Outside time alone

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  • October 8, 2009 at 2:02 am
    nancyg
    Participant

    Me again, with an unrelated question!   Our daughter, 7, is the youngest by far, so no sibs at home.  We live in the country, so no neighbors.  She balks at going outside alone and I’m looking for thoughts about that.  I go out with her sometimes (rarely), try to give her suggestions sometimes, don’t require her to be out super-long, even though I’d love it if she enjoyed that.  Our 16yo dog just died, and we won’t be getting another one right away.  I’d welcome suggestions, perspectives, etc.   Thanks so very much.   Nancy G.

    October 9, 2009 at 1:46 am
    Kelly Bond
    Participant

    Nancy…have you tried having her start a nature journal?

    October 9, 2009 at 1:48 am
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    Do you think she’s balking because she can’t think of anything to do outside or because she’s nervous about being alone out there or something else maybe?

    October 9, 2009 at 1:20 pm
    CindyS
    Participant

    I remember being little and being outside by myself. It was so big and so quiet and I had a huge imagination. Add that to the surrounding cornfield and woods, and I remember being scared! I also took much comfort in my dog being with me. Shiver!! You are bringing up memories for me! Smile

    I could be way off, but I am going to assume that the only thing going on with your daughter is fear so I’m trying to think what would have helped me, knowing what I do now. Perhaps you could put in your schedule to accompany her outside during a particular time and call it that: “Mom outside with daughter time.” Then you can have in your schedule a time when she goes out alone for a short amount of time with something purposed to do (that she does not need help with)….wash the doll’s clothes and hang them up, build a fairy house, paint a rock, paint what she sees, whatever. If you set a timer and when it goes off she cleans up and comes back in. But call it what it is: “Outside alone time” (or something – maybe ditch the ‘alone’ word Wink). My small children respond better when they can name something. Maybe it’s just us, but something seems to click in their minds when they realize that this particular time is for this particular activity. It makes it easier for them to put off what they really want, because they know that’s coming at some point. Of course, during this whole process you will be teaching her about the care and trustworthiness of Jesus.

    Blessings,

    Cindy

    October 9, 2009 at 10:58 pm
    nancyg
    Participant

    To answer Sonya, I’ve never had the sense that she’s afraid, but just can’t think easily of things to do alone.  Cindy, your ideas seem potentially helpful – I’ll give them a try.   Thanks so much for the feedback!!

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