01/12/2026
Dear Friends,
The lifestyle concept of “wintering” is everywhere right now. (Based on the book Wintering by Katherine May) It's a beautiful concept that emerges as an antidote to hustle culture, where exhaustion is worn as a badge of honor. Wintering is the idea that, just as animals and plants conserve energy and adapt in literal winter, humans can benefit from slowing down and conserving inner resources. We as humans do need to rest and recharge in the winter with the natural rhythms of the calendar year — particularly after the holidaze! But…can parents participate?
I find that much of this is difficult for parents of littles to actualize — and frankly children of all ages whose schedules don’t shift much in January. The wrangling, transporting and day-to-day relentlessness doesn’t change with the turn of a calendar month. The “slow reflection time” may not feel possible at all. I queried the Collective here, this think-tank of moms who are parents of kids at all different ages, and we came up with an accessible, lowered-bar listicle for you to “winter” sanely, with coffee, and good fun. These ideas may be more possible for us to achieve.
Wintering as Parent Survival List (20 Ideas)
Pretend winter is a personality, not a problem. Lower expectations. Sweatpants as formalwear.
Release the crafts (selectively). Put out the markers, stickers, and glitter only when you can emotionally tolerate the aftermath.
Indoor movement is not optional—it’s medicine. Trampolines, gym mats, Nugget piles, pillows, bodies flying. This is how peace is restored.
Obstacle courses fix many things. Big feelings. Big energy. Your will to live at 3:47pm.
Dress like you’re going to Antarctica. Snow pants everywhere = less whining, more compliance. It’s science.
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing (and bad attitudes before coffee). Say it with me.
Short outdoor time still counts. Ten minutes outside is not “giving up.” It’s strategic exposure.
Always bribe with hot cocoa. This works on children and adults.
Bake things that don’t matter. If it’s edible, it’s a win. If it’s not, it was a learning experience.
Lower the expectations. Lower them more. Messes that stay messy. Clutter piles are for spring.
Libraries are elite winter parenting. Free. Warm. Toys. Books. Zero expectation to clean up after yourselves. .
Save your fun money for winter. Play places, aquariums, swim lessons—this is the best time to go. .
Yes, there are germs everywhere. Winter parenting is deciding whether fun is worth the inevitable runny nose.
Winter illness is a lifestyle. The seasonal décor is Tylenol and saline spray.
Playdates = time passing faster. Even better if you don’t have to host.
FaceTime grandparents and family like it’s your job. Get other adults to read a story or have show and tell time with your kids. Small doses of virtual babysitting count!
Target walks count as enrichment. Bonus points if no one asks for anything.
Let kids feel cold sometimes. It builds wisdom, autonomy, and a healthy respect for wind chill.
Drop the guilt. Add grace. Drink something warm. You are not failing. You are wintering.
Use screen time. If the choice is emotional unrest and tumult or Bluey - go with Bluey.
I hope you can make some good use of this, and we wish you all the best with the remainder of January. You got this! If you don’t, let us know if you could use support.
The 67 Byberry Collective has taken shape. The rooms are rearranged and reappointed with more personalized effects. The feel of the house is as it was; a warm buzz of conversations, activity, and footsteps. The signage will be changing over soon so that all the practices in the space are clearly demarcated. I find it incredibly nice to still be surrounded by my colleagues, and friends. It’s a little different, but so much the same.
It bears repeating that our home at 67 Byberry will still be the hub you can count on for finding expert support for you and your family. Meg will be in office on Mondays and Thursdays to help keep things running smoothly and respond to inquiries. Kellie and Meg will still gently and skillfully help match anyone who calls with the therapist who is right for them.
