As pandemic rules are relaxed, it’s time to get twos and threes out back into the world and active. Getting them used to walking outdoors when the weather is pleasant and acquainted with the surrounding neighborhood or nearby public parks or playgrounds helps in reactivating their zeal for the great outdoors.

While taking them out for a walk is simply isn’t a quick stroll, there are ways to make it less stressful and safer for childcare providers like you. Read on and find tips on how to take your terrific twos a-walking without a hitch.

Start slow and short walks.

As two-year-olds generally have a short attention span, getting them familiarized with the rules when it comes to walking. Repetition is the key to getting children to learn and understand the rules while walking.
When starting out, walks should also be long enough for children to be familiar with the rules. A quick stroll around the block a few times helps them gain muscle memory of what they should do during the walks. Repeat it again over the next couple of days until they all get used to walking outdoors and until you’re sure the children are safe and secure enough walking them to a nearby park or playground.

Introduce them to shopkeepers and neighbors.

Let the neighborhood help you on your walks by introducing the children to surrounding shopkeepers and neighbors. This helps children get acquainted with the neighborhood and enlarges the safe space where they have.
Making children known to adults in surrounding establishments and areas multiplies the overseer effect, giving childcare providers more security in knowing they also have protective adults surrounding them as they go on short walking excursions with their little ones.

Choose a path that leads to an open public space like a park or playground.

This is so children can sit, rest or roam for a while in a safe space away from traffic. An enclosed public space is safe enough to keep track of the children while they rest or roam to explore for a bit.

Pair them up in groups of twos or threes.

Pairing children in two’s helps in easily tracking children and making sure no one gets left behind. By pairing them up, teachers and assistants will also have fewer groups of children to keep track of instead of having to account for them individually. It’s easier for two or three children to also get your attention in case one friend in their group needs your assistance.

Have them recite a song, poem, or lines to get them into the rhythm of walking.

Introduce rhythmic songs, poems, or lines children can easily recite to engage with them as they walk. Having them exercise their vocals also helps them focus better on walking. The sound they produce is also a way to alert other pedestrians to their presence and have others make way for the tiny tots as they make their way to your final destination.