I have learned that when it snows, kids want to go out and play in it.
I say that I have learned this, because this is not something I really ever experienced myself. I grew up in the Sunshine State, where it hadn’t snowed since 1977. I did play in the snow a few times as a kid when it happened to snow when we were visiting family, but this was so infrequent that I don’t have core snow memories from childhood.
Now I do have kids and we do live in a place where it snows, so I am learning on the fly what snow means to kids. And how to make them have a successful romp in the cold white stuff. Because my first lesson was that you as the mom need to set them up for success. Or it could end in cold, miserable tears.
In my few short winters of mothering kids who want to play in the snow, I have learned lessons (some the hard way) to help smooth the road to a fun time in the snow. If you’re in a similar boat, I hope these tips help. If you’re a lifelong snow-dweller, help a sister out and add your tips in the comments!
Get Your Kids Ready to Play in the Snow
1. Plan in advance
My first winter with a kid in a snowy locale, I was not prepared. I had bought him a jacket and a hat, but really nothing else. He didn’t have snow pants. He didn’t have boots. He didn’t have socks that went above his ankles. It was also peak supply-chain disruption time so it was hard to come by these things quickly. The next year, I had a plan, and I encourage you to have one too.
List
Make a list now of what snow gear you’ll need for your kids next year. A heavy, water-proof or water-resistant jacket, snow boots, snow pants, ski gloves or mittens, and a hat that covers the ears are musts. Check to see what sizes of things you already have and what you’ll need to purchase. See what you can find now when stores are trying to move winter merchandise off the floor. It’s a great opportunity to get these items at a really good discount.
Wash
Before you expect your first snow, go through and wash all the snow gear. Place it all in your mud room or wherever you’ll be dressing for playing in the snow. Those awesome purple snow pants you bought your toddler daughter are of no use if they’re still in a bin in the attic when the snow starts falling.
2. Have extras ready to go
For the big-ticket items like the snow jacket and snow pants, you’ll likely just need one per kid per year. You’d do yourself a favor by having extras of the small items, though. I suggest you have extra gloves, socks, and hats stocked and ready. These items are the most likely to get wet and snowy. We have a bin in our mudroom for these extra items that is easily accessible to even the smallest member of our family.
3. Have the bigger kids help
It is a huge undertaking to get kids ready to go play in the snow. The smaller the kid, the more effort required. If you have bigger kids, or at least one bigger kid, who can manage to handle some of the prep work themselves, encourage them to do it. Your goal should be to get them outside playing in the snow as fast as you can. Enlisting the kids who can help will hasten your progress toward this goal.
4. Have outdoor toys
The key to kids having pleasant experiences playing in the snow is to keep them interested and having fun. Unless you have a bunch of kids yourself or you live in an area with a lot of similarly aged kids nearby, the best way to make sure the kids are having fun in the snow is to have outdoor, snow-friendly toys ready to go. They’ll also stay outside longer, which will make the herculean effort you put into getting them ready to play in the snow more worth it.
Sleds
The classic snow toy – the sled. Most kids love zipping down a hill on a sled. I say most because I know one kid who is decidedly not a fan, but he’s definitely in the minority. We like the saucer sleds best. They’re smooth on the descent and they’re easier for the preschool set to handle by themselves.
Snowball makers
It is hard for little hands in mittens to make snowballs. But all kids want to throw snowballs. Enter the snowball maker. You can get a traditional sphere or a fun shape like a dinosaur. Super fun!
Shovels
My 4-year-old’s favorite snow activity is shoveling. I kid you not. And he’s actually fairly decent at clearing smaller areas like the walkway or a path on the patio for the dog to get to the grassy spot we have shoveled for her use. We got him a kid’s shovel, but he much prefers to use Daddy’s big shovel. I’m trying to convince Daddy to buy Mommy a shovel so the adult isn’t left with the kid’s shovel, but I have yet to be successful.
5. Be prepared for issues
Like everything involving small children, be prepared for issues to arise. But it’s cold and wet, so take those normal issues and double them. I’ll discuss a few common issues that might arise when your kids are playing in the snow so you can prepare for them as much as possible.
Boot mishaps
How often does your kid step out of his or her shoes? In my house it’s at least daily for my preschooler. On dry land, it’s no big deal. In the snow, it’s the quickest way to an absolute meltdown. Make sure you have lots of socks stocked in your extras bin so you can get that cold, wet foot clean and dry quickly.
Potty problems
Getting my toddler in her snow bib, boots, jacket, gloves, and hat is hands down the best way to get her bowels to move. If you look on the bright side, keep this tactic in your back pocket in the event of a bout of toddler constipation. If you weren’t looking for this particular result, have a diaper and some wipes close to where you come in from playing in the snow so you can minimize the time spent inside. I don’t have tips that reduce the effort required to undress and then immediately redress your kid. Sorry about that.
The Boogie Man
Playing outside in the snow is bound to start the snot flowing from your kids’ noses. Unless you want them using their gloves to wipe their noses (yuck!) stock your coat pockets with tissues, booger rags, or whatever they prefer for de-boogering before you head outside.
Please add your tips for getting your kids ready to play in the snow. I could use the insight from more seasoned moms and northerners!
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