Four Tips for Getting Outside With Kids
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Getting your kids to play outside in the winter can be a real pain in the you-know-what. Believe me, I know. With three kids and a pup who need to be outside non-stop, we are no strangers to the winter bundle. The whining, the crying, the running around. How about when they have to pee right AFTER you are finished getting everyone ready and are about to head out the door. It’s. Never. Easy.
On the flip side, being cooped indoors all day is harder than the few minutes it takes to bundle up. When we get in an ‘indoor rut,’ the TV goes on more frequently and the result is cranky, overstimulated kids and a moody, yelling mom. This year, I am vowing to get myself and the kids outside more, regardless of the weather. We ALL feel so much better when we get outside every day.
The chaos is more manageable and the fresh air always gives us a new perspective.
Tips on getting your kids outside (and staying out) regardless of weather:
Have your child practice getting their gear on and off independently when it is NOT time to run out the door.
My favorite? Start bedtime early and then let them “stall” by practicing with their gear. Do this a few nights in a row. They’ll never turn down the extra practice time when it means they can stay up “later.”
When you and your kids are outside, keep a dry clean washcloth in your pocket to wipe away tears or cold, wet puddles when they inevitably splash someone in the face.
Having this washcloth has saved us so many times. It is an easy way to soothe your child so that everyone can stay outside longer.
Schedule OUTDOOR PLAY into your calendar in the same way you would put art class or wrestling practice.
Unstructured, outdoor playtime is vital to healthy child development. Schedule it in to make sure it happens.
Bring along a thermos of warm herbal tea or hot cocoa.
Children love the ritual of a warm drink outside in the cold. It helps them look forward to getting out the door!
Get outside and enjoy not having to tell your child to keep his voice down. You won’t have to tell them to stop climbing/ jumping/ running/ moving. You will be able to let them have fun and move those bodies in nature.
Getting your kids outside, regardless of weather is always worth it. I hope you’ll keep this in mind when the stir-crazy sets in this winter.
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