Naturally, the intensity and skill level must be reduced drastically. For example, if you like to hike, such excursions with very young children will be of a short length and slow-paced. If you re a golfer, be prepared to see your child experiment with the club as a baseball bat, a hockey stick, and even a hiking stick. For parents, such slow and plodding activities may seem more work than leisure. However, from the child s standpoint, these variations to our activities are wonderful.
Gradual exposure is the key.
With the passage of time come longer attention spans, fine motor skill development, and a sense of enjoyment that comes from spending time with a parent. Among Illinois parks districts and municipal departments, the majority of family programming is offered through special events. The Champaign Park District, on the other hand, offers specific programs that last over the course of several sessions for parents and children. Last September I chaired a round-table discussion on Family Recreation Programming at the Nebraska Recreation and Park Educational Institute. Numerous professionals from around the state remarked on family use of local parks for picnics, hiking, games, and swimming.