When one child refuses to play outside

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have good gear — child should not be cold while playing, because that’s no fun and will make them reluctant to go out. We get those thin wool layers (German or Scandinavian countries use these), pants and long shirts, and layer with regular clothes under winter gear.

Fun toys are good too. My almost 4 loves using child-sized gardening tools to dig in the snow, coloring snow with water color paints using brushes and droppers, using construction toys... for kids that age it’s like a giant sensory bin. They’re not quite old enough to do a snowman themselves but they can get into larger building projects with help.

[Anonymous]

9 and 11 can do most of their snow play in the yard. They won't suffer if you don't get to play with them most of the time. Sled when you have someone else at home to supervise the 4 year old or sit in the car with him.

As for shoveling, in that case you have to be the adult and say I have to do it so you can stand on the step and cry but tough luck.

[Anonymous]

Resident Canadian here - all the kids get dragged outside in winter, and yes, some hate it. You acknowledge the terrible predicament, note that it's going to be temporary, give them something to look forward to on return, and then, over the years, watch the kid become a lover of the outdoors, comfortable in all temperatures. To some, it comes naturally from an early age, to others, it doesn't. Acknowledging their path and supporting them on their slower path to discovery is the way to go.

Also, try to pinpoint what the issue is. Perhaps they hate their gear and can't move in it comfortably--that happens a lot when kids are small and not used to big boots, for example, but give them a few weeks and they adjust.

Your 4 year old sounds like a darling. Also, kudos on having a 9 and 10 year old who love being outside!! Most of my friends have the opposite problem with kids those ages.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Made huge progress today. Last night, I dragged all kids out to hardware store and picked up three mini snow shovels and take-out. I told 4 yr old he is helping me shovel drive way today.

He was in his snow pants and out the door as soon as we woke-up. He happily played in the snow while I watched from the kitchen cooking pancakes.

We have since been out 3 other times today, all by his request, including the long walk to the “big” sledding hill.

Let’s see how long the new found outdoor love lasts. 4 yr olds sure are fickle.

And to the Canadian PP, thanks! I’ve tried different snow pants and mittens. I think it is mood thing more than a comfort thing. Sometimes gear isn’t an issue, sometimes it is meltdown city bc snow pant isn’t going into boot the “right” way or something or another. But I’m happy things seem to be ok for now. In a northern state so the snow very well may be here until April. Kids have to learn to love it,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Made huge progress today. Last night, I dragged all kids out to hardware store and picked up three mini snow shovels and take-out. I told 4 yr old he is helping me shovel drive way today.

He was in his snow pants and out the door as soon as we woke-up. He happily played in the snow while I watched from the kitchen cooking pancakes.

We have since been out 3 other times today, all by his request, including the long walk to the “big” sledding hill.

Let’s see how long the new found outdoor love lasts. 4 yr olds sure are fickle.

And to the Canadian PP, thanks! I’ve tried different snow pants and mittens. I think it is mood thing more than a comfort thing. Sometimes gear isn’t an issue, sometimes it is meltdown city bc snow pant isn’t going into boot the “right” way or something or another. But I’m happy things seem to be ok for now. In a northern state so the snow very well may be here until April. Kids have to learn to love it,

Awesome, OP, nice work! My kids are absolute nightmares when they're hungry, so I totally understand that the mood colo(u)rs every experience, especially at age 4. (I'm the Canadian PP.)