Mommy Style Monday: A Day at the Park

I think every mom learns what her go-to’s are that keep her and her kids sane.  Going to local parks is one of those things for our little family.

It started when Bella was a baby and we lived in a tiny apartment with no yard.  Several parks were within walking distance, so off my colicky baby and I would go to swing her cries away.  Then RG came along and I quickly found that being out in nature was not just a sure-fire way to make him happier, but also an excellent way to burn off his seemingly endless supply of energy.

With our third in tow now, going to parks has been our saving grace the past year as I learn how to parent three small kids with very different–and often conflicting–personalities.  If we stay inside all day, it’s 100% likely there will be far more tears, fighting, and frustrations.  Mommy will probably have a tantrum herself by the end of the day.  So, while it’s a lot to pack for our park visits and at times stressful to keep tabs on who is where at all times, it’s so very worth the effort.  My kids even get along and play together once we’re at the park–it’s a bit magical!

And to be honest, going to a park is much, much easier (and cleaner!) for me than planning a craft or playing a game at home.  Also, it’s enough of an adventure to make up for not going on an even grander, more stressful adventure far from home.

All this is to say, we’ve got this park business down!

Similar Shirt (Gap), Similar Skirt (LOFT), Similar Skirt (Ann Taylor), Shoes (New Balance)

Here’s what I typically wear to parks these days: a stretchy skirt (because it’s getting hot where I live), a loose shirt (because I will never have a six pack), and some great sneakers (because I hate having bark under my heels if I wear sandals).

Some other mommies are also sharing what they wear for a day at the park, and they’re really cute! Go take a look if you’d like some ideas for your next adventures with kids, park or no park:

And if you’d like to sign up to participate in the series as well, check out Madeline and Kiana‘s blogs for details.

PS: I have lived in these sneakers since purchasing them a year ago, which made all my anxiety over spending money on them worth it. I don’t think you’ll regret it.