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At Your Wit’s End with Parenting? Step Outside for a Walk. Seriously.
by Jenna H. Carter
July 23, 2023
The Infamous Witching Hour
Imagine a day where neither your toddler nor your newborn took a nap. Your patience is running thin, and just when you think it can’t get worse, your partner calls to say he’ll be late, leaving you to tackle bedtime all on your own. Before you pour that glass of wine to help you through the remaining hours, consider a different approach — take a walk, because research backs it up.
When my kids were younger, our evening strolls became a crucial part of our bedtime routine. After bath time and just before storytime, we would strap our pajama-clad little ones into the stroller and meander around our neighborhood. It was always calming — a chance for everyone to decompress, and if my partner was home, we could reconnect during those 20 minutes. We didn’t follow a strict route or time limit; instead, we let the walk dictate our evening, sometimes enjoying 30 minutes of serene bliss.
Of course, there were evenings when the little ones resisted settling down, and we’d quickly realize it wasn’t going to be our night. In those cases, we’d simply return home. These family walks became as cherished as nap time, and as my children grew, they began to look forward to them just as much.
Now that my kids are older, our evening strolls have evolved into hour-long hikes during vacations or long weekends. Walking is widely recognized as a fantastic stress reliever, and when combined with the refreshing outdoors, it can significantly reduce stress hormones. Although our hikes often begin with complaints, they invariably conclude on a happy note.
As we walk, both physically and mentally disconnecting from our daily stresses, we fall into a shared rhythm of left foot, right foot. This provides us the chance to filter out life’s noise while being together — an added bonus. It often sparks conversations, much like those deep talks that happen during car rides with teenagers. Walking feels both intimate and inclusive, allowing even the quietest tweens and teens to share what’s on their minds.
Beyond the emotional benefits for you and your family, walking also offers substantial advantages for your physical health. This isn’t about treating it as a high-intensity workout. Studies indicate that a lifelong practice of gentle, steady movement, such as regular long walks, is common among centenarians.
Walking strengthens both your and your kids’ brains, stimulating neurons as you move forward. It encourages creative thinking and helps you process the day’s stresses simply by putting one foot in front of the other. Its simplicity mirrors meditation, enhancing focus and serving as a remedy against a sedentary lifestyle.
There’s no need to complicate the process of incorporating walks into your parenting routine. It’s likely to be the easiest thing you do all day, yet the rewards are immense. Start at a leisurely pace, see where your feet take you, and keep your expectations low. Allow it to naturally develop into a habit, and watch as your children’s attitudes shift, transforming walking into your new quality time together. If you’re curious about further insights, check out our post on intracervical insemination. For those considering the journey into parenthood, Make A Mom offers excellent resources on home insemination. And for more information on fertility options, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview on in vitro fertilization.
Summary:
Taking walks as a family can be a powerful tool for relieving stress, strengthening bonds, and fostering communication among family members. Simple and effective, this practice can transform daily routines into meaningful moments.