Let Them Eat Snow: Top 5 Reasons for Letting Kids Play In Yucky Weather

Caught up in the busywork of home life, it's easy to overlook the best ways to nurture creativity and promote independence in children while also giving moms and dads a much-appreciated break. Going outside has always been the most efficient way to get kids to use some energy in a positive way. Or, at least in a way that won't break lamps, but the weather can get in the way when parents are unsure if it's a safe or healthy for kids to play outside. Here are the top 5 Reasons to push the rascals out the door anyway.

1. Kids Don't Get Sick from Wet or Cold Weather

Even though it is common-knowledge that illnesses begin with viruses and germs, the myth that pneumonia hangs out in rainstorms persists. It simply isn't true. Sure, there are germs outside, and there' no guarantee against colds, but don't blame the rain. Since viruses prefer warm places and stale air, some even argue staying inside all winter increases the chance of illness. All the more reason to send the tikes outside.
Proper care is the key. Do not be reckless and send small ones out in chilly rain or snow without properly outfitting them first. Warm clothes are the place to start. Adding raincoats, boots and umbrellas, hats or snowsuits keep kids dry and warm without trapping them indoors.

2. Being Outside Expands Creativity

Even on sunny days, being outside ups the ante on being self-entertained. Instead of being handed all the devices to "imagine" a game, kids have few materials to work with, lots of space, fewer restrictions, and what seems like less supervision. In this environment, imaginations go crazy. New games are invented, nostalgic favorites are revamped and kids rediscover joy in the simplest things. When the weather is bad, a new level is added to the challenge. On rainy days, a simple race turns into a puddle-jumping contest and on snowy ones, a bland lawn turns into a lunar landing site. Don't deny children access to their very own world of wonder.

3. Exercise

Childhood obesity is a major concern today. The antidote: exercise combined with healthy eating. The indoors are not a great venue for exercise, at least not the kind kids enjoy, so send them outside for a footrace, and don't be afraid to join them.

4. Kids Need to Have Time Outside

Kids can be chaotic. People who tell you that they aren't are either lying or don't have kids. They need a safe, fun way to release the energy that they come by naturally, and without the opportunity to let loose for a little while, children have the tendency to get into trouble. Outside, most of the house rules disappear because there aren't rugs to ruin, hot stoves to avoid, and noise levels to be observed. Avoid a fight by taking the edge off and running down their batteries a bit.

5. Parents Need Kids to Have Time Outside

Yes, being outside is healthy for kids. It is also healthy for parents. First of all, every parent needs a break from the noise. Kids are loud. Parents also need their children to be manageable, so expelling energy is important, but mostly, parents need to be able to watch their children and simply enjoy who they are. This is much easier when Mom doesn't have to shout over video games and Dad isn't constantly having to ask for quiet. Watching from a window, a parent can marvel at the overwhelming happiness that one really great splash can bring to their child's face, or smile guiltlessly when a little brother nails big brother with a snowball. And, that one moment of marveling can be the best thing about playing outside if it helps gain perspective and renew simple appreciation.

Keep an eye on the weather report and make sure lightning and wind chill warnings are not in effect. Always make sure they are supervised and well-suited for the outdoors when it is wet out. Investigate some fun, creative outerwear that will spur their imaginations but will still protect them the way you want them protected. In the end, though, be confident that sending your children outside in any weather helps create healthy, happy kids and gives you a chance to smile.

Above all, let them be kids and enjoy every minute of it with them.