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BY FIRSTTHINGSFIRST

Fall is typically the season that Arizona comes alive and families emerge from their refrigerated homes. It’s also the time for holidays that may look different this year in the wake of the coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean families can’t find different ways to celebrate or even have fun outdoors.

These days, you might be spending more time at home with your young children than ever before. And the days are piling up. It’s stressful, for you and your little ones.

There’s no one right way to handle things during these extraordinary times. Try to not put too much pressure on yourself to keep your child constantly entertained. That’s impossible. Instead, First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, reminds you to just do your best to find times throughout the day to be close and connect.

Fall is also a perfect opportunity to incorporate some outdoor activities that allow toddlers and preschoolers to spend some time outside exercising their bodies and minds.

Play in an outdoor, natural environment helps engage a young child’s senses. Families should remember that a nature trip doesn’t have to be a far off place, it could be a neighborhood park. Here are a few activities to get you started:

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt – think of things you might see while outside then use the list to collect items as you walk.

• Show your child how to explore the forest floor.

• Point out bugs.

• Talk about what you see, hear and smell.

• Observe patterns in a stream.

• Have a meal outside.

Parents are also encouraged to allow their child some time for free play, where the child chooses what activities to do that will allow their imagination and creativity to take over. No matter if the play is inside or outside, the fall season is sure to be the perfect time to use play activities to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers thrive.

Now more than ever, parents need support in helping their child be ready for their first day of school. Through the Parent Education at Arizona’s Children Association Families can find the support through virtual upcoming workshops throughout Yuma County. Families explore awesome parenting tips and tools and enjoy free materials and gifts for attending! Virtual workshops are free and open to parents and caregivers of children birth to five years old. If you are interested, please contact Diana Gonzalez at 928.287.5191

For more ways on how parents can support their little one’s development and learning through play watch FTF’S short video at http://bit.ly/ftfplay.

For more information on First Things First in Yuma County or to get involved, contact: Rudy J. Ortiz Regional Director (928) 343-3020 or rjortiz@firstthingsfirst.org Nena Garcia Community Outreach Coordinator (928) 343-3020 or mgarcia@firstthingsfirst.org.