise

Not only should you prepare for your child’s safety, you should also keep in mind the many kids who will likely approach your door. Always consider that most trick-or-treaters are out in the dark and aren’t familiar with your yard or walkways.

Regardless of the them on your porch or doorway, it’s important to make sure it’s properly lighted (even if the lighting is eerie). Children need to be able to see steps, garden beds, chairs, and the like. Account for these ideas when getting ready for trick-or-treaters:

• Make sure the footing is secure and stairs are visible.
• Any railings should be reliable and unmoving for stairs or pathways.
• Try parking household vehicles in the driveway or garage.

Perilous Pumpkins

Halloween and pumpkin carving always go hand in hand. Pumpkin carving is both a creative way to spend time with others and a way to add home artful pieces to your home for this holiday. Still, when it comes to kids, the use of knives and other sharp tools aren’t always the best option.

Even without the use of knives and scraping tools, pumpkin decorating can be just as creative and artful. And what is a pumpkin but just an empty canvas for an inventive mind? Paint, glitter, lace, and even junk can all be used to turn an ordinary gourd into a centerpiece for your family and visitors to admire.

Keep Halloween fun and safe by paying close attention to your kid’s costume, checking their candy, making sure your doorstep and yard is well-lit, and that you keep sharp objects away from the littlest ones when pumpkin carving. All of these extra steps add up to peace of mind for you, and an especially festive night for your child.

Happy Halloween!