Toddler-Led Walks

Toddlers have a natural inclination to want to walk and move their bodies. However, they are not as goal-oriented as we adults are. They thrive in the process or in the journey, not in the destination. Therefore, one of the easiest, least costly, go-to ways to get some whole body, gross motor movement is to just get outside and let your child lead the way. 

Depending upon where you live, this may not be as easy or safe as I make it seem. So, in this case, a nearby park or another outdoor location may need to be travelled to. However, once there, let your toddler be free-

Free of the restrictions that come from being inside your home (yes, even if you have a large “yes space”).

Free of expectations to go, do, and be faster, sooner, earlier.

Free of your lead. 

This is not to say to let them wander into traffic, but wherever they are safe, let them be.

Before you leave your home, you always want to be prepared. 

• If there is a potential for rain, bring an umbrella. 
• If there are puddles, bring rain boots. 
• If you do not have rain boots, bring a change of socks and shoes with you to change your child after they are uncomfortable (obviously within reason and discretion). 
• If it is warm and there are puddles, maybe allow your child to take their shoes off to splash in the puddles and then put their shoes back on once their feet are dry. 
• If it is cold, make sure you have a coat, hat, gloves, etc. Even if your toddler won't wear them when leaving the house, bringing them will allow for them to have access to them when they inevitably are "so cold". 
• If it is warmer weather, help put sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray on them. For these, I would hold the firm limit that you cannot leave the house until you have these three. If they do not allow you to put these on their body, do not force it, respect their body, and let them know that they will not be going for a walk until they have them on. 

Try not to let the fear of them getting wet or dirty stop you from allowing this time out in nature. Not only is this beneficial for them on a sensory-input level, but children learn how their bodies feel in different weather by allowing them the space and freedom to be in and maybe even be uncomfortable in it. For example, if they left without a coat in the cold, they will remember how they felt and are more likely to willingly choose to put on a coat next time they go out in the cold. If they didn't like the way the water felt in their shoes, maybe they will choose to wear rain boots or take off their shoes next time they splash in a puddle. You and I have the power of experience to know the cause and effect implications behind our clothing choices when we go outdoors. Our toddlers do not have that experience to draw from unless we give them that experience.

Toddler-led walks can be especially fun if you bring a pail, a wagon, or something else to collect ”treasures” in, because you and I both know that toddlers just love their “treasures”. 

Also, a wagon or stroller can be great to bring "just in case" your toddler has led you so far from home (or your car) that the journey back feels a lot more like getting a root canal. Some toddlers will happily go right into the wagon or stroller whenever they feel fatigued. However, some will be less willing to give up this freedom. In that case, you can...

• get down on your little one's level
• state what you see- You look like you are getting tired. 
• Wait to see if they respond or decide to take a ride on their own.
• It might be time to let your body rest for a little while. Would you like to ride in the stroller/the wagon or keep walking? This invitation to this different type of freedom within the limits of these two choices might be enough to convince your toddler to take a ride. 
• However, they may choose to invite you into a power struggle. In this case, I would let them know what their choices are without making it feel like you want them to choose one or the other. If you do not want to ride, that is fine you can keep walking. If you decide that you're all done walking, you may choose to ride in the stroller/wagon. The choice is yours. This leaves the ball in their court. 

If you have the time, don't let small moments like this lead to a big power struggle. Remember, this is about giving your toddler the freedom to explore their environment, learn about their body out in the world, and to connect. Lean into those expectations and leave the rest at the door once you hit the doormat.

There are many ways in which toddler-led walks out in your neighborhood (or in any location out in nature) can lead to so many other areas of learning. I will dive deeper into those other ways in future posts.

For now, help your toddler choose the appropriate weather gear, open your front door, and head out for adventure. Have fun, friends! Happy trails!

*To note: If there is severe or dangerous weather, you do not need to allow them this time outside. Always put safety first. Also, if you feel like the wardrobe to dress your toddler for all four seasons is getting costly, check second hand stores, ask neighbors/friends/family with kids who are older, or look online. These weather specific items are typically not used until they are worn and, therefore, are usually pretty close to new by the time a toddler will grow out of it. I typically buy a size or two bigger to try to get two years worth of seasons out of season specific clothing. And if all else fails, layer clothing in the cold and go barefoot in the summer. 

*Also, if your child is neurodiverse, your child's tolerance to clothing and weather as well as their ability to understand the cause and effect nature of wearing different clothing in different weather may vary. As their parent, you have to decide what is safest for them, physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as what you can handle. I am here to provide suggestions and ideas, not an all encompassing list of things one must do. Take what serves you and leave the rest.