Winter is no joke, especially when your kids love to play in the snow. The challenge? Making sure they’re warm and cozy while they make those snow angels. You’re in the right place if you’re tired of the endless complaints about cold fingers or shivering shoulders. In this blog, we cover the A-Z of keeping your kids warm, from picking the proper base layers to those final checks before heading out the door. For hands-on learning, show your kids our embedded Goal Mine video class; it will teach them how to master the art of cold-weather dressing all on their own.
Table of Contents
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Check the Weather | Teach kids to understand the day’s temperature and weather conditions. |
| Step 2: Gather Your Clothes | Organize the essential items: base layer, middle layer, outer layer, and accessories like hats, gloves, and boots. |
| Step 3a: Dressing – Base Layer | Put on thermal or moisture-wicking underwear. Add a long-sleeve shirt if it’s extra cold. |
| Step 3b: Dressing – Middle Layer | Put on a warm sweater or fleece jacket. |
| Step 3c: Dressing – Outer Layer | Wear a winter coat that is waterproof and insulated. Add snow pants if it’s snowy or very cold. |
| Step 3d: Dressing – Accessories | Put on a winter hat, gloves or mittens, thick socks, and waterproof boots. |
| Step 4: Final Checks | Make sure all zippers are zipped and buttons are buttoned. Check that no skin is exposed to the cold. |
| Optional Gear | Discuss when to use items like scarves, ear muffs, or glove liners. |
| Tips for Staying Warm | Advise on how to stay warm while playing outside, like taking hot cocoa breaks. |
Step 1: Check the Weather
- Teach Kids to Understand Weather Reports: Before you even touch that winter wardrobe, check the weather. Teach your kids how to interpret temperature and weather conditions. After all, there’s a big difference between a sunny 45°F and a snowy 20°F. For example, pull up a weather app and involve your kids. Understanding the weather is not just smart; it’s a survival skill.
Step 2: Gather Your Clothes
- Organize the Essentials: Now that you know what you’re up against, gather the needed clothes. Make a checklist with your kids, and categorize items into base layers, middle layers, outer layers, and accessories like hats, gloves, and boots. Above all, ensure the clothing is accessible and easy to find for the next step.
- Involve Kids in the Selection: Let your kids help you choose, making the process fun and educational. Empower them by teaching them the value of each item, like why wool socks are better than cotton ones.
Read more: Best Weather App for Kids
Step 3: Dressing
- Base Layer – The Foundation: The base layer is crucial. Go for thermal or moisture-wicking underwear. If it’s super chilly, add a long-sleeve shirt. Keep in mind that this layer is all about moisture management. The last thing you want is sweaty kids; it’s a fast track to a cold body.
- Middle Layer – The Insulator: Next up is the middle layer. A warm sweater or fleece jacket works wonders here. However, skip the bulky stuff; it limits movement and isn’t all that comfortable for kids who love to be on the go. In other words, think function, not fluff.
- Outer Layer – The Protector: Here, waterproof is the keyword. Choose a winter coat that’s both insulated and waterproof. On snow days, snow pants are a must. This layer is your final fortress against the cold. Above all, make sure everything fits well but isn’t too tight.
- Accessories – The Final Touch: Gloves or mittens? It’s an age-old debate. Gloves offer more dexterity, but mittens keep hands warmer. A winter hat that covers the ears is non-negotiable. Lastly, wool or synthetic socks and waterproof boots seal the deal.
Step 4: Final Checks
- Last-Minute Adjustments: Check all zippers and buttons. Ensure there’s no exposed skin; exposed skin is an open invitation for the cold. During these final checks, make sure your child can move freely. If not, make adjustments.
Optional Gear for Dressing in Cold Weather
- The Extra Mile: When is a scarf or ear muffs necessary? If it’s extremely cold or windy, these additions make sense. Likewise, glove liners can be an excellent investment for added warmth.
Read more: ADHD Activities for Kids in Winter (Post-COVID)
Tips for Staying Warm
- Keep the Fun Going: Your kids will want to stay out for hours, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Let them! Just make sure to schedule breaks for hot cocoa (we’ve got a CoPilot template for that!) or a warm snack. Hydration is vital in the cold, just as it is in the heat.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
The struggle of keeping kids warm during the icy months is real, but with the proper steps, it’s a battle you can win. If you’re serious about teaching your kids the art of staying toasty, go beyond our first step covered in the embedded Goal Mine video. Unlock the full range of video lessons with Goally’s dedicated Tablet for a complete guide on How to Dress in Cold Weather. Because most importantly, isn’t the goal to equip them with skills that last a lifetime?
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