4 minute read
Family Time
Playing in the Rain
For 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…
Have you ever looked at rain the way children do? You see, to children, rain means puddles. Rain means rain dancing. Rain means mudpies. It’s not easy for adults to think about heading out in the rain for pleasure. But, if you let yourself think like a kid again, you just might find yourself having a bit of fun.
Spending time outdoors as a family brings so many wonderful sensory experiences which, when you slow down to take them in, are completely inspiring and enriching for everyone involved. Playing in the rain with your children is just one of those things you’ll have to experience for yourself.
Dr. Diana Lopusny, M.D., F.A.A.P., owner of Preferred Pediatrics, says spending time in nature, in any weather, is crucial. “There is no such thing as inappropriate weather, just inappropriate clothing,” she says. “Nature has a calming effect on all children and boosts the immune system—in any and all weather. Playing outside in the rain connects a child to the earth, splashing and letting all their cares run free.”
Leslie LeClair, a Milford mother of three, says her family has learned the value of experiencing nature in all seasons and all weather. “Playing in the rain, or popping in puddles, as my youngest likes to call it, is one of my children’s favorite activities throughout the year,” she 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 realized that it was lack of appropriate gear that was holding me back. Sure, I had a raincoat and rain boots, but I still found myself seeking coverage from the rain and avoiding puddles when we were outside,” LeClair says. Finding a pair of adult rain pants at a consignment shop was a total game-changer. “Now I was in business, she laughed. “The business of playing in the rain!”
Ready to try it out for yourself? Here are a few things to keep in mind before you step out the door:
CHOOSE THE RIGHT RAIN – There are some days when too much rain is just too much rain. Use your best judgement. If there is heavy wind or temperatures below 45 degrees, stay inside. Moderate rain in temperatures above 45 degrees are ideal.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR – A cotton or wool base layer and a waterproof outer layer consisting of a raincoat, rain paints, and rain boots are your best option for staying warm and dry. For little ones, one-piece suits for rain by brands like Oakiwear and boots by Bogs are great. Mittens also really help, especially when temperatures dip below 50 degrees.
TUCK EVERYTHING IN! – This is by far proven to be the most effective method for keeping your children clean, dry, and warm. Tuck regular pants into the rainboots and tuck the rain pants over the rain boots.
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BE PREPARED – If you’re leaving the house to play in the rain, be sure to pack a well-stocked bag of extra clothes. Extra socks are the most important.
HANG IT UP TO DRY – Even if it’s covered in mud, rain gear can simply be hung up in the basement, garage, or mudroom to dry. It’s much easier brushing off dirt once dry. No need to wash raingear after every use.
ROLL AROUND – Never underestimate the cleaning power of a child rolling through grass. It can work wonders in getting the mud off and make your clean-up a little bit easier.
PACK A WARM TREAT – Consider packing a thermos of hot chocolate or tea to enjoy during or after play.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE – Jump in the puddles. Collect rainwater in a container and then dip sidewalk chalk into the bucket and draw. Take bath toys outside to play.
There are so many wonderful ways to embrace the rainy weather with your children. By modeling different ways to fall in love with wet rainy days, your children will learn to have fun playing in wet conditions too! —Makayla Silva
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