4. Let the Light In
Some of what invites a downward turn in emotion is simply the lack of light in the wintertime. The leafless trees, the gray skies, the brown grass, the short days–when combined, winter can feel drab and dreary.
Without that big dose of Vitamin D from the sun every day, it’s easier to feel blue. To combat those feelings, open the curtains, turn on the lights, and make things as bright as you can in your living and play spaces. Even if it’s not a bright, sunny 80-degree day, invite the light in–artificial or natural–and you’ll notice a difference in your children’s moods and behaviors.
5. Remember Routines
With cold weather zapping everyone’s energy and snow days throwing a monkey wrench into outdoor plans, it’s easy to get lazy with regular routines. Combat schedule sluggishness by sticking to your set routines each day–even when bad weather cancels school or quells activities.
When the expectation exists that household jobs and homework continue to be done daily, they’ll be no need for questioning or quarreling later. When parents are consistent with routines and structure, kids feel more secure–giving them fewer reasons to act out.
6. Look for Silver Linings
I get it. Your plans have changed, too. Maybe you were looking forward to a coffee date with a friend or had dreams of grocery shopping by yourself. But the storm came in, and the kids are home from school.
While it’s easy to focus on the activities you’ll miss out on, let me encourage you to turn your gaze to the silver linings of the situation. Your attitude and response to situations like this have an extreme impact on your children’s responses–they are feeding off your cues.
Make it a practice to help your kids be mindful and in the present–even when things don’t go their way. Steer the narrative away from the bad weather to the fun activities of the day, the blessing of time together, and the opportunity to get creative. Helping kids shift their mindsets now will not only get YOU through the gray days of winter, but will help them see the silver linings in the major and minor upsets of life.
One way I encourage parents to do this is by shifting their language from saying “I have to” to “I get to.” Instead of “I have to stay home with the kids on this snow day,” you can say “I get to hang out with my kids today!”
This slight change in language gives children a greater sense of belonging because they aren’t seen as a burden, but as a gift. And we know that when a child’s need for belonging is met, they are less likely to act out.
7. Get Outside–Really!
While you consider all the ways you can promote healthy and happy children while avoiding bad weather, I will ask you to consider another idea. All over the world, Forest Schools are popping up that adhere to the saying “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”
This idea is simple–when kids are properly dressed, they can safely and joyfully explore the world outside. These schools hold classes outside all year round and simply ask that kids come dressed appropriately for the weather.
While I know every parent should win a Nobel Peace Prize for getting a 2-year-old dressed to go out in the snow, I’d encourage you, whenever possible, to still spend some time outside. Even when it’s cold or rainy, kids still find enjoyment splashing in puddles and making snow angels. Dig deep to find your silver lining, my friend, and let them explore outside when you can!
Final Thoughts
Whatever the season, there are always ways to promote healthy, happy, positive practices that make the weather matter less and the time together matter more. It’s often in those creative, out-of-the-norm moments when some of the best memories are made. Enjoy them.
If you feel like you’ve tried similar strategies to tackle your winter blues, and you’re still feeling at the end of your rope, I’d love for you to join me for a FREE parenting class.
In one hour, I’ll teach you how to get your kids to listen without nagging, reminding or yelling. Winter blues or not, your kids deserve a calm and confident parent–and I’d love to help you get there.
Stay warm and safe, and as always – happy parenting!