During winter, when the days are shorter and darker, children can experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), much like adults, which can bring a persistent low mood, fatigue and trouble focusing on tasks. Even though it can be an unpleasant thought, actively making the time to spend time outdoors is even more crucial in winter because of the limited amount of daylight. Children will spend break times at school mostly outside, however, it is also important to continue this on weekends too.
Exposure to natural daylight, even on wintery, cloudy days, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns which is a crucial factor for emotional stability and mental health. Winter sunlight is also a vital source of vitamin D, which supports mood regulation in children and reduces the risks of low mood.
The combination of fresh air and physical activity releases endorphins, lifting low moods and reducing stress. Additionally, the unstructured nature of outdoor play nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills, particularly when children safely interact with elements like snow, ice, or frost.
Boosts Physical Health
Outdoor play in colder weather can strengthen a child’s immune system by exposing them to natural elements and allowing them to escape indoor germs and bacteria, and breathe fresh air. Physical activities like running and sledging help keep their bodies active, improving cardiovascular health and building strength, whilst keeping them moving and warm! The fresh, crisp air can also benefit their lungs by reducing the spread of infection and promoting overall vitality.
Winter play also promotes robust physical development in children. Activities like building snowmen and climbing on snow enhance motor skills, coordination, and balance. The resistance of moving through snow or pulling sledges provides children with a workout, helping to build muscle strength and endurance.
Educational Benefits
Winter outdoor play offers children numerous educational benefits, such as engaging curiosity, increasing love for learning, and building on critical skills.
Parents can also transform the outdoors into a natural classroom, offering unique opportunities for hands-on learning and developing scientific knowledge. Children can observe snow formations, looking closely at patterns in frost and ice, and discover different animal prints in the snow. Additionally, measuring snowfall or building in the snow incorporates maths, helping to develop problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills which is extremely beneficial for early years children.
According to The Guardian, spending time outdoors enhances cooperation, reduces stress, improves concentration and evens out differences between low-achieving and high-achieving children at school.
Builds Resilience And Adaptability
Playing outdoors in cold weather teaches children to tolerate the discomfort of challenging weather and adapt their day to playing safely in unfavourable conditions, like changing their clothing, or moving to a different location to play more safely. Additionally, it can build emotional resilience from feelings of disappointment if they do have to change plans.
It also teaches them how to navigate uncertain, icy surfaces and builds physical resilience by helping them cope with discomfort or apprehension in extreme weather conditions, rather than retreating indoors immediately. In turn, these experiences will help build resilience and adaptability, preparing them to face obstacles in life with confidence.
Connecting To Nature
Exploring outdoors during the colder months can help children appreciate seasonal changes and the beauty of nature all year around and not just in summer when everyone spends more time outside. Seeing how wildlife adapts to winter or discovering changes in nature, like patterns from frost and changing colours of plants, encourages a deeper connection to the natural world and fosters an interest in their environment.
Encouraging outdoor play during the colder months isn’t just about having fun—it’s an investment in children’s health, happiness, and resilience. So grab those mittens and let the winter adventures begin!
Staying Safe In Winter Weather
While outdoor play in winter can be fun and has many benefits, it is also important to acknowledge any dangers. By staying mindful of the risks and preparing appropriately, children can enjoy the magic of winter while staying safe.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Cold temperatures can change quickly, especially when combined with wind chill, and in extreme conditions, could lead to frostbite and hypothermia when children are not properly dressed or stay outside for too long. So, it is vital to check the temperature before heading outside as frostbite can occur in under 15 minutes when the wind chill drops below -26°C (-15°F). Snowfall, icy rain or high winds can appear suddenly and quickly create hazardous conditions, reducing visibility and making surfaces slippery.
By staying informed about the forecast, parents and caregivers can decide throughout the day whether it’s safe for outdoor activities and adjust the duration of play accordingly. Being proactive is essential — carry extra clothing or have waterproofs on hand if the weather changes unexpectedly.
Teach Safety Rules
It is great to teach children winter safety rules so they can identify when the weather is becoming too dangerous for outdoor play. Children should understand the importance of staying within a designated play area, especially to avoid busy roads, frozen water, or areas with a lot of build-up of snow or ice. The dangers of icy surfaces should be emphasised and avoiding throwing hard snow or ice to ensure they minimise the risk of injuries to themselves or other children.
Educate them on dressing appropriately and knowing to keep gloves, hats and coats on when it is cold outside even if they are being active. Children should also learn how to recognise when they are getting too cold to stay outside, with signs including numbness and excessive shivering, and when to take a break or seek help.
Key Signs Your Child Is Too Cold
As mentioned above, noticing early signs of frostbite and hyperthermia in children is crucial when playing outside. Some children may mask when they are getting too cold, especially if they are preoccupied with playing a game with their friends, or older children.
Excessive shivering or pale skin with red noses and hands indicate that a child is probably getting too cold, but there are other signs that you may not notice, including slurred speech, tiredness and sluggishness. Even if it’s just that their hands and extremities are getting too cold, these could suggest it’s time to go inside for a break and get warm.
Continuing to check in on children is a great way to keep track of how they are feeling, as some children may not voice when they are getting too cold unless asked. Having regular breaks to get warm is the best way to ensure children are not exposed to cold temperatures for too long. Children should only spend 20-30 minutes at a time out in low temperatures before going inside and warming up.
Staying hydrated is easy to overlook in winter as it’s a concern often associated with summer, but children will get thirsty when playing outside, especially in the dry cold air. Always carry a drink, so if your child is looking out of breath or flushed, they remain hydrated. Breaks from playing outside are also the perfect time for them to fuel up with a drink or a snack before going back out to play.
Dressing Properly For The Weather
Playing outdoors in winter can be magical and stimulating, but it is important to take precautions to keep children, especially those under the age of five, protected and comfortable. Here are some tips and advice to ensure children are always dressed properly before heading out for some winter fun!
Depending on the weather and temperature extremes, research shows that three thin layers are best for keeping children warm. A snug, lightweight base layer is ideal, but it is best to avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and can make you feel colder. The second layer should provide insulation, like a fleece jacket or a wool jumper, while the outer layer should be a heavier waterproof coat to keep the child dry when playing outdoors in winter. Layers are easier to deal with if your child overheats, as taking off one should provide relief while still protecting your child from the cold elements.
Children are known to lose heat at a faster rate than adults, which means they need more protection from the cold. Young children should always have one extra layer of clothing compared to adults, so if you need to wear three to be comfortable, they should ideally have a fourth layer.
Focusing on the extremities is also vital — substantial footwear such as warm boots with thermal socks, or leather shoes with a good grip to stop children from slipping when the surfaces become icy are best. Warm waterproof gloves or mittens will keep hands warm and dry when playing in the snow, and a cosy hat is vital as children can lose a significant amount of their body heat through their heads.
Winter can be a magical season that offers children countless opportunities for fun and exploration. From the educational benefits to engaging their creativity and improving their physical and mental health, playing outdoors in cold weather is invaluable for a child’s development during the winter.
However, ensuring safety is just as important as encouraging the enjoyment of winter. By monitoring weather conditions, teaching essential safety rules and recognising the signs when it gets too cold, parents can create a safe and supportive environment for winter outdoor play.
With the right preparation, dressing warm, and staying vigilant, children can embrace the joys and excitement of winter while building resilience, confidence and memories with friends and family!
Outdoor Playground Equipment With Sovereign Play
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