Turn your backyard into a child's paradise |
Imagine a secret place where children can play safely, to their hearts content, without a care in the world. A place filled with all their favourite playthings, in an environment that both stimulates and educates. Where is this wonderful place? It could be right in your own backyard. With a little imagination and some planning, your backyard can be transformed in to a child's oasis. Here are some plans to chalk up on the drawing board as you create your own backyard paradise.
- Sit down with your spouse and decide what exactly you each envision the yard to develop into as a play area for your children. Do you intend to use all the available space for them or only designated sections of the yard?
- Once you've discussed the plans, bring the children in on the developing project to add their two cents worth. Do your older children want a quite place to get away? Perhaps your younger children see the backyard as an open playground where they can play with their friends.
- Hash out everyone's wants and needs before you start on any major tasks. If everyone sees the garden paradise in a different way, you've got some more detailed planning to do. This can be a good exercise in compromising for the whole family.
- Once you've finalized what your garden plans will be, draw them on a map. Encourage the kids to add their own ideas to the map. Post it on the refrigerator or in a place that's easily accessible for everyone.
- Plot out where you plan to put different areas in the yard. Look at your overall space, where would a swing-set go, a sandbox, a sitting area, a vegetable or flower garden? Consider sun, shade and any physical restrictions your backyard may have.
Zoning is the Key to Your Success
- A Family Zone - Whatever you decide to do be sure your backyard includes some family space. An area where you can all be together to eat, play, or just enjoy some time together outdoors.
- A Creative Zone - Take your child's favourite craft activity outdoors. The backyard is the perfect place to get creative and inspire your young artist. Set up a small work table with supplies and voila, an art studio.
- A Learning Zone - Dedicate some of your space to learning about nature. Plant a vegetable garden or flower bed that the children can help tend. By maintaining a garden children learn about nature's cycles and responsibility.
- A Privacy Zone - Children love to have secret places of their own. You can easily create a private area of the yard for your child, by simply using shrubs or trees, a playhouse or just an old fashioned cardboard box for fun.
- A Child Safety Zone - Make sure that all areas of the yard are child safe and friendly zones. All gardening equipment should be stored away safely. Keep children protected from sun and heat exposure. Always have a first-aid kit on hand in case of an emergency.
