For Those That Go Outside

[AnythingsPossible]

We go outside everyday unless it is a)below 20 degrees or b)pouring rain.
I work on self-help skills from the moment the kids enter my program so most can put on snowpants, boots, do a jacket flip, and hats by age 2 1/2. I start their zippers and help with mittens. Then I just have to fully dress the babies. It truly doesn't take much more than 15 minutes.
As far as sunscreen, I usually apply it as soon as they come in in the morning. This way by the time breakfast is over and we are ready to go out almost everyone has sunscreen on. Again, the toddlers and preschoolers put on their own sunscreen directed and guided by me. (I do their faces).
I have an "emergency" backpack that goes with us wherever we go. It is stocked with diapers, wipes, tissues, extra mittens, jackets, plastic cups, etc. so we are prepared to do an "al fresco" diaper change if need be. When I have a new potty trainer I keep a potty, wipes, and hand sanitizer in the garage.
We have breakfast at 8:30 and as soon as each child is done , they clean up their place and then start getting dressed for outside. I help and clean up as everyone gradually finishes by 9. We go out right at 9. An hour is great most days though if it is a particularly glorious day we stay out longer. We are inside by 11:00 as I start preparing lunch then. Don't stress about how long you are out, like the other posters have said, a half hour is better than nothing!
Um, Nannyde, just wondering how your kiddos use their hands with those sweatshirt mitts? Mine would get so frustrated if they wouldn't be able to pick up toys, climb, poke nature, etc. with those on.

Here, their hands get so cold and when I do get their mittens on, usually there hand is all in the one section of it, so they don't have full use of their hands even with mittens.
Cold hands are the biggest reason we head back inside. If the sweatshirt is large enough, I think they would still have enough mobility to grasp things such as shovels for the sand the sides of the climber, hands for holding on walks. When it is cold enough to need something like that, they are going to be mainly running around playing active games, or just taking a walk, not worrying about anything small motor that they would need good use of their hands.

Atleast that is what I am telling myself I plan to only do this for my 2 and under set as the older kids will keep their gloves on.