It’s Snowing!

This is a snow big enough to really play in. In this area, it doesn’t often happen. Be sure to take full advantage of it, for your child’s sake as well as yours. Remind yourself how much fun it used to be when you were a child to dress up in warm clothes and just play in the soft fluffy cold stuff. I recall how much fun it was to just fall backwards into it and not get hurt.

Our farmhouse sat atop a very high hill. In the cow pasture near the house was a steep hill that flattened out in a swampy area where there was a natural spring before emptying into a meandering creek. I recall one winter when it not only snowed a really deep snow, but the following day, it iced on top of it. At first I was disappointed that the sledding fun my two siblings, four cousins and I had enjoyed the previous day was ruined.

However, when we checked it out, we realized we didn’t need to take turns with the only sled we had, but could slide from the top of the hill to the swamp on our stomachs. Not only did I lose a coat button or two, but I almost wore out the front of my everyday wool coat…down to the lining. Not much steering was possible, but there were only a few areas that needed to be avoided where large briar patches poked through the snow and ice. We quickly learned that with some hand and arm action and good timing, it was possible to avoid that painful area.

To slow or stop, we would slam the toes of our boots through the ice on top of the snow as we hurtled down the hill and this helped us slow or stop to avoid the dangerous areas, including the swampy area that had some very wet puddles showing through.

If, for some reason, you don’t have fun memories of snow-play as a child, I would urge you to find your inner child and learn how much fun it can be to enjoy this winter activity. Should neighbors see you playing, they will smile as you frolic with your child. They will likely be wishing they had an excuse to play, too.

Don’t stop until you have built a snowman. Or, to mix it up a little, attempt to form something more original. I recall assisting my three to make a car. We even made a mixture of colored water to spray on it to make it more visible. The children and their dad made a horse one year, too. I enjoy looking at the pictures of those smiling faces sitting atop their steed. What memories!

Another idea you might consider since the Olympics are on almost everyone’s mind is to hold competitions. Instead of winning or losing, keep track of how long it takes your child to make and throw five snowballs at a target. Once she has had a turn, repeat the activity and let her attempt to beat her previous times. Rolling downhill as fast as possible, from one spot to another; running without lifting her feet (like ice skating); are other possibilities for this activity. Use your imagination! Laugh! Enjoy the snow. It could be four more years before we experience another! Happy parenting!

©2014 Brenda Holland-Robinson