Not Sure What Happened Here

[Fun&care]

fun&Care - I have to say I disagree with your style (not saying it is wrong). Kids need to explore and wander around. I am big on free play especially outdoors and I usually sit on my chair and just watch the kids play. My yard is huge and not fenced but the kids know there invisible boundaries even the little ones (I have had as young as 11 months in my care). Kids will be kids and I let them crawl/run/play. They put dirt/sticks/leaves/rocks in their mouth and I do discourage it but I certainly don't have to follow behind them. I usually just call them and say "yucky" and they spit it out. Kids need to be kids and letting them play and explore is a huge part of learning and growth IMO.

Just to clarify though that I do this when we are on outings and not here in our enclosed yard...two very different environments. I can let them do whatever when we are here and I certainly don't need to hover because I've set up the yard so it's very safe. But when I'm at the park, I do feel the need to watch pretty closely. I guess it also depends on what kind of structures you have in your neighborhood park and if you are lucky to have one with a play structure suitable for toddlers but in my case the structures are more for big kids so I do need to be "on"....especial ly because my current 18 month old is a total handful and I'm honestly starting to find he is taking FOREVER to mature...still always getting into everything, doesn't seem to understand "no" and still puts EVERYTHING in his mouth...I guess it depends on the child!