There is Such Thing as Bad Weather
Have you heard that saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing?” Well, it’s not true. There is definitely bad weather and there is awful weather. Michigan has it’s fair share of awful days and I am unabashedly vocal about hating the cold. In fact, I have found my limit is around 28 degrees but that's only as long as it's sunny out. Anything lower or throw in some clouds, wind and moisture and I am one miserable mama.
What's a family to do during the dreary days of winter? Staying inside for four to five months is not a viable option. Children have to get outside and so do families. Nature is still needed throughout the dreary months. Time outdoors is needed for brain development. It’s needed because our bodies crave fresh air. Mostly, it's needed because we need movement and being inside every day just doesn’t cut it. My kids move so much less when they are cooped up inside day in and day out.
Here are my five tips for increasing nature time when you'd really rather be snuggled up in front of a fireplace.
1. Utilize outdoor places with an inside option.
You must find the right places to go. This is absolutely key. During the spring, summer and fall we have a list of outdoor options that is so long we don't ever even come close to completely it. During the winter there are only five places we go besides our backyard. My criteria is that there must be a warm building on the premises where we can go inside to warm up, use a restroom, and possibly eat a meal or at least a snack. For us, there are three nature centers and two zoos within driving distance. That's what we stick with.
2. Schedule your life using your weather app.
I got hooked on Dark Sky by a friend but any weather app will do. I just look at the extended forecast and it’s easy to see which days should include some outside time. If I am committing to two or three days of extended fresh air per week for my children I have to put that first during the winter months. If I don't prioritize days outside we can easily go weeks without getting fresh air. So when a bowling field trip or something similar happens upon a day when it is 31 and sunny - we skip bowling that week.
3. Wear woolens during any month that has the letter "R" in it.
I am a die-hard fan of the woolen underlayer. Some say a wool underlayer should be worn at all times during any month with the letter "R" in it. I could go into all the amazing stats about wool - how it is antimicrobial, environmentally sustainable, does not itch, is hypoallergenic, etc. but you could look all of that up yourself. So, what I will say is when I touch my kid's bellies after a frigid day outside I feel like I've put my hands in a warm little oven - but only when they are wearing a wool underlayer . The wool fibers are coiled hairs that trap in the body heat. They are truly an incredible asset for keeping our family warm and toasty throughout the winter. Bonus: they are great to wear when little ones get sick. The wool helps keep their core temperature warm so their bodies have more energy to fight off illness. As soon as any of our kids get sick we immediately put them in woolens. They can be expensive at the onset but given the amount the kids have worn them we have gotten more of our money's worth out of their underlayer than out of anything else we own for our children. Currently our favorite brand is Chasing Windmills Kids. They are soft, cozy, and STINKING ADORABLE!! Think: Christmas gift idea! (This is not a sponsored post, just some genuine feedback from a mom of five).
4. Embrace snow activities.
Kids love the snow. They love to build igloos. Go sledding. Throw snowballs. Make forts. Shovel. Spray it with colored water. Ice fish. Eat it. Make snow angels. Ski. Snowshoe. Put a smile on your face and pretend like you love it, too!
5. Add to your outside hours ten minutes at a time.
A friend of mine sends her kids out in the backyard for the first 10 minutes of every hour. This option becomes easier if your kiddos are somewhat self-sufficient in getting on winter gear. If they aren't, this can be a lot of work for the parent or caregiver - but in my opinion it's worth the benefits.
