A question for our founder and head, Monica Shah Zeeman:
Many parents who move here from other climates may not be used to this weather. How can they ensure their child develops a good attitude towards being outdoors even when it is cold and they themselves do not enjoy being outdoors?
It’s motivating for parents to think, healthy body, healthy mind. If you make sure they’re getting the physical exercise, they’ll also be thinking better and learning better at school.
It’s easy at daycare and kindergarten to encourage a good attitude because children love playing outside with other children. What I would do is check at the daycare or kindergarten before you sign up to make sure that your child will have space, equipment and a daily routine that includes outdoor playtime. You need to make sure they have warm gloves or even better mittens and good winter boots, but it is important they are not overdressed, because don’t forget, once children start running, they will get hot. There are many breathable fabrics with an insulating layer. Having the right things and making sure you take an extra bit of time in the morning will ensure you’re not stressed. Buy less expensive things in twos or threes because if a child drops something in the snow it may be there in the snow for a few days! Or you might find that it’ll turn up in the kindergarten spare box because a child put it on another child’s peg by mistake. These things can happen, so don’t stress about it.
With plenty of gear, like the Swiss say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes! So that’s a good motivation for you. Even though you may not be the world’s biggest nature enthusiast, outdoor exercise is a great thing.
