Allergies
Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or a child in your care does, you may find it necessary to limit outdoor time during the peak of that season to keep allergy symptoms under control (even if seasonal allergy meds are in play). If caring for a child with dog allergies, you may need to take extra care when passing poorly-controlled and overly-friendly dogs that may hop right into the stroller, leaving raised scratches (as we learned the hard way). On a related note, I’ve worked with so many peanut and tree nut allergies over the years that I won’t take nut-based snacks into public spaces like playgrounds or libraries.
Mobility
Mobility challenges can range from acute sports injuries to chronic conditions. If you suffer from arthritis, for example, flareups can put a dent in your outdoor plans. Having mobility aids (such as canes) available as needed means you can maintain a fairly active lifestyle even during painful days. Even having them folded up in the stroller basket can give peace of mind “just in case.” For hiking and playing on uneven ground, I’ve heard great things about trekking poles.
Fatigue
If you can’t spend lots of time walking to a scenic park for a walk and picnic, driving to the park can be a great alternative–save your energy for the part that matters most to you. Bringing a stroller along allows for much longer walks than a child might be able to complete on their own without having to turn around and go home after one block. You might consider a portable stool that allows you to rest if and when you need to. The one I have is a little shorter than I’d prefer for my height, but it’s telescopic, lightweight, and fits easily in the stroller basket. Waterproof picnic blankets also fit nicely anywhere.
Sensory Sensitivity
Adults with sensory processing challenges usually have some awareness of what their needs are but often try to ignore those needs. Not so healthy, and a quick path to burnout. We try not to pass those ideas on to kids—sensory needs should be able to be safely communicated, recognized, and addressed.
• Sunshine on my head & neck makes me nauseous and light headed—it always has and there was no way to “tough it out” once I felt sick. Keeping back-up sun hats at work or in my car tends to make this a non-issue for me now. On extra-sunny days I plan ahead to schedule walks and play time that keep us mostly in the shade of trees or houses.
• For those sensitive to noise, plan quieter activities or go to popular places at quieter times. Many things are less overwhelming with headphones, but you don’t want them on anywhere you want to be aware and responsive. A kid who needs them should be able to wear them (and they don’t need to block everything, just mute out the worst of it). You can also look into personal sound dampeners. Noise sensitivities can include “that sound makes my skin crawl,” “everything is too loud,” or “there are too many noises for me to think.”
• If the itchy grass is giving me the skin crawlies or the ground under the grass is clammy and damp, I bring a picnic blanket to sit on.
Dynamic Disability
One of the trickiest things about disabilities is that most of them seem to be dynamic. ”Fluctuating capacity” means that a person may be capable of something on Monday, not capable of the same thing on Tuesday, and capable again on Wednesday–and each day is a valid experience with that disability. Arthritis? Hardly noticeable between flareups. Chronic pain? Not equally painful every day, and good days don’t invalidate bad days. Sensory sensitivities? Executive dysfunction or emotional dysregulation in ADHD or Autism? They’re all very dynamic.
Try not to assume what anyone (including yourself) is going to be capable of and avoid making moral judgements when expectations are either unmet or exceeded. Make plans, have backups in mind, and always check in in the moment.
Nature In Your Nurture 