Updated: Jan. 11, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 13, 2017
My vision of an ideal snow day involves cozying up by the window in my bathrobe and fuzzy socks, warm tea in hand, watching the snowflakes dance down outside. However, my children have a different agenda: they leap into action the moment the first flake touches the ground. I often find myself persuading my partner to take them outside with excuses like, “I need some quiet time to tidy up,” or “I’ll get your hot cocoa ready!”
To be honest, I’m not a fan of snow. It’s cold, messy, and I’m not keen on dodging snowballs thrown by my energetic boys. From the comfort of my living room, I watch them construct snowmen while I “clean,” ensuring that the hot chocolate I’ve been “preparing” for 20 minutes is steaming when they return.
Living in the Northeast means I can’t escape snow; it blankets the ground for about six weeks each year. Walking my kids to school becomes an adventure when the snow is fresh, transforming the usual five-minute trek into a 15-minute snowy escapade.
What is it About Snow?
What is it about snow that captivates children? They seem irresistibly drawn to it, unable to keep their hands, bodies, and even mouths away from its chilly embrace. My 10-year-old is starting to outgrow this enchantment, but my 4-year-old is utterly fascinated.
In winter, a walk to school with my little guy involves countless snowballs thrown, a few tumbles as he attempts to “ice skate,” and about 50 handfuls of snow sampled for taste (“Nothing yellow or brown!” I remind him repeatedly). He climbs every snowbank he spots, and I often find myself rescuing his shivering, snow-covered form from their tops.
As I try to shepherd a group of slowpokes down the street at 8 a.m., aiming to get to school (and work) on time, my patience wears thin. However, just the other day, after we dropped his older brother off at elementary school, I experienced a shift in perspective.
As we headed to pre-K, my little snow-covered boy veered off course, knocking snow off bushes as he went. I glanced at the time, feeling my frustration building.
“Come on, hurry up!” I called out.
He returned, a handful of snow in his mitten, his eyes sparkling with wonder. “But, Mommy, it’s so magical, isn’t it?” he exclaimed.
There’s nothing quite like the pure, unfiltered innocence of a child to ground you in the moment. Young children have no concept of time or responsibilities; they don’t even know what day it is or how long they’re taking by exploring each snowflake. All they see is a world transformed into something beautiful, new, and miraculous.
The Significance of Snow
Did you know that some Alaska Natives have around 50 different names for snow? To them, each type of snow holds significance. My son approaches each snowfall with the same curiosity, examining its various forms and asking endless questions about the differences in texture and consistency. He’s learning about nature, science, and the changing seasons while honing his physical skills and balance.
He’s even picking up lessons about snow safety—like when it’s safe to eat fresh snow (which is usually fine). So, this winter, I’ve decided to let my kids fully enjoy the snow. I will carve out more time each morning to allow them to play in it as long as they desire. I am going to try not to stress over whether they’re late for school or if they return home completely covered in snow.
I’ll let them indulge in snow for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, working on managing my impatience and discomfort so they can create joyful memories during these fleeting years of childhood. Our children only get a short window to be kids—to view the world through the magical lens of childhood and to see even slushy, dirty snow as a heavenly gift.
So, let’s bundle up, set aside our reservations, and let them relish the snow. And to my dear little boy: I wholeheartedly agree. It really is magical.
Additional Resources
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this excellent resource about pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing fertility, take a look at this fertility booster for men.
Summary
In this article, Dr. Emily Carter reflects on the joys and challenges of letting kids play in the snow, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to experience the wonder of nature. Rather than viewing snow as an inconvenience, she encourages parents to embrace the magic of childhood and prioritize playtime, even if it means adjusting schedules.