Chemist from Sabah champions an outdoor lifestyle for kids during the holidays

Mimi (right) and her family (fr left) Hafizal, Omar, Iffan and Eusoff) love being in the outdoors as it teaches them to appreciate the ‘simple things in life’. Photos: Mimi Fiona Hamidon

As the mother of three active boys, including one child with autism, Mimi Fiona Hamidon, 38, constantly seeks ways to keep them entertained during the school holidays.

“My boys have so much energy and I need to support them with things that they like to do. I need to match their energy. That’s why my husband and I decided that the outdoor lifestyle would be a good way for us,” says Mimi from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The school holidays start tomorrow in Sabah and the chemist and her husband, lab technician Hafizal Ag Abdullah, 38, have a list of activities planned their three boys – Eusuff Iman Hafizal, 11, Iffan Qazi Hafizal, six, and Omar Izz Ziqry, three.

Eusuff (left) and Omar enjoy playing by the beach as it promotes physical activity, and provides a natural setting for imaginative play.“We are planning a road trip to Sandakan to explore the city, as the children have never been there.

“Among the activities we have planned include going to the playground, having picnics on beaches, surfing, camping, snorkeling, and rock climbing.

“Our boys never get bored of these activities,” shares Mimi.

They usually do not have anything extravagant planned because, “our kids have no expectations!”

“We’re blessed to live in Kota Kinabalu, where we have access to beaches, playgrounds, and parks.”

Mimi packs food for her sons and the family usually have their meals out on the beach or playground.

“It’s nice to get everybody out of the house so that we don’t spend all our time on gadgets or the television.”

Hafizan enjoys the shared experiences in nature with his sons.

Despite their busy work schedules, Mimi and her husband prioritise taking leave during school breaks to spend quality time with their sons.

“As working parents, we don’t really have much quality time with the children. When we are outdoors, our focus is on the kids.”

She appreciates the innocence of her children who really savour the little things in life during these trips.

“I’m learning from them, learning how to take things slow and enjoy the simplest things in life,” she says.

Mimi (second from left) says outdoor activities create opportunities for her family to spend quality time together.Whether during the extended school break or weekends, Mimi and Hafizal ensure their boys engage in various outdoor activities.

“It’s always the beaches. During the school holidays or long weekend breaks, we would make about two or three trips outside KK to explore other beaches.

“It’s like a list to strike off for us. We especially love the secluded beaches of Kudat in Sabah.”

“Growing up, I do remember my late father taking us on picnics and camping.

“Sadly, my dad passed away when I was nine so those little memories remain close to my heart. I think that has inspired me to spend more time with my boys.”

Sea, sun and shine

Eusuff, Mimi’s eldest son, was diagnosed with autism when he was just a toddler. Concerned about his future, Mimi and her husband have sought help in how they can support him.

“It all started with Eusuff’s sensory issues. During his early years, he had hypotonia (poor muscle tone) and delayed walking issues. My husband and I used to bring him to parks to help with his motor development,” she explains.

Children who spend time in nature are more likely to develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.Recognising the benefits that being outdoors had on Eusoff, the couple decided to expose their younger two children nature from a very early age.

“We’d take them on a stroll at the park or the beach from when they were just two months old,” says Mimi.

Also, Omar has eczema and Mimi hopes exposing him to sunlight will help reduce his inflammation.

“We’re managing his eczema naturally. I’m a strong believer in embracing nature’s laws and its healing properties. Sunning for flu, sunning for allergies and sunning for better sleep. It’s ‘sun-plement’ for me.

“It’s free and always accessible to everyone! It’s really a loss for humans not to realise this,” she says.

Mimi has witnessed positive changes in her children’s overall well-being and development since they started engaging in outdoor activities.

“Kids need to be exposed to the outdoor and being under the sun for so many reasons. Outdoor activities improves our motor and physical development and I think exposing kids to the environment helps develop their immune system too.

“And, it builds character. I see my kids – especially Eusuff – becoming braver. He is always up for new challenges.”

Surfing is another activity the boys enjoy.Iffan, Mimi’s second son, shares: “I enjoy rock climbing, riding bicycle, and snorkeling with my brothers. I also like to surf and hike because it’s a fun way to exercise.”

Mimi believes exposing her kids to nature fosters a love for the environment.

“Kids won’t be able to appreciate nature if they don’t have spend their childhood immersed in it.

“Last year, we went to see turtle hatchlings at Kudat, and the kids learned that if there’ lots of rubbish in the sea, baby turtles could die.

“Slowly, they are learning about environmental conservation too.”

Balancing risks and rewards

Rock climbing is one of the activities planned during the school holidays for Eusuff (right) and Iffan.While Mimi is aware of the risks of exposing young children to the outdoors, she thinks it crucial for their growth, teaching them resilience and instilling a love for nature.

“Everything and every place has its own risks. Children, I think, are naturally wild and very curious, especially when they are young.

“My kids love water activities, and I don’t want to deprive them of doing things they enjoy. So I enoucrage their interests and send my elder sons for swimming classes. I feel like this is a priority now.”

“Trust your children, have faith, and always take calculated risks.”