Keeping Your Family Active This Winter

BRRRR. No seriously, BRRR. Baby, it’s cold outside. I (like many others) am not a fan of the cold. In fact, I see it as the perfect time to bundle up and hibernate indoors. Back in the days when I just had myself to worry about that is exactly what I would do. TV shows and internet browsing become my activity for the winter, until I finally began to thaw out for the arrival of spring. Now that I have two children I can’t rely on my cozy clothes and heated home all winter. I need to be active for them, to show them that there is still a lot to do indoors and outdoors during the chilly freeze.

There are many outdoor activities to choose from in the winter time and all you have to do is bundle up for the cold. It may be easier to turn on the TV, but even from my own childhood I don’t have memories of watching television, rather playing outdoors with friends. There are also many fun indoor winter activities that can help break up the long winter months, while making the most of the short winter days.

Dress Appropriately.

This sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? If you have children you know that this is not as easy as it sounds. There are many obstacles that you may face when it comes to dressing your children, but keeping them warm and dry is worth it so that they can have fun playing outdoors. The important thing to remember that layering is key. I layer my children (and myself) up as much as possible. This helps to make the time spent outdoors more enjoyable because they are fully protected from the elements. Here is what an average winter outdoor outfit consists of for the kids:

Layered socks

Thermal Underwear

Undershirt

Sweatshirt

Snow Pants

Winter Coat

Scarf

Gloves

Hat

Boots

Something I learned wasn’t just a parenting myth is that your child will ask to go to the bathroom as soon as they are fully dressed. Keeping this in mind, make sure to ask your child if they have to go the washroom (a few times) otherwise you may never leave the house!

Buy Extras.

Winter seems to make things vanish. Hats, mitts, scarves, winter socks all seem to disappear without a trace. That is why I learned the hard way (a few times) to not bother buying expensive brand name winter items for your kids (other than their winter coat and boots). You can find products that have the same level of quality without the designer price tag at places like Target and Wal-mart. By purchasing multiple gloves, hats, scarves and socks you will be prepared for the cold even if an item gets lost. This also prevents the winter season from costing you a fortune in replacing missing gloves or hats. If you find a sale on gloves or hats, stock up. Apply the rule of purchasing extras for yourself as well. I don’t know how it happens but every year I end up with a few less gloves. I have started to keep an extra pair of gloves in my car and in my purse just so that I am covered at all times.