Playing outside is one of the joys of childhood. There are many safety issues to consider when taking your kids outside to play, including proper dress. In the winter months, children need to wear clothes that keep them warm while still allowing them to move freely. In the summer, kids need to wear clothes that keep them cool while still protecting them against sun damage. Teaching your children how to dress properly will help them enjoy the outdoors.
Step 1
Check the temperature outside with your children to see how warm or cold it is. According to Cathie Robertson, author of "Safety, Nutrition and Health in Early Education," children can play outside when the temperatures are as low as 20 degrees or as high as 90 degrees, as long as they are properly dressed. Discuss the weather and work together to decide what kind of clothes would be most comfortable.
Step 2
Choose light clothing in the summer. According to "The Parents Answer Book," you should choose lightweight breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Choose light colors, which don't absorb as much heat as dark colors do. Challenge your children to choose shorts and shirts in light colors, and praise their correct choices. A sun hat is a critical part of dressing for summer months, because it will shade your children's faces and reflect the sun's rays.
Step 3
Teach your children to dress in layers during the winter, so that they do not get too cold or too warm. Let your children know that dressing in layers allows them to remove or add items as needed. A winter coat, hat and mittens are also essential when the temperatures are cold. Allow your children to pick their out own winter gear, and make them responsible for putting it on when it is cold.
Step 4
Check your children's footwear before heading outdoors. In summer months, sturdy tennis shoes and socks will protect your children's feet while playing. When there is snow, your children need warm and waterproof boots to keep their feet warm and dry in the snow. Ask your children about the conditions outside as well as what they plan to do to teach them the appropriate footwear for playing.
Step 5
Check your children's exposed skin when taking them outside. During the summer, light clothing that covers as much skin as is comfortable can help prevent sunburn and sun damage. Snowsuits, mittens, hats and scarves can keep your children's exposed skin protected in the winter. Show your children their clothing options for different seasons, and teach them to come to you if they are uncomfortable so you can work together to make the right choices.
Tips and Warnings
- Make dressing for the weather fun by challenging your children to race to see who can put on the right clothing first. You also could dress yourself in the wrong clothing, and see if your children can identify what you should be wearing instead.
- It is important to wear sunscreen, no matter what the weather is. Your children can get sunburned in winter as well as in summer. Teach your children that they cannot play outside without putting on sunscreen.
References
- "Safety, Nutrition and Health in Early Education"; Cathie Robertson; 2009
- "The Parents Answer Book"; Editors of Parents Magazine; 2003
