{"id":954,"date":"2010-04-15T02:03:00","date_gmt":"2010-04-15T07:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=954"},"modified":"2010-04-05T21:54:47","modified_gmt":"2010-04-06T02:54:47","slug":"spring-cleaning-your-backyard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=954","title":{"rendered":"Spring Cleaning Your Backyard"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019re like most people, you have been waiting for the warm spring weather so you can get outside and enjoy!. You may be thinking about spring cleaning your backyard to get it ready for the sunshine and summer. Here are some ways you can do that and enjoy being outdoors at the same time.<\/p>\n

Gather the family together so everyone is pitching in with the work. Although it might seem overwhelming, working together in the yard is one of the best family relationship building activities you can do. It’s a wonderful way to work together as a team and have fun at the same time. Of course, you\u2019ll want to be sure to have people work to their abilities, but everyone can contribute.<\/p>\n

Decide what needs the most attention. Undoubtedly there will be a build-up of leaves regardless if you raked during the fall. There may also be limbs which have fallen from the tree due to ice or wind. Check out the garden; what attention does it need? Do you have flower gardens which are about to burst forth with blooms? They\u2019ll need consideration as well.<\/p>\n

Try to make the tasks fun. Instead of acting like a drill sergeant, let the children toss leaves while they\u2019re raking. They may even want to make a pile to jump into if there are enough of them. After they\u2019ve had some fun they may be more willing to get back to work and get the leaves cleaned up.<\/p>\n