Winter brings many wonderful opportunities for children to experience while playing outdoors. However, our motivation to send our kids out to play starts to drop as the temperature begins to fall, which means that many young children spend their day indoors. We tend to wrap them up and keep them inside so they won’t fall sick.

Daily outdoor play, no matter what the weather is like, benefits children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. It helps them to burn energy and adds a change to their routine.

Children who play outdoor even in winters, laugh more. Laughter is a great stress buster and gives their heart and lungs a good workout. It also stimulates the immune system to fight colds and viruses that the children are so susceptible to.

So, let the children go outside and play in winter and keep in mind:

• Playing outdoors in cold weather doesn’t cause colds— germs do. Playing outdoors will reduce the amount of time children and adults are exposed to germs while cooped up inside.
• Dress in layers but also ensure they don’t get overheated as they play. Keep extra dry clothing for children who get wet or muddy.
• Open a window and let he fresh air in regularly. Overheated rooms with stale, dry air can be a health hazard.
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sun damage can occur whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
• Eating a healthy diet will keep them from catching a cold or flu. Providing those vitamins and nutrients in the form of fruits, green leafy vegetables and protein will keep their bodies healthy.

As the Swedes say “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”! Therefore, remember to have fun outdoors with your children, it’s good for you too!