When winter arrives and blankets the world in white, my vision of an ideal snow day is cozying up by the window in my favorite bathrobe and fuzzy socks, sipping a warm cup of tea while watching the snowflakes fall. However, my kids have a different agenda. The moment the first flake touches the ground, they are ready to dash outside. I often find myself persuading my partner to take them out, citing pressing tasks like, “I need to tidy up,” or “I’ll have hot chocolate waiting for you!”
To be honest, I’m not a fan of snow. It’s cold, messy, and I’m not keen on being targeted by playful snowballs from my energetic boys. So, I watch from the warmth of my home as they build snowmen and prepare a steaming cup of hot cocoa for them when they return.
Living in the Northeast means snow is a regular visitor for about six weeks each winter. Daily walks to school transform from a quick five-minute jaunt to a playful 15-minute adventure in the snow. What is it about snow that captivates children so much? They seem irresistibly drawn to it, eager to touch, taste, and explore every snowy surface. My 10-year-old is just starting to lose that childlike wonder, but my 4-year-old is utterly enchanted.
A typical winter walk to school with my little one involves dodging snowballs, spontaneous “ice skating” (which usually means he is falling over), and countless handfuls of snow that he insists on tasting (“Nothing yellow or brown!” I remind him). He climbs every snowbank in sight, and I often find myself rescuing his chilly, snow-covered body from precarious positions.
Let me tell you, when it’s 8 a.m. and I’m trying to herd my little ones down the street to make it to school on time, I have little patience for these antics. But recently, after dropping off his older brother, a shift occurred. As we headed to pre-K, my snow-drenched son veered off course to shake snow from every bush. I checked the time, frustration rising.
“Let’s go!” I called out, but he scampered back, a handful of snow in his mitten and wide-eyed wonder in his gaze. “But Mommy, it’s so magical, isn’t it?” he exclaimed.
There’s nothing like the pure joy of a child to remind you of what’s truly important. Young kids have no grasp of time or responsibilities. They don’t even know what day it is, let alone how long they’re taking to explore each snowy flake. All they see is a world transformed by beautiful white snow, and it fills them with awe.
Just as the Alaska Natives have numerous terms for snow, my son sees the unique characteristics in every flake, asking endless questions about the differences in texture and consistency. This is more than just play; he’s learning about nature, science, and the seasons. He’s building strength, enhancing his climbing skills, and mastering balance. He’s even learning which snow is safe to eat (most fresh snow is perfectly fine).
So, this winter, I’ve decided to let my children revel in the snow. I’ll carve out extra time each morning to allow them to enjoy it to the fullest. I’ll try not to fret if they’re a bit late to school or return home completely covered in snow. I’m going to let them enjoy snow for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I aim to manage my impatience and discomfort so they can create lasting memories during these fleeting years of childhood innocence.
Our children have just a few precious years to embrace life unhindered, to marvel at the world through the lens of childhood wonder. Let’s set aside our reservations and allow them the joy of snow play. And to my dear son, I wholeheartedly agree—it truly is magical.
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Summary
This article reflects on the joys and challenges of letting children play in the snow, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to explore and enjoy their surroundings without the constraints of adult responsibilities. The author shares personal anecdotes about navigating snowy mornings and ultimately decides to embrace the magic of winter through the eyes of her children.