The Ready Child

Winter has officially arrived. If you have little ones in the house, you know what that means: wrangling with winter weather gear!

Is there a parent alive who doesn't dread the thought of getting little ones dressed in snow pants, boots, coats, hats, and mittens before heading outdoors for some winter fun? As a parent myself, I know this can feel like a huge challenge—especially on busy days.

But here’s some good news: We're about to introduce you to a new winter routine that will get you out the door with a lot less frustration and a lot more fun while helping your child develop important skills that will make life easier in kindergarten and beyond!

Getting fresh air in the winter isn't just about having fun—it's also great for your child's physical and mental well-being. 

Research shows that outdoor play helps children feel more relaxed, focused, and happy. Plus, it’s a great way for your child to burn off some energy while developing physical skills such as coordination, balance, and strength.

But, to reap these benefits, you have to get your child dressed and out the door.

Our winter outerwear routine will help you do this in seven easy steps and give your child a chance to practice self-care skills that will lead to greater independence and confidence in the years to come.

So let's get started!

1. First, set up dressing “stations” to help your child put on winter gear in the same order every time (see photos below). It helps to set up stations that will lead your child to the door.
2. Alway start with a bathroom break, whether it's needed or not.
3. Then show your child the stations. Say: "See this line of winter gear leading toward the door? Each station will get you one step closer to outdoor fun!"
4. At Station #1, say: "The first step is to pull on your snow pants."
5. At Station #2, say: "At this station, you pull on your boots."
6. At Station #3, show your child how to put on a winter coat using the "Firefighter Flip." Check out our Firefighter Flip activity and our Flipping Coat Trick blog post to familiarize yourself with this fun and easy coat trick!

7. At Station #4 (below), say: "One more station and we're out the door! It's time to put on your hat, scarf, and mittens." (Make sure those mittens are waterproof! We love the ones that go up past the wrist or up to the elbow. These can be trickier to put on, so offer help as needed.)

Throughout this process, remember that winter gear can feel like a lot for small hands and arms to manage. So start this activity on a day when you're not rushed and give your child plenty of time to figure it out.

Above all: Be patient and remember to have fun! To increase the fun factor, grab your own winter coat and put it on using the Firefighter Flip alongside your child.

The more you can break down each step of the process, the easier it will be for your child. Practice makes perfect, and soon your child will be able to dress for a snowy day without any help from you.

Remember: sequence, routine, and patience are key. Once your child has completed the sequence, head outside and experience the joys of the winter season!