Do your children play outside in winter?

GobbledyGook

This is a silly thread. Silly in that I know it's ridiculous that I've let a stupid woman I barely know upset me.

I was at the corner shop and one of my neighbours who I actually really liked (and respected - she has a great career that she's worked very hard for. Inspiring is too strong a word for her, but I can't think of another one) was having a moan about all and sundry to the shopkeeper. One of her comments was about how the "silly moo at number x" kicks her kids out to play no matter what the weather. She basically made a comment suggesting that my children are practically neglected.

This all stems from them being out to play last Saturday despite the fact it wasn't a very nice day. However they were wrapped up warm and were, to be frank, going stir crazy from being cooped up inside for the few days before where the weather was awful.

My children are 10, 6 and 3 and they were kitted out in wellies, warm waterproofs and they all had on hats, gloves and scarves. They were visible from out window at all times and were only on the path right outside our house. Tbh OH and I were watching them all the time as they were playing together peacefully - which was something of a revelation at the end of a long Christmas period where they'd got utterly sick of each other and did nothing, but argue.

They were either on scooters; we're in a cul de sac and no-one passes our driveway becuase of the position of our house, and with DS being young when he is there they are only allowed to play at the front of our 'bit', or splashing in puddles.

It is apparently letting them out to play when it was wet that is the heinous crime that I've committed. She even felt the need to comment that they were the only children out playing in the street, but that is because there are no other children in the street! (There is only a handful of houses).

Am I unusual in letting them out? Surely it's better for them than being indoors all of the time?

balletshoes

nothing wrong with it at all - fresh air is good for everyone, and as you said, they were all wrapped up warm and playing in view of your house.

Ignore stupid gossipy woman .

Alikay

Of course they play out in winter. Not for as much as in summer, and only in daylight but yes - and considering a bike, dolls pram or scooter is a fairly popular Christmas present I expect most children play outdoors on a weekend or school holiday.

Excited13

Don't let her upset you and it's nice people do still let their children play out. As you and your OH were keeping an eye on them I really don't see the problem.

Heffi1

I chucked my two out to play in all weathers, they came in from time to time to dry off, get dry gloves, clean socks and wellies, the only time they didn't go out was when it was foggy, they were the healthiest kids around, always well, whereas the kid next door never saw light of day and was always down with one cold or sniffle after another.

Fresh air and exercise never hurt anyone!

Adrenalina

There's no such thing as the wrong weather. Only the wrong clothing.

Outdoor nurseries are springing up all overthe place, and they don't shut in winter!

mrcow

Mine don't play out in the streets at all. I certainly don't "chuck them out" to play anywhere.

They probably don't go out as much in the winter as the summer and wouldn't want to play out in the rain in particular.

If your children are happy, why is it anyone else's business?

ska_lover

Op don't worry about her. I wonder if gossipy woman missed out on the joy of building a snowman when she was a child, I feel sorry for her if she did

Grumpelstiltskin

Don't start me on this one.


Children taken to and from school by car, if it's raining cars parked within inches of the school gates in case the child gets wet, not allowed to play out at school or home because it's too hot, cold, wet, windy.


Then parents complain their children sit in front of the TV, tablet, laptop etc. etc. all day.


In capital letters LET THEM OUT TO PLAY.

Person_one

Did you let her know that you'd heard?

GobbledyGook

Thank you.

I think it bothered me because I feel my parenting is a bit under attack at the moment. People can be so bad mannered when it comes to commenting on other peoples choices.

Last week I was called irresponsible and stupid, admittedly by someone who is not a person I'd ever taking parenting (or any) advice from or heed of, because of my way of dealing with treats. Nothing is banned in our house. My children each have a treat box that gets filled once a week. It contains a mix of things from raisins to chocolate. They are free to take something from it whenever they like, however they know that the things have to last them until the next fill day (clearly marked on the calendar). I want my children to grow up with a healthy attitude to treat type foods and I believe this is working. Even my 3 year old makes his last the week. They are better at rationing than I am!

I seem to be seen by half of the world as someone who lets their kids have too many choices, yet from others I'm too strict. Can't win!

Thank you though.