Today I did something brave. I took my daughter and two nieces for a walk in town on the  main road. They are ages 3, almost 4, and 4-1/2. There are three of them and one of me. I don’t know why but I was terrified.

What if one of them runs off?

What if I can’t stop them before they run out into the road?

What if they hate it and get bored?

I decided to lay all my concerns aside and put a little faith in them. We suited up in warm clothes (right now it’s only around 40F during the day where I live), piled in the car and parked in the center of town. I had the older two hold hands and walk in front of myself and my youngest niece. We walked a full block in our town and they behaved nearly perfect. I couldn’t believe it. I’m still marveling at it now. Not only did they behave perfectly but they also LOVED it. There was no fighting or whining or really anything negative. Afterwards they asked if we can go on a walk again.

I’m sitting here smiling, thinking about the wonderful exercise and quality time we had together today. With 3 preschool-aged girls it seems like there’s always someone upset or whining about something, but not today.

When the days become bright later in the day, my husband and I love to go on walks (pushing my daughter in the stroller) after dinner. We have the most wonderful conversation and we’re always glad we did it. I can’t wait to see if we can leave the stroller behind this year.

If you haven’t gone on a family walk lately, put your sneakers on and go for it. Grab someone you love and get some exercise while spending some real quality time together.
Photo by Parksy1964