Fun in the Family Backyard
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Posted by Wei Yin Wong Apr 4, 2009 |
When I was growing up, I lived in various rural areas in Malaysia. My dad was a government servant who got posted to different rural towns and we lived in government quarters with huge backyards. Actually, there weren't any backyards. The surrounding areas of all our previous homes were so big that we kids had boundless plains to run about. Well, almost.
A friend had a paddy field in her backyard and it led all the way to the beach. Not a pretty beach but one filled with mud and filth. So we didn't play all that much there. Still, the paddy field was good fun. So were the myriad trees, plants and animals (cows, buffalos, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, cats, dogs, etc) that grew and lived there. Yep, there was a lot of fun in those rural backyards.
Then when I moved to work in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, I lived in houses with virtually no backyards. All we had was a little patch in the front of the house to grow a few pots of plants. Boring and pathetic.
Now, living in Melbourne, I'm back to having a nice backyard. There are some fruit trees and an area big enough to pitch a couple of tents. But I have to admit I haven't made much use of the family backyard. We are renting so I don't put too much effort in creating a beautiful landscape there.
Still, the typical family backyard has so much potential as a place to help kids learn and play. Kids can learn about nature and plants growing flowers and plants there. They can also learn the names of birds, tree creatures and insects that live there. Many families have also turned their backyards into mini playgrounds with cubby houses, swings and sandpits. And on balmy summer nights, the kids can invite friends for a sleepover under the stars in the backyard!
With kids spending a great deal of time in the backyard, safety in the backyard should always be given priority. That includes installing play equipment that comply with safety standards and providing constant adult supervision.
To get more ideas on backyard entertainment, lessons and safety, read my backyard-related articles below.
Safety Tips for Backyard Sandpits