family time says. From fort-building to mud kitchens, hunting for worms and turning over logs, LeClair says there are so many ways to enjoy playing in the rain with children. But, it wasn’t always her favorite. “My children loved going outside in the rain to jump in puddles, but I found it difficult to motivate myself to play in the rain alongside them. I quickly
Playing in the Rain F or adults, the rain typically has us running for cover, dashing from here to there, praying we don’t ruin our shoes—or worse—our phones. At home, rainy days are often synonymous with board games and movie marathons, puzzles, and baking. And we do really love everything on that list. Except…
the way children do? You see, to children, rain means puddles.
myself seeking coverage from the rain and avoiding puddles
encing nature in all seasons and
when we were outside,” LeClair
all weather. “Playing in the rain,
says. Finding a pair of adult rain
or popping in puddles, as my
pants at a consignment shop was
youngest likes to call it, is one
a total game-changer. “Now I was
of my children’s favorite activi-
in business, she laughed. “The
ties throughout the year,” she
business of playing in the rain!”
Dr. Diana Lopusny, M.D., F.A.A.P., owner of Preferred Pediatrics, says spending time in nature,
adults to think about heading
in any weather, is crucial. “There
out in the rain for pleasure. But,
is no such thing as inappropriate
if you let yourself think like a
weather, just inappropriate
kid again, you just might find
clothing,” she says. “Nature has a
yourself having a bit of fun.
calming effect on all children and boosts the immune system—in
family brings so many wonderful
any and all weather. Playing
sensory experiences which, when
outside in the rain connects a
you slow down to take them in,
child to the earth, splashing and
are completely inspiring and
letting all their cares run free.” Leslie LeClair, a Milford
Playing in the rain with your
mother of three, says her family
children is just one of those
has learned the value of experi-
24 Milford Living • Spring
and rain boots, but I still found
for yourself.
means mudpies. It’s not easy for
enriching for everyone involved.
me back. Sure, I had a raincoat
things you’ll have to experience
Rain means rain dancing. Rain
Spending time outdoors as a
propriate gear that was holding
RAMON CLIFF
Have you ever looked at rain
realized that it was lack of ap-
