How to Help Children Get Used to the Cold and Stay Healthy

If you have children, you probably try to keep them inside when it is cold or wet outside. You do so because you love them and want to keep them healthy, and you believe that too much exposure to the cold temperatures could be harmful.Parents in other countries, such as Germany, routinely send their children out to play on the coldest--but not wettest--days. They bundle their children warmly and send them outside to work off their energy and get some sunlight, no matter how weak it may be.

Things You'll Need

• Cold weather
• Energetic children
• Warm jackets, mittens and caps
• Daily weather forecast

Instructions

1. Watch your local weather forecast on a daily basis. Be aware of when your weather will start to get cold and make particular note of those days with stormy--rain, wind or snow--weather. Have your child's jackets and other cold-weather wear ready for action.

2. Talk to your children and let them know you're going to handle winter weather differently this year. Discuss with them your idea of letting them play outside on the colder days. Make sure they understand that they won't be playing outside when it's stormy--rainy, snowy and windy. Make sure they know you want to help them become more able to resist illness.

3. Stick with your new plan and, on cold days, have your children put their jackets, mittens and caps on and have fun outside. Pay attention to their comfort level. If they begin to complain that they are too cold, bring them in. Gradually increase the length of time they are outside, being active and getting the air into their systems.

4. When you know bad weather is moving into your area, try to have your children play outside as much as possible. When the weather is bad, naturally keep them inside until the rain, snow, ice or wind stop. When it is safe--not icy--you can allow them to play outside again.

5. After your children have come back inside, have hot cocoa or hot cider waiting for them. You will be helping them to get used to the indoor temperatures again.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your regular indoor temperatures. Don't worry about turning your heater up to help your children.

• If you have a child who is adversely affected by dry, cold air, give him an opportunity to play outside, but help him by wrapping a scarf around his head and covering his mouth and nose.

• Do not allow your children to play outdoors on a cold day if they are coming down with an illness. Keep them inside and give them indoor activities to stay busy.