Okay, I’m coming out of the closet (but certainly not out of the house) as a bad mother here and admitting that I HATE going outside in the winter. Not only do I despise cold weather myself, but I resent the hassle of getting kids all bundled up just to go outside, freeze, and bring them back in to unbundle. I mean, I’ll go from house to car (warming in the garage in a very non-environmentally-friendly way) and then into a mall/Church/friend’s house/etc., bracing the cold only en route to a warm destination, but as easily misinterpreted as this may sound: if you’re not going to be removing any clothing when you arrive, is it really worth being there?
I’m certainly no mama bear in the overprotective sense, but when it comes time to hunker down for the winter (on a full stomach, no less) I wonder if I’m hanging out with the wrong species. (Though, as a bit of trivial research for you, I found out that bears who are pregnant or have cubs under two years of age actually don’t hibernate. File that piece of useless knowledge away.)
And never mind taking my own daughters outside…part of my job (my least favourite) entails outdoor yard duty. I have no issue with supervising kids…I mean, I’m probably in the wrong profession if I do…but I’d rather do every recess, every day, in Fall and Spring just to get out of going outside in the frigid in-between. My life actually changed this year when I discovered snowpants. I’m not a hugely vain person (my toques and boots would make that very clear) but I have done yard duty for the past ten years without ever once wearing a pair of snowpants. This year, my new teaching partner was showing off her cozy Costco purchase, and offered to share them with me. Fortunately we never have duty at the same time. (I did try to get a pair myself, but they were all gone.) I also broke the bank for a really, really warm North Face coat, and I have yet to succumb to a truly painful yard duty this year. Just for your amusement, this is what I look like when heading outside for 15 minutes:
Actually, outside isn’t always the problem. I’m thrilled to tell you the heat in my classroom was finally fixed a few weeks ago (after one maintenance man suggested that perhaps I should just gain some weight!) so at least I can now remove my coat when I come back in from recess, instead of teaching in a parka. Oh yes, I did.
I’ve never been what one would call “outdoorsy”, even in fair weather. I can sit by the pool and read magazines with the best of them, and I do enjoy walking with my family in the nice summer heat (though I truly prefer the treadmill for individual fitness) but camping, hiking, etc…not my strong suit.
You're not alone! Well I look outdoors in nice weather but when it comes to winter, I don't take my kids outside to play. When they are old enough to be outside themselves and dress themselves then fine. Until then, they'll have to settle with pushing the snow around with their hands and feet as we walk to school or playgroup.
I hate the cold, I hate the snow, it's NOT fun. If I have to bundle up enough to be warm, then I can't move freely and I hate that.
I much prefer slathering on the sunscreen then finding the missing mitt 5 mins before the bus arrives!!! Dressing for the weather is key! For Christmas my husband bought me -70degree snow boots! He's a sled head(snowmobiler) and wishes I would join him! I think lots of mothers feel the same as you do so don't be so hard on yourself.
Even though I do enjoy the snow and have been sledding three times this week already, I think it's about time for winter to end. I couldn't agree with you more about getting kids dressed for outside. Enough with the snowpants, hats, mitts, boots, etc – bring on the sunscreen!!
Snowpants are a wonderful thing. I have some stylist Columbia ones. My little guy is with you with the I hate winter. He hates going outside when he has to bundle up. Next year I hope there will be a snowman or two.
LisaDay