Depending on your location on this diverse planet, you will encounter days of gloom, fog, sunsets (oh but did the sun ever appear?) at 4:19 p.m. and cold temperatures. When this happens you can consider moving to the more temperate zones on our dear planet or you can make the best of it. I find this especially difficult with toddlers. It’s such a drag to get them dressed for the outdoors and often it means a change of clothes once inside again. But I do think it’s not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Here are my top reasons:
1. Your home will seem extra homey, comforting and special when coming back in. Bonus points if you have something cooking or baking.
2. Getting the blood flowing by doing jumping jacks, running, playing follow the leader, climbing on jungle gym equipment or the bleachers at a local park, racing to one point and back again to see who’s the fastest of them all…THIS is the stuff good naps, peaceful nights and sanity for Mother Dear are made of. Bonus points if you stay out longer than 20 minutes. (Confession here that once I only made it for four minutes!)
3. Fresh air is the bomb for clearing the head and emotions.
4. Having two outside points will break up the day so nicely: my standard at this point (with a 3 year old and 16 month old) is outside before lunch for 30 minutes give or take and outside before dinner for 30 minutes, again being flexible. It takes an eternity to get ready to go outside so you can use up 45 minutes EASY in each day part and while I’m not a fan of wasting time through busy work, this is just part of the habit of healthy living.
Mom, you are going to have model this one ‘cause no one really wants to go outside in this weather until they’re out there having fun. But hey, the habit will grab everybody as long as you do it.
I can’t think of anything else good about it– it's not like being outside when the Spring air is warm and smells of lilacs…sigh. It’s only November and I’m already ready for daffodils. Cue the world's tiniest violin. (Schole is the answer!)