Get Thee Outside

Welcome November! My second least favorite month (next to February) of all the months in the year. Perhaps you're thinking, really, does this lady rank her months? Well, it's not quite like that. Historically November and February are boring, unexciting, cold and usually wet months, sometimes here in Northern Virginia we'll get some snowy conditions. As a family who loves the outdoors, we have to readjust expectations during the yuckier days, weeks and months ahead.

Four years ago, I had been trained by the wonderful Swedes, during our brief time in Stockholm, to embrace all weather conditions. They have a saying "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!" And they truly believe in this. Rain, snow, sleet--and you would find moms walking babies in prams (or the babies sleeping outside in them) and children playing in their Swedish outerwear on the playground at school. When was the last time you saw kids playing on the playground in the rain?  

During my first year (or even two) back in the US, I adopted this lifestyle, and my Baby Bunch was out donning their Polarn O. Pyert rain pants from Sweden in the drizzle or on the wet playground. But the longer we live here, the more I succumb to the local pattern of staying in on cold, wet day; and the more distant I feel from that "no bad weather" motto.

The real problem is not the weather or even my kids because they would walk to school in the rain or happily play in the wet leaves. The problem is me.

I like so many other moms find it's easier to use the excuse of a wet, dreary day to stay inside. And while I agree some days are really good for cuddling up, drinking  cider and watching a movie, in my heart, I believe it's better for the kids to be outside. No matter what the weather.

I am hereby resolve for my two least favorite months (and those in between) to not be a giant weather pansy and get my kids--and myself--outside!

1) We all need the extra Vitamin D and fresh air so even if it's cold, we're bundling up and going out.

2) Rain will not make me melt. I will buy a raincoat, a big umbrella, dress my kids appropriately in all the gear currently available, and let them play. Perhaps coffee will need to accompany me.

3) I will do a better job of walking my kids to school instead of driving them the less than a mile even if it's cold or wet. Seriously, I can do better.

We started this afternoon by raking the leaves and within 20 minutes I had neighbor kids, as well as my own, doing the work for me. That's an extra bonus, I think! And I signed up to attend a "no bad weather" playground playgroup with some friends to help guide me along.

Bring on the bad weather we're ready to go outside. (Ask me about this come February......)

Original DC Metro Moms Post.

*Photo courtsey of Polarn O. Pyret.

When Linda's not dressing her kids appropriately for the weather and braving the rain/cold, she writes at Baby Bunching (two kids in less than two years.)