CHANGING WEATHER MEANS MORE INDOOR ACTIVITIES OR DOES IT?

 Outdoors is better with COVID-19.

But in a Canadian climate it means being cold and outdoors for a good 5 months of the year.

So this Senior tried to be proactive.

Bought new skates. Just need the helmet and other protective equipment.

So will be trying skating again after many years off the ice.

#skates#winterooutdooractivities#stayinghealthywithCOVID#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS JANUARY IS A GOOD TIME TO GET OUTDOORS

Skating, skiing, sledding or just walking in the snow is good for the family.

Living in Canada means cold weather and snow. How to use it wisely?

Even snow angels are fun. Make a snowman.

For older children, teach them to shovel the walk and driveways. It is a good winter chore for all.

And good exercise.

Being outside in fresh air is a positive thing. It helps to learn that all seasons can be enjoyed. I am tired seeing how many days to Spring. Enjoy the winter folks and parents.

If you have a yard, put the children there properly dressed to enjoy the outdoors.
#wintermonths#outdoorliving#skiing#sledding#skating#buildasnowman#snowangels#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#getsomefreshair#teachchildrentoshovelthedriveway

NANA SAYS ENJOY WINTER WITH CHILDREN

When I had grandchildren, I rediscovered winter fun. My first grandchild and I would  play in the snow. Make a snowman and snow angels. It is amazing that children really love the snow. So walking to work and home in winter was very doable and rather enjoyable. Even on cold days now I can be out in winter.
Sledding can be fun. Just walking or taking a hike. Check out the hike post on the House of Kerrs website. 
My daughter and family enjoyed a winter walk. It was a favourite for my grandchildren over the Christmas Break.
Letting some winter fresh air into the house is a good thing too. Think about the winter colds and flu bugs. The stale air in your home. So I try every day to keep the door open a little longer than it needs to be. The fresh air is welcome. 
Back to activities. Skiing for some families is huge. Skating outside or on indoor rinks is always a fun Canadian winter sport.
My main winter sport is shoveling the driveway and salting. Good workout for the arms. If only it would snow on a day when the grandchildren are here, it would be even better. Put them to work.

#winterfun#outdooractivities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#nanasays#trytoletthefreshairinthehome

WINTER AND ITS BLUES

Winter keeps on ticking and so does the winter blues. Although an easier winter here in the GTA, most people are counting the days until Spring. So rather than waste the days, try continuing activities that bring pleasure. It will help everyone see the light of day. Look for for those photo opportunities. Take lots of pictures of children in outdoor activities. Get outside and breath the fresh air.

NANA SAYS LONGER DAYS MAY INTERFERE WITH BEDTIME

How often does a parent hear-but it is not dark out, why do I have to go to bed? As much as we all love the longer days, children may become confused. Of course, blinds or curtains in a bedroom help to make the room dark and keep the morning sun out but our little ones still can see it is "day" outside. Do we move the bedtime a little later to accomodate the season? Fortunately, the school year is almost over so children do not have to be so awake in the morning. For the working parents, there is still the schedule to get up and get going to Day Care or Summer Camps or to catch the bus to the camp. Weather permitting, one solution is active play before and after dinner to tire the children! Letting them take advantage of play or a walk or a bike ride to burn some energy not only keeps them and us fit but does help with bedtime. It changes the routine or strict schedule parents often have with their children. Thus summer becomes more laid back with some good parent-child activities. Sometimes struggles can become positive- as a parent becomes more relaxed and slides into the season, children will follow. It is amazing that the stress and strain of living becomes the norm that often parents don't know how to get away from it! Think of summer as a time to enjoy the longer days! Get outside! A load of laundry can be put in the machine and then do a fun activity! Multi-tasking can be rearranged. Does the house really need to be cleaned as often? Little children grow up! Do you want your memories to be- the rushed life style? Will your excuse be-I was busy, I did not have time to do that! Children are what make us busy. If you want your house to be clean, keep children out of it. The outdoor play does not mess the house! Does it really hurt if your little one wants another story or the older one to read some more before sleeping? For a couple of months, change it up!

OUR CANADIAN WEATHER

Our Canadian weather is always a topic of conversation. Lately with the cool Spring and some warm days then cool days then warm days, the discussion has become heightened! The change is unavoidable! The difficulty is what to wear! For the ladies, bare legs under skirts becomes the norm. However, if too cool do the pantyhose come out of the drawers. Bringing a sweater is always a must. If the weather is too hot, then the air conditioners at work are blasting and it will be needed! Cool nights are better for sleeping! No tossing and turning like on those humid nights! With the majority of the country experiencing a cold winter, warm days are always welcome. Summer activities-biking, hiking, walking, boating, sailing, swimming, and other sports are the break needed from indoors and the boredom of being indoors too long. Just sitting outside to sip a coffee and read is a simple pleasure! If too cool, then back inside! Overall Canadians are good sports about the weather! This year our patience is waning! Let us have a longer warm spell! Let us be outside enjoying the nice weather! We will persevere the cold when it returns-just let it go away for the time being! Fickle weather-only in Canada, eh?