Minnesota Kids Play Hard-y

Living in Minnesota makes us brave.
Living in Minnesota makes us resistant.
Living in Minnesota makes us stupid creative.

Minnesotan's love to talk about the weather. In this state the season 'winter' creates as much gossip as a Kardashian.

This winter's drama:
A mom on Facebook decides to console others about her child being sent out to recess in -10 below.

Some say: "It never mattered when we were kids and we ended up just fine, Minnesota kids are tough"
Others say: "I'd bring up this issue with the school board"

I work for a facility that does outdoor programming with kids. Programs will continue rain or shine as long as it is not severe. I asked one teacher at my facility the temprature they refrain from going outside in the winter season and she said 0. I asked another teacher that runs a different program in the same facility and he said -10 below. They both thought they were speaking for the same school district policy. So what defines severe? What IS the standard?

According to Minnesota, it depends.
For the rest of the United States the confusion about playing in the cold persists.

Perhaps someone should ask the children for the answer.
If they are having a bad experience is it worth it? If their outdoor clothing isn't appropriate and they spend that time miserable, what perceptions of the outdoor world are we teaching them?

I say: Give them options!

For instances where this may be out of your control (like school) Dress your kids like you would dress yourself. You know, as if you were actually going to be forced to be outside and play for a significant amount of time. This is not your thin winter outfit that you support with running from building to car, car to building. If you imagine yourself not playing and instead complaining about how cold you are, the way you may be complaining about policy, just think how much happier you would have been had your parents prepared you with useful winter gear (not just the cute crap). If your kids are complaining ask yourself what you may need to provide them with that they don't currently bring. Do better.

As far as the mom on facebook, maybe it's time to change school districts (yeah right) OR invest in a 'bundle cold kid' kit. <-- You could patent this idea if you can create it.


For tips on how to keep your child warm this winter check out 10 Cold Weather Safety Tips for Kids.


- Kimbo B. Tuna


P.S. Let us not forget the kids at the bus stop.
(I had a long walk home from school, I have no pity for them.)