05/12/2023
"In Search of Snow"
I am always looking for ways to get my kids moving and outdoors rather than in front of a screen. I fail plenty, but one of my most successful strategies involves a 'rule' and that rule is actually not for them but for me:
If the kids ask me to go and do something outside with them, I say yes!
[There are some valid reasons that I don't always follow this rule- I now refuse to play rugby ever since being almost concussed by kid #1 ]
What this rule has done over the years has encouraged more movement for all the family, but also more movement variety. I lack imagination, but the kids have endless ideas and it helps me get over my own inertia and resistance to challenging or new things.
My rule sometimes means I have to jump off rocks into freezing bodies of water or finds me totally out of my comfort zone climbing up a cliff. Invariably though I am always happy to have done it.
Another unintentional, but positive, result of my rule, has been to make my life easier when my husband is overseas as he is right now. The dogs need to get out, I need to get out and although the kids might not realise it, they do too. It is much easier if we can all willingly go outside together. Full disclosure this does not always happen, but following their suggestions definitely makes for smoother family relations and simpler logistics.
This past weekend my youngest kid demanded that we take a trip to find snow & ice. We adventured both days; made snowmen, climbed snow dusted hills, and excavated ice from ponds. It was magical and very festive.
An extra bonus was that everyone was exhausted and mellow by Sunday afternoon- dog #1 slept on top of dog #2 for the rest of the day and neither even stirred when a box of ripe cheese was opened.
