It’s that time of year again. If you live somewhere where it gets cold enough to snow, chances are that the flurries may have already started flying. There is something magical about snow, at least from a toddler’s point of view.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes when there is no snow you can try and try to get your toddler out the door for a little outside play time, only to have him say it is too cold to go out. Curiously enough, an hour later when it is still just as cold outside, it starts snowing and your toddler runs for the door, eager to go out and play – or in my case, shovel. The softly falling flakes are like an invitation to go out and play.
With winter weather on its way and toddlers eager to get out and play in the snow, it is important that we keep them safe and warm. As difficult as it is to get a toddler to stay still long enough to put on a snowsuit boots, mittens, and a hat, reinforce that dressing properly to go outside is non – negotiable. The snow won’t melt in the time that it takes to get dressed.
Also, toddlers are famous for saying that they are not cold when, indeed, the words “I’mmmmm nnnnotttt cccccoldddd” come out through shivering lips. Even when toddlers are dressed warmly, outdoor play time may have to be limited when temperatures are low or there is a wind chill. Some days you may even have to be the bearer of very bad news, as in, it is simply too cold to go outside. A good rule of (mittened) thumb is that if it is over 32 degrees Fahrenheit, accounting for any wind chill, it is safe to play outside with proper winter attire. If the temperature is between 13 and 31 degrees, bundle up and go out for short periods of time, no more than fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. If it is colder than 13 degrees, it is just too cold for outdoor play.