For me, the ideal snow day involves cozying up in my bathrobe and fuzzy socks by the window, sipping tea while the snowflakes dance outside. My children, however, have an entirely different agenda. The moment the first flake hits the ground, they’re ready to dash outside. I often find myself persuading my partner to take them out, using excuses like, “I really need to tidy up,” or “I’ll prepare your hot chocolate!”
If I’m honest, I’m not a fan of snow. It’s too cold and chaotic, and I certainly don’t enjoy being assaulted by snowballs from my energetic boys. So, I watch from the warmth of indoors as they construct snowmen, ensuring that the hot chocolate I’ve been “working hard” on is steaming when they return.
Unfortunately, escaping snow isn’t an option for me. Living in the Northeast means dealing with it for about six weeks each year. The daily walk to school transforms from a quick five minutes into a fifteen-minute snow adventure filled with laughter and chaos.
What is it that draws kids to snow?
They seem irresistibly attracted to it, unable to keep their hands, faces, and mouths away. My ten-year-old is just starting to outgrow this enchantment, but my four-year-old is completely consumed by it.
During winter, a stroll to school with my little one includes multiple snowball launches, “ice skating” (which often means falling), and countless handfuls of snow sampled for taste (“Nothing yellow or brown!” I remind him repeatedly). He leaps onto every snowbank, and I often find myself rescuing his shivering, snow-covered body.
When it’s 8 a.m. and I’m trying to get two slowpokes moving down the street to make it to school on time—and to my job—I have little patience for such antics. However, a shift in perspective hit me one day after we dropped off his older brother at elementary school.
As we made our way to pre-K, my little guy, already a snowball of frost, was off course, veering left to knock snow off every bush he could find. Checking the time, I felt my frustration mounting.
“Hurry up!” I called out as he wandered further away. He quickly returned, a handful of snow in his mitten, his eyes filled with wonder. “But, Mommy, it’s so magical, isn’t it?” he asked.
There’s something profoundly grounding about a child’s innocent perspective. Young ones have no grasp of time or responsibilities. They’re oblivious to what day it is or how many minutes they might be wasting. They only see a world transformed by a blanket of beautiful white snow, and it captivates them.
You might recall how some cultures, like the Alaska Natives, have numerous names for snow because they recognize its various forms. My son inspects each type of snow, asking endless questions about its texture, and marveling at how it changes daily. He’s engaging with nature, learning about science and the seasons, and developing physical skills like climbing and balancing.
He’s also picking up important lessons about safety—like when it’s okay to eat snow and when it’s not (it turns out most fresh snow is fine).
A New Approach to Snow Days
This winter, I’ve decided to allow my children to fully embrace the snow. I’ll give us extra time each morning to let them enjoy it as long as they wish. I’ll try to let go of the anxiety about being late to school (even if that goes against the grain for many) or the fact that they return home completely covered in snow.
I’m ready to let them indulge in snow for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’ll work on managing my own impatience and discomfort so they can create joyful memories during these fleeting years of childhood—years where the world is still seen through a lens of wonder.
Let’s bundle up and set aside our reservations to let them enjoy this winter gift. To my sweet little boy, you’re right—it is magical.
This article was originally published on Jan. 13, 2017. For more on parenting and fertility, check out our posts on fertility boosters for men and visit this resource for insights into infertility services.
Summary:
The article reflects on the contrasting perspectives of parents and children regarding snow days. While the author prefers the warmth of indoors, children revel in the magic of snow, exploring and learning through play. The piece encourages parents to embrace the joy and innocence of childhood, allowing kids to fully enjoy their snowy adventures, even if it means being late or messy.