Park/playground when it’s really cold.

[Anonymous]

Not for the kids cus obviously they wear jackets etc…and I swear they are not as sensitive to cold as adults are. But for me, I HATE being cold and I run very cold. So being outside no matter how bundled up I am makes me miserable. My son would stay at a playground all day/everyday no matter the weather. He has recess during school days with a playground as long as the weather is above a certain degree. But for the weekends do you just grin and bear it? I mean it’s not like he never goes. He’s getting multiple days a week at the playground but I still find myself being guilty/but also dreading being cold.

[Anonymous]

My kids are older, but I did just grin and bear it. Hand warmers (they make rechargeable ones now!), hot drinks, and lots of warm clothes. Depending on his age, and the playground, you may also be able to take breaks in the car (assuming you have a clear view of the playground).

[Anonymous]

Nope, I don’t think kids need daily playground time. If you’re cold and miserable, it might be a good day to play games, bake cookies, build forts, read stories, do crafts, snuggle and watch TV together, etc. If he needs to burn off energy, have him do some exercises, play Simon Says/Mother May I/Red Light Green Light/Freeze Dance, watch Youtube exercise/dance videos, make up challenges, or send him to the backyard if you have one. If you want to get out of the house you can go to a movie, bounce place, bowling/duckpins, indoor mini-golf, mall, library, museum, pet store to look at (not buy) the animals, Chuck E. Cheese, etc. If you celebrate any of the seasonal holidays, you can do holiday activities, or wintery things, or throw your family a just-because celebration.

Parks/playground time with opportunities for fresh air, exercise, and socializing is great. However, he gets that during the week, and presumably with you when the weather cooperates. Moreover, it’s not like the alternative is to lock him in a dark closet. If your cold and miserable, you’re also likely to be tired and grumpy, which isn’t so good for him. Take this day to enjoy him and he can still have a great day. He may even look back some day with fondness on the cold days when whatever activity you chose was a special time for him.

[Anonymous]

Yes, grin and bear it.

I have a silk undershirt from Lands End. It's so light I forget it's there, and I don't feel bundled up, but it's really warm.

[Anonymous]

I 2nd the previous poster on hand warmers. But also fleece lined leggings or (fleece lined) tights under jeans. Or long underwear. Layers will make it better.

[Anonymous]

Layers. It’s not about the heaviness of the outer coat, it’s about all the layers underneath. Silk base layer, another tech base layer, wool sweater, coat, hat and scarf.

Fleece-lined tights, with possible base layer underneath. Wool socks. Sturdy boots.

Walk around a bit and you’ll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Daily outside time is really important so yes I suck it up. I wear layers. I walk around a lot. I also try to do stuff that keeps us all moving, like walking to a park or the library or a hike because standing there is much colder.

[Anonymous]

We go to an indoor place if it’s bitterly cold.

[Anonymous]

My kids have energy. I take them outside every day regardless of the weather. Sometimes its only 10 or 15 mins, some days it much longer. Its good for their mental health too. Exposure to the sun does a lot to regulate mood. Also burning that energy helps them sleep.

If my energetic kids stayed in playing video games and baking they would destroy my house. I have kids of various ages now so the older ones can help out.

[Anonymous]

We go outside (3yo) even when it is super cold. I just find parenting outside easier. I invested in a warmer jacket last year that was longer and got some warmer pants this year (why do we wear the same leggings/ jeans when it is 20 degrees and 80 degrees?).

If Im cold I move around, do exercises like squats and lunges.

I don't mind the cold too much but am more of a "no bad weather just bad gear" type of person.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it’s because my youngest is my third and i’m older now but I don’t make myself miserable for anyone anymore. My kid also goes to the playground with school every week day. And he knows-if it’s less than 45 degrees we don’t go. He can play outside in our backyard and I will watch him from inside.

If the worst thing my kid says when he is older is that he wishes I took him to the playground more than I think i’m doing ok.

[Anonymous]

We have two small kids, age 3.5 and 6, and the energy levels at home on the weekend get too high if they can’t run it off somewhere. We do a lot of park time, but we’ll take them to the play area at Springfield mall if it’s really cold or wet outside. A lot of discipline for small children is about creating the conditions for good behavior, and an opportunity to run around is an important part of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it’s because my youngest is my third and i’m older now but I don’t make myself miserable for anyone anymore. My kid also goes to the playground with school every week day. And he knows-if it’s less than 45 degrees we don’t go. He can play outside in our backyard and I will watch him from inside.

If the worst thing my kid says when he is older is that he wishes I took him to the playground more than I think i’m doing ok.

That's like, the entire winter. You can't stand to be outside in the low 40s with multiple layers, coat, hat, gloves? I would get a full health work up.

[Anonymous]

Any temperature you'll encounter around here is bearable with the right clothes

[Anonymous]

I go out in two layers of long underwear, three wool sweaters, one short jacket, one floor-length hooded coat, electric hand warmers, wool socks, balaclava, hat, and two pars of mittens. This keeps me comfortable. It’s very important for all humans, especially children, to get hours and hours of outdoor exercise a day. If you’re not hitting 6-10 miles outside your health will suffer.