I’ve got a new rule. And this is coming from a woman who grew up in Minnesota and who lives in Seattle. I’m stating clearly first: weather is no excuse.
I’ve talked in many places on this blog about the reality that there are only a few “rights” to parenting. In my opinion, as a mom and pediatrician, the “rights” include things like getting your children immunized and properly using car/booster seats. Beyond that, the rest of the parenting is a smattering of “doing right,” versions that vary and resonate from person to person and child to child. The thing is, most of us do it very well, without strict rules. That is, out of love and instinct, we parent our children well. We shelter them. Protect them. Feed them. Shield them from harm. Provide opportunity.
Often, the information we read about parenting does more to break our spirits than it does to bolster phenomenal, inventive ideas. And even though a physician friend recently told me that he subscribes to “‘good enough’ parenting,” and that I tend to agree, I believe this week I’ve stumbled upon the third possible “right.” Tell me if you think I’m wrong because I just can’t conceptualize the counter-argument to my claim:
Go outside with your children every day. Move in a space that has no ceiling.
With the rising digital demand on our lives and with technology seeping into every space, getting outside remains one basic and beautiful way to stay healthy, connected, and opportunistic with your children. And better yet, it’s a great way for your children to be afforded the luxury to roam, create, and play. Not only will your children move and exercise, they’ll experience nature. Nature, as simple as the sticks on the sidewalk or the grass in the boulevard–or nature, like the spaces where you see-hear-smell-touch nothing man-made. All of it, any of it, every day. It seems to me that nature is something we’ve nearly forgotten to prioritize with our time here on earth.
So don the coat, the mittens, the hat, or the sunscreen. Whenever illness doesn’t get in your way, do whatever you can to remain comfortable and protected, and then get outside each and every day with your children. Move in a space with no ceiling.
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Laura says
This is definitely sound advice. I have three young sons who function better (including sleeping better at night) if they have outdoor time each day. I am especially grateful to live in the Seattle area where there are numerous parks to explore. I am a firm believer in having time to connect on a parent-to-kid level, and the outdoors is a great platform for this “together” time. It is not only great for the kids to get that physical time to run around and be free, but I’ve also found that it is an integral part of their emotional well being, as they can dream, explore, and imagine better in the “ceiling-less” outdoors than they do when bordered by walls and distracted by media.
Lisa says
I have never heard it put so well before – I love my “no ceiling” time. I find that I am happier and more relaxed when I am outside, so I am a better mom. Have you ever jumped in mud puddles at the zoo on a rainy day? You can’t help but be in the moment with your kids….and you can’t help but smile.
Vera says
YES!! I totally agree about going outside. I also wrote something kinda similar on my blog today about parenting in general (brought on by Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom).
Amy Neal says
I think this is spot on. I have a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 1 year old. I know they eat better, sleep better, fuss less, play more constructively, and are healthier in every way when we follow this “rule.”
It can be hard to do sometimes–the weather can be a pain (Seattle rain now, Nevada heat before this, Utah snow before that….), it’s hard to find the time some days, etc. but it makes life better for them and better for me!
Jen says
I completely agree! We live outside. Any day that it isn’t pouring rain we get out and play. My 8 year old runs around the neighborhood with her friends for hours on end everyday just them and their imaginations. It is so much fun to watch. My 2 year old and 8 month old just love the sun and fresh air.
KK says
Having lived in the era of “go outside and play” when we would indeed go outside and play and only go inside when the street lights came on; I couldn’t agree more.
Alex says
Here, here! I have been taking my six-month-old daughter to the park every day, bundled up and under an umbrella of course, and the few people who do meander through the park on their way somewhere else look at me like I have two heads. I’m a first time mom, and I hope that other families will join me at the playground when the weather gets better. It is getting rather lonely being the only person who likes to move without a ceiling.
Jason Newland says
Couldn’t agree more. When I saw the title, I thought you were going to discuss goals for us and our children. So I guess not only should we all go outside more but we should set our goals beyond the ceiling as well.
Cal says
I think it is important for my children to go outside everyday. We live in a walk-able community with a playground nearby. I make it a priority that they have some no-ceiling time daily, and although we sometimes fail to meet the goal it is always in the top of our list of things to do. However I am struggling with my six year old’s school at this moment. Even though the weather is beautiful and sunny, it is deemed too cold (in the forties F) to go out during recess and the kids play indoors instead. (We left Seattle and are now in the Southern hemisphere, so deep into Fall at this time)
I am trying to convince the teacher that as long as my daughter has a jacket on she should be allowed out. Can you please point me out to some official resources I can use to substantiate my case?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
Cal,
Wow–lucky you in the Southern Hemisphere! I’m not certain about any official documents talking about weather and play but play in the 40 degrees range certainly isn’t dangerous if children are properly dressed and protected from water/wind, etc — as you know.
Here’s a quick 1 minute audio from the Amer Academy of Pediatrics for helping kids play in the cold (winter) https://www2.aap.org/audio/mfk/011708.mp3
Here’s a press release on a study finding recess improved classroom behavior (although in the study it isn’t broken down into indoor vs outdoor play): https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Daily-school-recess-leads-to-better-classroom-behavior.aspx
Cal says
Thank you Dr. Wendy for your reply. With worries of potential ADD lurking in our future I will be certainly pushing for more outdoor play at recess, as well as taking the kids out myself after school. I appreciate your time in helping me out.