Sending children outside to play during the winter is one of the best things you can do for them. It also gives parents a brief relief from the chaos.
Children between 12 months and 6 years of age should spend 60 and 90 minutes outdoors each day, children older than that should get an hour too, and babies should be taken out several times a day and exposed to the fresh outdoor air.
Successful winter play is closely tied to the way children are dressed. Unless outfitted properly, they will have a miserable time and ask to come back in within minutes of heading out.
Staying dry is crucial, so even if it's not that cold out, put rain pants on a child to keep their legs dry and break the wind. Use boots that are high and waterproof. Choose heavy socks and a hat that are made of wool, as these take moisture away from a warm active body most effectively. Mittens(连指手套) are much warmer than gloves, and having a scarf or neck warmer makes a difference, too. Make sure they have a good range of movement that allows them to play and keep active outside.
If you think it's a lot of work getting them ready to go out, just wait till they come back in. Everything has to be dry before the next outing. So don't skip this step or you'll have angry, cold children in a few hours' time and a whole lot of regret on your part.
A. That's when it gets really busy! B. It gives them a space to consume energy. C. Cotton does not do this and will leave feet feeling wet and cold. D. Don't overdress a child, though, because then they will get too sweaty. E. National guidelines recommend lengths of outdoor exercise for children. F. Don't hesitate to cut the playtime short if your child is unhappy or cold outside. G. It's best to ensure they're comfortable so they'll stay out for a decent length of time. |
