Our family lives in a place where there 50/50 shot you’ll be trick or treating with a snowsuit under you costume and it stay through until April (May if you’re not so lucky). Technically, there are places which are way colder (not that many), but there are days when you face bone-chilling, frigid sub-zero temperatures. One those days, it certainly is tempting to just give up and stay housebound during the winter months. Bundling up two toddlers and a squirrely eight year old is not my idea of a good time, but hibernation while tempting, doesn’t seem to be the answer either. There can be, and is, a happy medium. On those days when the sun is shining and wind-chill isn’t too bad, we try to get out as a family.
Bathroom Break - Try to “encourage” everyone to go to
the bathroom before you suit them up, even if they say they don’t have to go.
Nothing is worse than getting everyone ready, only to hear, “I’ve got to go!”
Layers Are Your Friends - Make sure to have the
appropriate clothing for the weather. If you are going to be outside for an
extended period of time, dress in layers. For little athletes who might be into
skiing or skating, moisture wicking materials make an excellent first layer. I
personally prefer fleece as a middle layer because it’s soft for kids, but wool
can also be used. A waterproof/windproof, lined outer layer can finish off your
cozy ensemble. For extra coziness, wear two pairs of socks and even mitts.
Mini-mitts or mini-gloves can fit nicely under a heavier pair of mitts.
Mind the Gap! - What’s the gap? The little bit of
wrist or ankle exposed with the mitts or boots ride up. There are long mitts
that come out past the wrist or elbow which can help. But, what about kids who
at times refuse to wear their mitts… like my boys? For toddlers, this quick and
easy trick was a lifesaver… socks! I put
socks (clean ones borrowed from my older son) over their mitts, then slipped
their jacket on. If you want an added craft, you can even let them, or older
siblings, decorate the socks.
Sunscreen? What? - We so easily can forget this in the
winter. You can just as easily get a sunburn in the winter as in the summer. If
outside for an extended period apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
Take Kleenex – As another twin mom reminded me, don’t
forgot the snot rag for the endless snotty noses.
Last, but not least… mitts vs gloves? - Mitts are
warmer than gloves, more easily trapping body heat, but gloves can be easier
for dexterity. I guess it depends on
what you need them for. I recommend mitts for younger children, but for
everyone I recommend keeping a spare pair of dry mitts to change into if need
be.
Finally, don’t eat yellow snow, and enjoy your time
outside!
No comments:
Post a Comment