Tips for Tots: Let It Snow

Kids are meant to play in the snow. For those of us in MN it should be a given that warm weather gear is purchased and kept ready for the season. Seth is in his element in the snow though that was not always the case.

His first experience with snow was at around six months or so. He hated it. I mean hated it. He would not sit in it or touch it without major tears and screaming. Knowing that snow was going to be a major part of his life in MN we pushed on.

Seth's first snow day - Not snow happy 2006.

Seth's second winter, also our first in our home, was much better. He loved to play in it and shovel it, but he was still a bit leary about it touching his skin. One day we went out to play while the snow was still falling - he did not like it one bit. We tried again after the snow was done for the say and he was happy as ever.

For crying out loud, buy them a kid friendly shovel and put them to work. (2007)

This is Seth's third winter and he has been practically begging for snow. Now that we have a few inches on the ground he is begging to get outside. We spent an hour yesterday at the park. He asked me why nobody shoveled it. Logical thought as everything else we walked on was shoveled to get there. I explained that most people do not go to the park in the snow. If you are one of "those" people he thinks you are missing out on all the fun!
It was truly fun. The slides were thick with ice and we went flying across them and through the snow even tearing up the grass in places. I felt like a kid again!

Here is Seth all bundled up to get outside 2008.

Your best bet is to get a decent pair of snow pants and coat or snow suit. Boots and at least two pair of mittens are absolutely necessary. We keep Seth's cheeks covered with a scarf or neck warmer which we got yesterday at Land's End Inlet. Second hand stuff is great for the outdoors because it can take a lot of wear and tear and doesn't usually get as much as it should. My best advice is to make sure it fits too. If you bundle up your child and they can't walk - you will have a temper tantrum waiting to happen. If you get mittens too big and they keep falling off or they are unable to hold a shovel or toy, again, temper tantrum just around the corner.

Needless to say, be prepared for cold and runny noses. We like to come in and warm up with hot chocolate and sit under tons of blankets with a book or a short video.

No matter what age your child is - get them out in the snow! You have no excuse either...

My sledding adventure last February at the Wilderness Fellowship.

Here are some great preschool Snow and Winter related activities you can try with your kids at home from Preschool Rainbow. Some will take a few modifications but that is just an excuse to get creative!