Help Me Get My Son Outside!

[healthy momma]

Ok. I've been patient. Really patient. But I am getting cabin fever. It is now January 9th and we've had cold snowy weather since the end of November. My DS (31 months) wanted to be outside ALL summer long. Now nothing.

First, he isn't big on clothes and likes to run around naked so I'm sure the extra clothing doesn't help. Second, he's taken some pretty big steps forward developmentally in language, fine motor skills, etc. in the last couple of months whereas before he was very advanced in gross motor skills. So he's focused on different types of activities. Third, it IS cold. :-)

BUT we need fresh air. We need sunshine. Philosophically I do not believe in forcing him to do things he does not want to. (Yes, I take into account safety, health, etc. issues but I don't want to take up this space going over all the details of this particular philosophy so PLEASE don't get sidetracked on that!) I bring this up only because I am trying desperately to think of genuine and fun ideas to get him interested in our winter wonderland.

I have sleds, snowshoes, and skates for him. I have a backpack and a runner sled I would just let him ride in. I've tried snowmen, snow angels, snow balls. All to no avail. The second he gets outside (on the rare occasion he agrees to go out) he just keeps saying "go inside, go inside." Oh, and no he hasn't had any bad experiences in the snow and he doesn't cry or anything. He just stands there with a blank expression or says "hold me."

Anyone else dealt with this? Ideas? I'm going crazy in the north country where the snow lasts a LONG time! 

[YayJennie]

Have you tried just walking with him?  Or putting him in a stroller and taking a walk?  Are you sure he's warm enough?  Is he comfortable in his clothing (shoes not too small, no itchy material, etc)?

My son is only 21 months, but he doesn't like any winter "activities".  The only thing he'll do outside right now is walk up and down the side walk, or sit in the stroller while I walk the dog.  The only time he won't do either of those is if he's too cold or if he's uncomfortable, so that's all I can offer!

I'm in upstate NY, so I can relate to the winter cabin fever.  I hope you can get him enjoying the outdoor winter soon :)

[tzs]

alot of the kiddos in my preschool class HATE the bulky clothes....the snowpants that make it hard to walk in, the gloves that they can't grasp with, the hoods and hats they can't see well out of, the boots......we usually have meltdowns or otherwise bad reactions. they do seem to like just riding in the buggy though. even though it was windy and freezing not one complained. maybe he would like a stroller walk or being pulled on a sled for a walk???

[crunchy_mommy]

Oh I thought for sure I was the only one with this issue!!!!

DS is a little younger (23mos) but exactly as you describe... and for the same reasons... he hates winter clothes, he's at a different stage in development & would rather be reading or doing a craft than playing outside, etc...

He doesn't like being pulled around in the sled but he LOVES being pulled around in the "bus" (which is, of course, the sled) and singing Wheels On the Bus... that one was his idea, and expanding on that, I'm hoping other pretend-play activities will help too but I haven't had a chance to try anything else out yet. He also enjoys playing a simplified version of hide & seek (I actually tell him where to hide & then I chase him).

He likes riding on my back for a walk (not into being pushed in his push bike right now), although I haven't figured out how to keep myself warm enough with the Ergo on my back lol so we only do this on less-cold days.

Also he loves being out there while DH & I shovel the paths & driveway. He just stands there & watches (sometimes helps shovel & brush off the cars a bit) but I think US having a sense of purpose helps him out.

And some days, we just count getting into the car to drive to the library (or wherever) as 'outside time' since he's just not into it. :( I'm hoping he'll go back to loving the outdoors when spring comes!!

[healthy momma]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions so far. I am pretty sure that he isn't uncomfortable except for the bulk and also pretty sure he isn't too cold.  I've also tried the general walking and pushing on a sled or in a stroller but it hasn't worked. It takes less than five minutes and he's just a broken record saying "go home" or "inside." 

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy 

He doesn't like being pulled around in the sled but he LOVES being pulled around in the "bus" (which is, of course, the sled) and singing Wheels On the Bus... that one was his idea, and expanding on that, I'm hoping other pretend-play activities will help too but I haven't had a chance to try anything else out yet. He also enjoys playing a simplified version of hide & seek (I actually tell him where to hide & then I chase him).

Also he loves being out there while DH & I shovel the paths & driveway. He just stands there & watches (sometimes helps shovel & brush off the cars a bit) but I think US having a sense of purpose helps him out.

I'm definitely going to give these ideas a shot crunchy_mommy. Thanks!

Any more thoughts?

[mkksmom]

Have you tried snow paints??  I used my old peri bottles from when I had my kids. Just mix a few drops of food coloring in water and let him squirt them to paint the snow. Other than that, maybe planning some fun indoor activities... obstacle courses, etc. might help you mix it up a little and keep your sanity.

[mckittre]

My 23 month old has gotten a lot better about snow lately, but it's been a bit of an effort to get him there.  One technique - walk somewhere he wants to go (grandma's house, restaurant, friend's house, etc...).  He then focuses on the destination, rather than the fact he's walking outside.  I don't make him wear mittens or gloves most of the time - he prefers to hold my hand when walking, and will stuff his hands in the snowsuit if they get cold (I monitor his hands' warmth if it's really cold out).  I had some luck at the beginning with getting him to shovel snow into his little dump truck - one of the first outdoor snow activities he enjoyed.  We also do a lot of walks/hikes to get places and for exercise, wearing him in a wrap.  So he's used to the fact he has to be outside, and it's his choice whether he wants to ride or walk himself.  I do find that even if he's focused on some indoor thing, giving him a choice between 2 outdoor activities often works.  Or I tell him we're going to do whatever activity he's wanting after the outdoor one.  I know a lot of this seems to be making him do things he doesn't like, but it usually worked and he does enjoy himself once we get going.  Now he's asking to go outside on his own!

[healthy momma]

Oooh! I am so going to try this. I've got to pick up some food coloring quickly...

Keep the ideas coming. 

Thanks!

Originally Posted by mkksmom 

Have you tried snow paints??  I used my old peri bottles from when I had my kids. Just mix a few drops of food coloring in water and let him squirt them to paint the snow. 

[healthy momma]

These are totally the types of thing that usually works with DS but not right now. He just could care less if he ever left the house. Now he will do okay occasionally for a destination like the library but I'm shooting for more than just the walk to and from the car. :-)
 

Originally Posted by mckittre 

My 23 month old has gotten a lot better about snow lately, but it's been a bit of an effort to get him there.  One technique - walk somewhere he wants to go (grandma's house, restaurant, friend's house, etc...).  He then focuses on the destination, rather than the fact he's walking outside.  I don't make him wear mittens or gloves most of the time - he prefers to hold my hand when walking, and will stuff his hands in the snowsuit if they get cold (I monitor his hands' warmth if it's really cold out).  I had some luck at the beginning with getting him to shovel snow into his little dump truck - one of the first outdoor snow activities he enjoyed.  We also do a lot of walks/hikes to get places and for exercise, wearing him in a wrap.  So he's used to the fact he has to be outside, and it's his choice whether he wants to ride or walk himself.  I do find that even if he's focused on some indoor thing, giving him a choice between 2 outdoor activities often works.  Or I tell him we're going to do whatever activity he's wanting after the outdoor one.  I know a lot of this seems to be making him do things he doesn't like, but it usually worked and he does enjoy himself once we get going.  Now he's asking to go outside on his own!

[crunchy_mommy]

One more thing -- have you tried giving him tasks? i.e. "Can you find 2 sticks for arms for our snowman?" or just giving him a bucket & asking him to collect something specific, rocks or leaves or pinecones or whatever?