Bundle Up and Get Outside!
As temperatures drop, the draw to stay in where it is warm and cozy goes up. Following a child around while they play in the cold does not sound super appealing and we’ve heard that being out in the cold will make children sick…right? Wrong! With a little effort and an extra layer or two, wintertime can bring an opportunity to actually boost children’s health, their sleep, and more! In this article we will address the myth that cold leads to sickness and look at many of the research-backed benefits of cold weather play.
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we make a point to go outside in every season! Come by for a visit and check out our engaging outdoor play areas and playgrounds!
Debunking Myths
It’s a common myth that cold weather causes colds—but that’s not true. Viruses cause illness, not the temperature. However, wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather and thus being cold for too long can make the body work harder to stay warm, which may briefly lower immune defenses. Nasal passages are also susceptible to the dry winter air, irritating them and making it easier for germs to find a foot hold when present. So, bundle up and grab some nose spray and let’s look at the benefits behind getting outside this winter season!
1) Powering Healthy Bodies
Hot or cold, outside time and physical activity is always going to be a win! At preschool, childcare, daycare, or at home, outdoor play is essential for not just early childhood education, but for all! The CDC notes that regular physical activity in childhood improves muscular fitness, bone strength, and even thinking skills. Whether kids are running, climbing, playing tag or shoveling snow, the movement and activity help them build strong muscles, bodies, and boosts their mood!
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we keep our students active all year long! Schedule a tour and see how our teachers encourage safe and fun movement even through the snowy months!
2) It Steadies Sleep and Routines
While we specifically head to bed when the sun has gone down, it actually plays a major role in our sleep! Exposing our eyes and body to the daylight helps set circadian rhythms — directly impacting sleep quality. Research shows that children who spend more time outdoors fall asleep faster and sleep longer. Because sleep is so essential for healing and growth, especially within early childhood education, outside time is an absolute must!
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we make it a point to bundle up and head outside as long as weather permits. Call us today to ask about our outdoor playtime schedules and how we handle the extreme cold or heat!
3) It Lifts Mood and Sharpens Attention
Nature exposure is powerful! The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that outdoor play can help support developmental milestones, strong mental health and quality relationship building. Separately, a study from the University of Illinois found that children who spend more time in green spaces have improved attention and self-discipline.
While the trees may be bare, the opportunity for play, exploration, and amazement remains! From sparkling frost to animal tracks in the snow, winter offers a quiet beauty that engages a child’s senses in its own special way. Schedule a tour with us here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center to see our amazing outdoor play areas and to chat about how we utilize the outdoors in our learning every day!
4) It Builds Resilience and Confidence
Cold-weather play offers manageable challenges such as walking in the snow, climbing gentle hills, or sliding safely. Experts in early childhood education call this “risky play,” and when guided or supervised by caring adults, be it at home, in childcare or daycare, it builds resilience, problem-solving, coordination, and confidence. A comprehensive review from the Canadian Paediatric Society agrees. They found a good deal of evidence that risky play supports children’s physical, mental and social-emotional development, including better self-esteem, concentration and resilience.
At Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we don’t mind when Jack Frost brings a little cold and adds some ice to our windows! Call us today to schedule a tour and join in the winter fun!
Bundle Up and Head Out
Daycare, childcare, home…no matter where your little one spends their days, staying inside for 3-6 months simply isn’t an option–especially with a rambunctious young child. Instead of hiding from the cold, bundle up, grab some cocoa and embrace it! The outdoor time will do you and your preschooler some good in supporting physical health, sleep, moods and growth!
Schedule a tour here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center to see how we encourage our students to learn and grow through every season!