I’m not.
We’ve been this close to being walloped with a blizzard for the last two weekends, but mercifully have scraped by with just minor snow accumulation. However, this is Wisconsin, and I know it is just a matter of time before we get slammed with a foot or more of snow—in less than a 12-hour period.
As a parent of a 6-year-old, this means dealing with the drudgery of making sure she has the proper winter gear. Of course, given her recent growth spurt that basically translates into me forking over an arm and a leg so that she has boots and gloves that actually fit over her extremities.
Since I was born and raised in Hawaii and never had to deal with changing seasons, hats, mittens, boot warmers and the like, many people felt compelled to educate me about winter safety in the months following my daughter‘s birth.
Here’s a few of the things I’ve learned over the years:
Be careful when accepting used winter apparel for kids. While it’s tempting to let children use hand-me-down items, it’s important to make sure gloves, hats and boots fit well and are age-appropriate.
Kids should wear helmets if they are planning to participate in winter sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, skating or sledding. Studies show that helmets reduce life-threatening injuries by 50 percent. However, they must fit properly in order to save a life. Helmets should fall one-inch above the eyebrows, one-inch above the neck, and be snug while the child moves his head.
If you are planning to be outside for an extended period of time, always dress your child in layers. Also, kids should have access to water to stay hydrated, especially if they are running around. In addition, pack snacks for energy and slather on the sunscreen even if the sun is not out.
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