I also posted this on the Toddler board but I thought I would try her too..

For those of you with 1yr olds ( ours are 14mo) what kind of activities do you do with them on a daily basis? Do you take them outside to play and if so is it just in your own yard, for walks, or do you go to parks ect. Also, do you have help or do you do it alone?

I need to get my girls out of the house more but 1)- I admit I'm scared to do it alone 2) have lots of back problems which makes it very difficult and 3) just not sure what to do!

We have a couple playyards put together on the patio for them but to me thats not a whole lot different than playing in the house.

Also, one of our girls has special needs so that also makes it a little tougher because she is not at the same level with her gross motor skills as the others so I do need to give her more attention\help.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

I also have 1 with special needs (Down syndrome).
I frequent the mall play areas in my general region. There are quite a few to choose from in my neck of the woods.

I like them because they are (most of them) indoor, so weather isn't a factor. They are clean (kids aren't going to pick up strange items and eat them). They are fairly easy to supervise the kids. There are things for sliding/climbing, often at different heights for different abilities. The floors are soft, so even if someone falls they don't get hurt.

I also like that they are near shops that I need to go to anyway, and they are near eating areas so I can time an errand, play time, meal time and then get home for naps.

I also have a fenced in backyard. We use the Superyard XT to block off access to the garbage cans, AC unit, and rockery. This gives them free run of the rest of the yard.

I do most of this myself. I only take the kids to parks that are small and without water or swings. If we go anywhere with swings, I need someone to come with me.

Sheila
GGB 10/29/06 (33 weeks)

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for the ideas, I haven't been a mall person the past few years but that sounds like a good option.

Our daughter also has Down syndrome. If you don't mind sharing with me I'd really like to talk to you more about it. Can we talk offline? I'm not sure how to use the PM thing so if you do and want to chat please send me a message! Thanks~ Sharon

I sent you an email with my address.

Sheila