I did everything by the books and, I’m proud to report, have for the first 20 months enjoyed a sleep-trained child that wants to go to sleep promptly at 7:00 p.m every single day. And, yes, she wakes up like clockwork at 6:30 a.m. This has been my reality since she was 8 weeks old and although sometimes that did not leave much time for play on weekdays after work, we compensated with bath time. It just worked for us.

Read: Mom Life: Bath Time =Bonding

Now, her school switched from two naps per day to one and all my perfect training has gone out the window it seems. I put her in the bed and she screams bloody murder to get out. Luckily, the ninja skills I’ve developed as a teacher allow me to tune out things I do not want hear. That is, until I see real tears and hear “Mommy peeaze!” Yea, that is my kryptonite. At that point I am like putty in her hands. I go in her room, I rock, I sing, I do all of the things the books tell you not to do. What is a mom to do!?! Then, one day, I came to the realization that maybe she just isn’t sleepy at 7:00pm anymore, and then I knew I had to come up with a new game plan! My resolution lies in my secret weapon: the park.

Now (on most days) we take a detour after school before heading home and I give her 30 minutes to wear herself out at the park. Most of the time this works and it allows for us to get in a little extra quality time while we are at it! Extra QT? I won’t complain! The key though, is to be prepared: a proper park excursion can’t take place without the necessities. For that reason, I’ve prepared an “Adventure Checklist” for you and your mini. Check it out!

Bare Necessities for any Toddler Adventure

1. BackPack: Mommy has outgrown our diaper bag and Peyton loves doing things on her own. My solution? Our NooBoo backpack which is super easy to clean, super cute, and the perfect size for Peyton. Definitely something she can grow with.

All images Juan Carlos Puebla of 52nd Witness

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2. Snacks: Like her mommy Peyton can love something one day and absolutely hate it the next! Currently she is all about apples and Glutino pretzels, but not any old apple will do. Peyton will only eat Pink Lady Apples which are currently $2.99 a pound. I swear she is eating me out of house and home.

3. Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Wipes: I know there are more natural mosquito sprays that are said to be safer for kids but, when it comes to mosquitos and all of the icky germs they can spread, this mommy does not play. I like the wipes versus the spray because it gives me more control. My focus is to ensure that it is not applied on her hands or by her mouth or eyes. Plus, it serves a dual purpose because I can use it too.

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4. Drinks: With temperatures rising it is important to stay hydrated. We love the Busy Sipper 2 Stage Cup because it grows with your mini and has both a no-spill spout and a free flow pop-up sipper and cover. I love the sturdiness of the cup and the clip that can be strategically put on any bag (or belt buckle) and won’t interfere with play time! We are always keeping it full of toddler safe infused water combos and cold pressed juice, or smoothies!