Winter + child = problems?
I don’t like winter, especially since I have kids. I find it complicated to have to dress two whining children who just step out and want to come back in for a thousand good reasons. They are cold. They have snow in their face. It’s too windy. They can’t walk without falling. I don’t blame them; I think it takes a lot of efforts for such tiny little children. But I keep taking them out because I want them to learn to appreciate all that snow! We live in Canada so they must get used to it.
In general, children start to appreciate winter around the age of 4 or 5 when going out is no longer painful. They can spend 30 minutes outside without getting frostbites because they are capable – at least a little – to move in snow banks. They can also share their happiness with their friends in the neighbourhood. Better yet, we don’t have to go out with them when they want to play outside, especially if we have a patio door leading to the backyard. We just have to keep an eye on them...
Having fun!
When they understand the fun, they share it with you. We can take them skiing or snowboarding. While they are taking classes, we can finally practice our long-forgotten favorite sport and slide down the slopes without a worry in the world (except maybe for ice patches). Isn’t it great to spend some quiet time with the whole family? I heard that coaches are awesome!
Just kidding! It is so interesting that we can finally introduce our children to our favorite sports. Let’s not fool ourselves, it is not an easy task to take a 3-4 months old child snowshoeing or skating but it works if you take frequent breaks and make sure that they don't get frostbites. It happens quickly at that age. We move a lot and our baby is on our back so we sweat and we keep warm. We soon forget that they don’t move at all and that the wind is blowing in their face.
Organization…
It is not always easy to find moments to go out and get some fresh air but if we are organized, we can make it. We can trade with our husband “Tonight I will take them to the skating rink” or with grandma “We are going out for a walk”. And as soon as the mercury rises a little, get the kids wrapped up and go outside.
And motivation
Find enjoyable activities that will motivate you to go out and you won’t see winter the same way. Snow doesn’t just rhyme with traffic, parking problems, shovelling and back pain. Snow also rhymes with pleasure and fun, climbing mountains, snow fighting, staring at a clear blue sky, spending time with the family and getting some fresh air.
In Canada, we have so many winter sports. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, excursions, skating, snowboarding and so much more. There are so many beautiful sites to visit. We shouldn't stay in all winter; it will drive us crazy or give us cabin fever. Scientifically, it is said that we should move during the winter, especially if we are feeling a bit depressed. When we move around or when we are doing physical activity, our body secretes endorphins, the hormones responsible for happiness and well-being which means that our body is well organized to take care of itself, we just need to get it started.
Cheeky fun
Besides, going out gives us plenty of reasons to drink hot chocolates. So leap at the opportunity and buy lots of black chocolate at the supermarket that you will melt with a bit of sugar and with hot milk. This will be an instant success with your man after an evening spent playing in the snow.
Happy winter!
