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I also have my kids play in the driveway and garage which we cleared to make kid friendly. My husband and daughter built a "snow house" in the front yard so the kids can walk on the packed down snow. It's great! But don't get me wrong...I cannot WAIT until winter is done! I'm so looking forward to spending most of the day outside in our great backyard!!! :)
I have lucked out winter has been relatively mild. Most of my kids are fairly independent and can get their snow suits on themselves, even those under 2. I help with the zippers with the younger ones, but do expect them to try first. I strive to have the kids able to dress themselves by the time they are 4 or going to preschool. When they reach kindergarten age they need to be able to this themselves as the teachers do not have the time to do any of this for them.
We are outside at least 3 days a week and dread the weeks it's too cold. My crew get very loud and shack wacky without outside time. My youngest will sit and play or watch the others until she is comfortable enough to walk on the snow. Playing and moving in the snow is a great way to work on balance on coordination, being outside is an important part of growing and learning.
I leave my water table outside all year to be a snow table. I have a small cube slide and a larger slide and we keep pails and shovels under the big slide that are used all year round, right now they are being used in the snow. I have a sled that fits 2 children and they take turns having me pull them around on it.
Children should be able to be put anywhere in any season and use their imaginations and find ways to play. That's normal and natural. In all seasons I'm pretty much standing around monitoring for safety and the children do their own thing. I'm also very lucky that I don't do school runs.
I do this also. And I love your answer Trace of Angels because I'm always telling people who don't like winter that they are baaaaaaad Canadians, lol! But I'm tired of being housebound and wouldn't mind spring to hurry up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace of Angels