I’m finding in these strange days of staying home everyday, one day can start to blend into the next, and they all are starting to feel the same. The particularly difficult days for my kids are the days when it’s cold and rainy and they can’t (no wait…don’t want to) play outside. In this post we talk about the benefits of being outside in all weather conditions for children specifically.
On the days I don’t really push it and we try to keep busy in the house, their energy bubbles over and the result is a lack of productivity at their school work, and an increase in mischief or bad behavior. In my house, this usually presents as the kids being too physically aggressive in their play (seeking deep pressure or proprioception in OT language).
The play always seems to end up in wrestling around until someone of course gets hurt. Tears, drama, followed by the message from me “not so rough you guys!”…”come on how many times do I have to tell you….?” Things my mom used to say to me I’m sure. Lack of physical outdoor play can also result in unfocused children (children whose body’s are needing an energy boost). This wrestling injury and tears of course could have all been avoided if I have insisted on getting them outside and reaping the benefits of physical activity and nature.
Alternatively, I find when I set a good example and go outside (even though I too don’t want to) and we dress in the proper gear to be warm and dry despite the conditions, it is ALWAYS beneficial (for them and me!). Even if we only last 30 minutes outside exploring and running around, we are better for it! Mentally, physically and emotionally. I’m usually pleasantly surprised how time flies by and we last a lot longer than we thought we would with this “crummy weather”. These times are hard for us and certainly for our kids too. We have to especially take care of our mental and physical health at these times.
I think when we look back in a few years from now on this time, we will see that we were all building our resiliency. We can get through tough times and we will.
Back to the topic of getting outside in all weather; the rain, the snow, the wind, the heat, it all builds resilience. We don’t have to run and hide from the elements; we can plan and adapt our play. I have spoken in a past post about the benefits of nature, and I go back to that message about its benefits.
Being in nature is good for our body, mind and soul and we need it! Right now with our children not having the structure of school days which includes recess we need to be especially mindful of keeping that “recess” element of outdoor play in our day. Have a read through this article written by Wild Earth on this very topic.
Though we look forward to better, brighter spring days ahead, may we rejoice in every single day and use it to its fullest and enjoy the great outdoors and all its benefits.
Found this post helpful? You might also like this one about the benefits of changing your child’s space to promote learning.
Cynthia Deen, MSC OT Reg. (Ont.)
Cynthia has been an Occupational Therapist for over 10 years and is a mother of 3 children. She has worked with children in different practice settings including community and school with a wide range of challenges from, fine and gross motor coordination, sensory professing, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and attention deficits. Her passion is to empower parents with education and resources so they can support their children to become their best selves.
