|
Enjoy the Snow
By J Gardener
Remember how your parents always seemed old to you, even before they reached
middle age? They could never relate to you, they could never remember what it
was like to be a kid. Now, you're an adult with children, but you've made a pact
with yourself-no matter how old you get, you're always going to think "young".
You'll always be able to relate to your kids. Right?
Here's a quick test of your resolve:
The weatherman just predicted freezing temperatures and heavy snow-what's
your reaction? You groaned, didn't you? Your first thoughts were about hazardous
driving conditions, shoveling snow, high heating bills, and whether or not you
remembered to insulate your water pipes. Yup. You're officially a grown-up.
Now, look at your kids' reactions. Sheer joy, at the possibility of a snow
day, filled with sledding, snowmen, and snowball fights. You remember what that
was like, but you can't really relate, any more, can you? You're thinking about
the potential hazards they face-frostbite, injuries, and pneumonia.You groan,
again-it's gonna be a long week.
Look, you can't change the direction of that storm front. You're going to be
socked in. You might as well accept it and make the most of it-and remember that
big snow is big fun for kids. If you're really going to think "young", now's the
real test.
There are definite and real hazards to very cold weather, and to spending too
much time in the snow. But you can prepare yourself and your kids for the
outside conditions, by following a few simple guidelines.
First of all, before venturing out, feed your kids a meal or a snack. The
extra calories will generate extra body heat. Dress everyone in several layers
of clothing, starting with long underwear, adding turtlenecks and sweaters, then
coats. Avoid cotton clothing-it doesn't warm well and it absorbs moisture.
Synthetics such as Gore-Tex can actually whisk moisture away from skin. Everyone
should wear mittens-they keep hands warmer than gloves-and take an extra pair,
in case snow works in, underneath, freezing small hands. Of course, warm socks,
boots, and hats are essential in the snow. And something many people forget-if
the sun is out, wear sunscreen. Snow can reflect 85% of the sun's UV rays,
causing quick sunburns. If the snow is wet, a final, waterproof layer of
clothes, even rain-gear, is recommended.
If sledding is on the agenda (and if there's a hill in sight, it definitely
is), make sure that it's done on a slope with no hazards. One slip of the rudder
can send a sled into a tree. Have your kids wear their bicycle helmets while
sledding-head injuries are the most common result of sledding accidents.
But you can have lots of fun with your kids in the snow. It really is fun to
build and clothe a snowman, and a snowball fight (play clean-no rocks), is great
exercise, especially for you. As long as your kids are dressed properly, there's
no set time-limit for being out. When you get cold, it's time to come in. If you
top the day off with some hot chocolate, you might even remember what it was
like to be a kid. You might even really feel young, again. About the Author Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, a regular contributor of valuable family oriented content. Learn how to truly light up your child's eyes this holiday season like never before with personalized letters from Santa Claus.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/43497.html
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/43497.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
Some other articles by J Gardener | Sharing the Joy at Christmas time Terri is one of those women other mothers either envy or resent. With two
boys, both under six, she's ...
On the Plane with Kids It's not "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house",
anymore. Your new and growing family lives a ...
Presents Vs. Time It's hard enough for most parents
to arrange good, quality family-time, under normal circumstances. But in
December, with holiday preparations dominating so much free time, and talk of
Santa's ...
Parents Can Help Each Other At Christmas The first few years that they were parents, Gail and Darin dreaded the stress
of the Christmas season. The difficulty of shopping with a child in a stroller
made an already arduous task ...
Planning for Christmas Past Your child's at the age, now, when she understands that Christmas is coming,
and that it's a very special day, so you're going out of your way to make sure
you don't disappoint her. You've planned ...
Host a Santa Letter-Writing Party So, it's that time of year, again. Your son is being bombarded with thousands
of commercials, touting all the "must-have" toys and kid-gadgets available this
Christmas. He's at the age now, when he pays attention, and ...
|
|
| |