Snow is a favorite of most kids eventually, even those that hate it at first. Having said that, some babies and toddlers may have a hard time adjusting to the cold weather and the snow. When the moment of introducing their kids to the first snowfall or winter hike approaches, parents are always a bit disappointed as they witness the child’s excitement transform from a winter wonderland into tantrums and tears.
It may take some time for your child to become accustomed to the snow and the cold, but here are a few tips they can put to use to adjust.
Get The Ready By Lowering The Indoor Temperature
The first thing that you should do is adjust the lighting indoors. If you are heading out, turn down the temperature (it is an economical and environmentally friendly choice) and avoid covering yourself up too much with layers of clothing or blankets until you are ready to leave. There is no point in going from warm and cozy to freezing cold at the same time so you will avoid the shock.
Get Ready Inside
What would you feel like if you were stowed away in a bulky sack that restricted every ounce of movement you had when you’re used to running around naked in the house? You already know what scary movies are about. Instead of letting your kids run around the house wearing their outdoor gear, introduce them to their gear gradually. Wear one mitten and demonstrate how to hold a toy with the other one. Make sure they’re wearing their snowsuits before you start rolling them around (see tip #1, turning down the thermostat first). Make sure that they have on their winter boots inside the house. Make sure they have their winter coats and gloves on as well. Fill up the tub with some snow and let your child explore it. You can also fill a sensory bin or bucket. Although you should make sure you have things such as wellies, walking boots, scarves, a winter coat, and kids toques ready for when you head out, you also need to make sure they are put on before you are leaving the house otherwise they may feel the cold more than they should.
Distract Them
Distraction is a key parenting skill in general, and it may prevent your child from even thinking about the cold or their restricted movements. Use some easy-to-handle outdoor toys like sand toys, bath toys, and toy vehicles to have fun in the snow. You can also fill squeeze bottles with water and coloring and use them to paint the snow, or you can make footprints and handprints together. To learn more about snow play ideas, check out this website.
Slowly Build Up The Time Outside
Set the bar as low as you can, like very, very low. While your thoughts are probably wandering to the idea of hiking through a snow-kissed forest in a magical multi-hour hike, let’s get real for a moment. For those readers who haven’t watched Frozen 100 times, that’s a reference to Elsa (something to be aware of if you haven’t seen the film). Try to get outside for 10-15 minutes as close to home as you can. Once you have done that, you can add two or three more minutes. After the day has gone well, you may want to think about putting all your equipment in a car and driving to a place like a park, somewhere down the street.
Go Out In A Group
In addition to giving your child friends that they can play with, it will keep them away from the cold and their awkward snow gear, and you’ll also be able to get advice from other parents that are in the same boat and can offer support. Get out and hike this winter, once you have built up the kid’s stamina towards the cold.
Make Sure You Have Plenty Of Fluids
Isn’t that more suitable for hot weather than for cold weather? Truthfully, this is good advice no matter the weather. You lose a great deal of water when you breathe hard in the cold. Make sure you drink plenty of water!
Cold weather can cool you down, a warm drink keeps your insides warm and hydrated by drinking warm beverages and soups. Also, you’ll get some warmth while drinking something warm.
What is the best way you used to prepare your child for the cold and snow? Did you use a special tip or strategy to prepare them? Share it with us in the comments section below!