I recently had a question from an Instagram follower that gave me pause. She was looking for activities that would be fun for both of her children, a 10-year-old and an 8-month-old. I reached out to a friend who has a teen and a toddler and she gave me some wonderful tips, and permission to share them with you! After more thought I came up with some suggestions of my own as well.
Invite Friends
Tweens and teens thrive on spending time with their friends, so if you are taking a planned outing, invite a buddy for your older child. Because they’re older, they don’t need your undivided attention at a park like your toddler or baby does. Letting them enjoy time with a friend fills their bucket while you can focus on your younger child’s needs.
While Baby Naps, Bond with Your Older Child
While this isn’t necessarily an outing tip, it does make your connection stronger; thus, boosting your older child’s likelihood to listen, help, and be part of family’s activities. As tempting as it is to use nap time as a time to let your older child spend time on the iPad, consider coming up with something fun to do together. Bake, paint each other’s nails, or watch a show or movie together. It doesn’t have to be every nap time, but enough to make it clear that you are carving out that time and activity because you want to be together.
Bring a Ball
If your older child is at the stage of outgrowing playgrounds, pack a ball. Let your younger child play on the playground, and then head to an adjacent field or court. If the park has a court or field in your line of sight, let your older child play there while you hang with your little one at the playground.
Wear Your Baby
Strollers are helpful in so many ways, but they can also be obstacles when it comes to choosing outings. Many hikes aren’t stroller-friendly, so to avoid limiting your options, use a baby carrier in lieu of a stroller. This keeps your options open, and your older child can choose a hike without worrying about if there are steps, uneven surfaces, etc.
Looking for family hikes? Check out Richmond’s Five Fab Hikes!
Pack a Blanket for Indoor Outings
Heading to the library, nature centers, picnics, and more is fun for all, if you pack a blanket. Older children can participate in activities, read, and play, while younger ones hang out on the blanket with the caregiver.
Offer Responsibilities
If your older kiddo enjoys having a leadership role and helping little ones, give them a specific role or task when the activity is geared toward the younger sibling. For example, if you’re heading to a Caregiver and Me Program, let your older child participate in the activities with your little one. Stay nearby, of course, but show your older child you trust and respect them to have this type of role. Check out our calendar for a list of programming throughout RVA!
We’d love to see how your family’s summer is going! Tag us on social @rfmtoday!
