Game 1: Jump Up to Pick Apples
Have your baby try jumping upward. Your child has already learned to jump down from heights and jump forward while holding on. Now it’s time to practice jumping on their own—just jump high enough to grab an apple. This game trains curiosity, courage, and jumping ability.
How to Play:
1. Place apples in plastic bags or net bags, with one apple per bag.
2. Tie one end of a string to the bag and the other end to a tree branch, hanging the apple about 30 centimeters above your child’s head so they have to reach up on tiptoe. If they can’t reach it, encourage them to jump until they succeed.
3. Once your child can easily grab the apple, increase the difficulty by tightening the string to raise the apple higher and encourage them to keep jumping higher.
4. Finally, share the “picked” apples with your child.
Friendly Reminder:
1. Apples can be replaced with other fruits your child enjoys, such as grapes, cherries, or pears. Any food/item that sparks their interest can be used as a substitute.
2. Jumping involves large movements, so your child will sweat a lot. It’s essential to replenish fluids in time. Bring your own water bottle filled with cooled boiled water—it’ll be just as effective for quenching thirst and beating the heat.
Game 2: Hide and Seek
Encourage your child to use their imagination to find hiding spots. Kids love playing hide and seek, especially outdoors, where they can hide behind trees, in bushes, or in some concealed spot. If they can’t be found, tell them to make a few funny noises to attract the seeker. Outdoor hide and seek increases physical activity and makes outdoor fun even more enjoyable.
How to Play:
1. For your child’s first time playing hide and seek, it’s best for parents to demonstrate first so the child understands the rules. Mom can hide with the child behind a tree trunk or in a bush while Dad searches. The second round can switch roles, with Dad hiding with the child while Mom looks for them.
2. When hiding, children often choose spots where adults previously hid. Parents can encourage them to think creatively and pick their own hiding spots. Sometimes kids come up with hilarious hiding places—for example, hiding under a single leaf, thinking they’re invisible; or burying their head in flowers while leaving their body exposed, believing that if they can’t see others, others can’t see them either. These funny moments make the game even more entertaining.
Friendly Reminder:
1. Outdoor environments with dense vegetation can be unpredictable, so before playing, parents should survey the area and set a safe play zone for their child.
2. Bugs and ants often gather under trees, so don’t neglect mosquito protection. Apply mosquito repellent in advance to reduce the chance of bites, ensuring a more carefree and enjoyable playtime.
Game 3: Swing
Any activity involving gentle swinging is usually a hit with kids, and swinging is no exception. When the swing goes up, the center of gravity rises and the field of vision expands; when it goes down, the center of gravity lowers and the view returns to normal. This up-and-down motion brings joy to children.
How to Play:
1. Setting up a swing can be simple—just use a sturdy tree trunk and a hammock. Tie the ends of the hammock’s ropes to the tree trunk to create a fun swing. Be mindful of the height—keep it level with your child’s leg length for safety.
2. When swinging, remind your child to hold on tightly, especially when going up—they must never let go. It’s best for parents to stay nearby to ensure their child’s safety.
Friendly Reminder:
Leaves may block direct sunlight, but that doesn’t mean there’s no UV radiation. So don’t forget sun protection under the shade too. There are various ways to protect your child from the sun—moms can opt for physical protection, such as having the child wear sun-protective clothing or a hat to shield their skin.
For kids who dislike restrictions, sunscreen or spray can be used, but make sure to choose products suitable for infants and young children. Reapply promptly if your child sweats to maintain protection.