Rain or Shine Mamma

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes

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How to Dress for Cold Weather (Video+Gear List)

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
February 8, 2018 By Linda McGurk

“They didn’t go outside; it was just too cold for them today,” the substitute teacher responded matter-of-factly when I picked my daughter up from school and asked if she had been outside for recess. Deep inside I already knew what the answer would be, but my heart still sank when I heard the teacher’s words. It was 16F and very little wind that day. Chilly, yes. But too cold? Not even close.

Many Americans who are my age and older may remember playing outside at recess in all types of weather, and biologically speaking, children’s ability to endure cold temperatures hasn’t changed since then. (Let alone the fact that the outdoor gear available today is more advanced and better at keeping kids warm than it was when we grew up.) It is our willingness to accept cold weather that has decreased. That’s a shame, because there are many good reasons why we should let kids play outside in the cold as well.
How to Dress for Cold Weather (Video and Complete Gear List). Tips for dressing kids for winter from Rain or Shine Mamma.
I often get asked how long a child can stay out in a given temperature and there’s no simple answer to that. It  depends on so many factors – humidity, wind chill, gear, activity level and the temperament and age of the child. For example, younger kids generally have a harder time moving around in heavy gear and get cold quicker than older kids. (Check out Yes, Kids Can Play Outside When It’s Cold for more tips and things to consider.) I’ve lived in Indiana for 12 years and there has yet to be a day that I consider too cold to get outside. We even played in the snow for 45 minutes during the Polar Vortex a couple of years ago, when the temperature with wind chill was supposedly -40F in our area, and I was the one who got cold first!

So how do we do it? Well, there’s a method to the madness and I decided to show you how to dress for cold weather by creating a little video. Watch it and then find a handy list with links to all my recommended picks for cold-weather gear below.

https://rainorshinemamma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/How-to-Dress-for-the-Bitter-Cold-Web.mp4

How to Dress for Cold Weather – Kids

Base Layer:

Smartwool Merino Base Layer Top 

Smartwool Merino Base Layer Botttom 
Non-itchy and comfy, this is not your grandmother’s wool! I like Smartwool for the quality, warmth and softness. While some wool long underwear can cause kids to complain about the fabric being itchy, I haven’t had that issue with this set from Smartwool.

Smartwool Wintersport Sock
Smartwool is also my go-to brand for socks and we have a number of different varieties. Once again, quality and warmth is the main selling point for me.

Mid Layer:

LEGO Wear Full Zip Fleece Jacket

When it comes to fleece jackets I prefer those without hoods, since they’re easier to layer with. We’ve used several brands over the years but these days I always look for fleece that is made of recycled polyester. This LEGO Wear jacket is made of 20 PET bottles – how cool?!

Hanes Eco Smart Fleece Pants
Almost any old sweat pants will do as a mid layer if the base layer is wool, but I like fleece pants for their warmth.

Outer Layer:

Didriksons Coveralls

While the specific coveralls that my daughter Didriksons Ale Kids Coverallscurrently wears are not available anymore, the Björnen Kids Coveralls are very similar. Didriksons is one of my favorite Swedish brands both for kids’ and adults’ outdoor gear and while I usually buy our gear in Sweden, I was stoked to see that their products can now be shipped to North America from the site outnorth.com. They are one of just a few brands that make one-piece coveralls that fit older kids as well.

Arctix Youth Snow Pants

Arctix is a relatively new-to-me brand but I’ve been very impressed with these snow pants that I bought for my oldest daughter recently. They appear to be very tear-resistant and come with reinforced knees and seat that make them ideal for all types of outdoor play. And at less than $35 you really can’t go wrong!

Didriksons Storlien JacketDidriksons Winter Jacket

This is another favorite from Didriksons product line. It is a perfect fit for kids who want a more grown-up style than the coveralls.

Stonz Wear Mittz

I’m so happy that we’ve discovered Stonz Wear and their Mittz! Of all the mittens we’ve tried since my first daughter was born ten years ago, these have by far been the best for the deep cold. Not only are they exceptionally warm, but the long cuffs that cinch tight over the arms keep snow out and stay in place better than any other mittens we’ve tried. As a bonus, the thumbs are fleece-covered so that kids can wipe off their nose without getting a rash.

Trapper Winter Hat
Trapper hats are a great option for really cold days, since they come down over the ears but really, any hat goes as long as it is warm!

Stonz Wear Snow Boots

Stonz Wear boots are as high quality as the mittens and ideal for very cold temperatures. (Down to -30C/-22F, according to the company.) They’re also extremely light weight, which makes them easy for little kids to get around in, especially if there’s snow on the ground.

Northside Snow Boots

Northside is our other new fave brand for boots. My oldest daughter likes her Drop II Snow Boots, since they’re both practical and stylish. The synthetic sole and the tall shaft keep moisture out and the insulated inside keeps feet warm down to -25F.

How to Dress for Cold Weather – Adults

Base Layer:

Terramar Cloud 9 Long-Sleeved Shirt

Terramar Cloud 9 Tights

For very cold days, I usually choose a wool base layer but for everyday winter wear, I absolutely LOVE my Terramar set. They’re by far the softest base layer I’ve ever worn and fit well even under fairly tight pants. They’ve also held up really well over the years, despite me using them on at least a weekly basis in the winter months. I even wear them as jammies sometimes when I travel, to cut down on packing.

Smartwool Socks

Smartwool is my first choice both for myself and the kids. They hold up well over time and come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. For really cold days, I prefer the knee-high kind.

Middle Layer:

Mountain Hardwear Fleece Jacket

I love fleece jackets for really cold weather and Mountain Hardwear makes them about as warm as they come. Although I’m wearing a hoodie in the video, I typically choose a fleece jacket for my middle layer in the winter.

Fleece Pants

The brand isn’t really important here, as long as the pants are warm and comfortable. I wear my Puma sweatpants around a LOT in the winter, since they make for a perfect middle layer, but in really cold weather, fleece will provide more warmth.

Outer Layer:

The North Face Insulated Snow Pants

Snow pants aren’t just for skiing in my book; in the winter I use them almost daily when we go outside to play if the temperature is below freezing. I’ve had my snow pants from The North Face for 20 (!) years and they’ve withstood the test of time.

Columbia Women’s Insulated Jacket

I initially bought my Flylow down jacket for skiing, but it quickly became an all-round coat that gets a lot of use in the winter. This particular model is no longer available but there are many other brands that have jackets with the same features, including this one from Columbia.

Swany Arctic Mitt

When I set out to buy new mittens a couple of years ago, I went for the warmest rated ones that I could find. Swany’s Arctic Mitt has done the job since then. Besides being warm and high quality, I appreciate the zipper and  inner glove with touch screen compatible index finger and thumb.

Northside Women’s Bishop Snow Boots

These boots have been a game changer for me this winter. I think they’re the first snow boots I’ve had that are perfect both for outdoor activities in the backyard and for wearing with jeans around town. I love how they look and the fact that they’re super warm and keep snow out.

Columbia Winter Hat
While it is an urban legend that most of your body heat escapes through your head, a hat is a must in cold weather since any skin that is exposed will leak body heat. I like this simple beanie from Columbia but keep a few different ones on hand (for some reason hats always seem to go missing, along with mittens…).

Last but not least: If you or your kids are prone to getting cold hands or feet, HotHands really help!

There are MANY other good brands out there and you don’t have to pick these to stay warm, but this list gives you a good idea of how to dress for cold weather. What favorite outdoor gear would you add to the list?

How to Dress for Cold Weather (Video and Complete Gear List). Tips for dressing kids for winter from Rain or Shine Mamma. #winter #gear #cold #outdoor

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Related posts:

Dressing for Fall – Tips to Keep Your Kids Warm While Playing Outside Yes, kids CAN play outside when it’s cold! The Best Rain Gear for Kids (from Baby to Big Kid) Default ThumbnailBaby It’s Freezing – Let’s Go Outside!
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Filed Under: Gear, Play in Nature 24 Comments

Comments

  1. Kristina Jager says

    February 9, 2018 at 9:43 am

    This! This is exactly what I needed to read. My kids love being outside rain/shine/polar vortex. Me? I’m a freeze baby, five minutes at the bus stop and I’m done. But I noticed something, my kids needed to move, they needed to be outside, they crave it. This year we started going to the playground every morning, with the exception of really bad weather (i.e. mommy doesn’t think it’s safe) and illness. I think we missed the playground twice due to weather this year, and that snowstorm MN had in January, we were out shovelling and snowshoeing in the middle of it. My struggle lies in; I can get my kids warm and they are fine, but I freeze, no matter what I have done, since I moved out of state and came back I lost my ability to stay warm. Your suggestions are very helpful (I believe I have been missing a key layer for myself) and your recommendations are great to have.

    Thank you for this!
    Kristina

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 9, 2018 at 4:40 pm

      That sounds like a great morning routine! And yes, I can totally relate to being cold all the time – in fact I’m known to wear long underwear INSIDE THE HOUSE on cold winter days:o)) But I know that as long as I bundle up enough I can be comfortable outside too. My fingers are the first to get cold, but moving around and using mittens rather than gloves helps. And there’s always hand warmers as a last resort;o))

      Reply
  2. Reagan says

    February 10, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Thank you so much for this post and video! I grew up in warm southern California, and despite living in New England for over 10 years, I never properly learned how to dress for cold weather. I am reading your book now and loving it. My two year old loves being outside this winter, but I get cold too quickly. You’ve given me some great ideas to ensure I’m comfortable too.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 14, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book! Dressing right is SO important to stay comfortable in the winter – I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the kids otherwise.

      Reply
  3. Sara says

    February 19, 2018 at 6:53 am

    Love this! And you & I have the same mittens ??
    I’ve contemplated getting coveralls for my kids for ease of use & no snow on their belly/back, however so far we’ve lucked out with hand me downs (snow pants & jackets). When I go to Sweden tomorrow I’m going to look into the coveralls to see if there are any good ones I can get!
    We LOVE smartwool (I have sooo many pairs), however I recently found DarnTough & Farm to Feet and both are so wonderful!

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 20, 2018 at 1:18 pm

      Glad you found it useful! You should definitely look for outdoor clothes while you’re in Sweden – it’s seriously the best over there, especially for kids! Now should be a good time of the year too; if you’re lucky you may hit some end-of-winter sales:)

      Reply
  4. Meg says

    February 19, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    Love this post! My 2 and 4 year old wear long johns all day, makes getting outside quicker (and saves on heating bill). Do your kids wear their base layer to school in winter? Im thinking ahead to recess next year for the 4yr old.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 20, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      Well, I probably would make them wear long johns to school in the winter if the school ever let them outside…Unfortunately recess tends to be an indoor affair at my kids’ school in the winter, so we just try to get outside as much as possible at home. At home I OFTEN wear long johns inside in the winter, since I don’t like cold temperatures very much, and my kids often do too.

      Reply
  5. Kellista says

    February 28, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Thanks so much. This seems like common sense to some but it isn’t. I grew up in Kansas and it gets cold here and many times we just play outside til we are cold or stay inside. I knew about layering but didn’t realize cotton layers aren’t enough. We bought some appropriate layers last month and we’ve been going outside A LOT more for a lot longer! Now I need to find some good snow pants for myself!

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      March 1, 2018 at 6:18 am

      That’s great to hear! Yes, that base layer definitely makes a difference:) And snow pants are a must in cold weather, for adults and kids alike!

      Reply
  6. Melinda S. says

    March 13, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    This is very helpful. Thank you!

    However, I noticed two things about the adult selections (my youngest is 14, so I didn’t look at the kids’ ones). First, to buy all the things you mention, even from Amazon, which has pretty decent prices, would cost $644 apiece! over time, if one actually followed through with their plans and did go outside for a prolonged period every day for several years, it might be worth it, but wow–that’s a lot of money up front, especially if you have several people in your family!

    Second, NONE of the items are available in a plus size, and several aren’t even available in a large. And the biggest boots are a 10, with no wides.

    I know you said they are only examples, and as I said before, I really appreciate you posting all this information and specifics. I know you aren’t setting the sizes–perhaps someone will read your blog who does! 🙂 It does support your contention in your book that it’s very complicated to make it work in the US, though.

    (I am just getting well started with your book, and it’s making me think, which I appreciate. I’m sorry to be complaining a little. Thank you for writing it.)

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      March 20, 2018 at 1:18 pm

      Hi Melinda!

      Just another reader, but I have been trying to outfit my toddler (and myself) on a tight budget. Here are some of the things I’ve been doing:

      Buy winter gear during end of season sales. This works better for me than a toddler (I know what size I’ll be next winter!) but I have picked up a few things for her in two sizes up if I’m not worried if they’re too big (So too big coat, okay; too big boots, not okay.)

      If I’m looking to buy something specific from Amazon I’ll set up a price alert (there are a bunch of websites that will track prices for you.)

      Buy kids winter gear used. Kids grow so quickly that high-quality brands will easily last several kids. I got my daughter a used Patagonia coat for $25 this winter. She’ll probably wear it for two winters. This meant I could spend a bit more money on a wool hat and some super fancy mittens for her.

      If you’re buying used gear set up ebay and craigslist alerts. Right now I’ve got alerts for a used cargo bike, Tea collection dresses and all kinds of outer wear brands. I try to keep a list of what I’m looking for so I don’t just buy random stuff, but it helps to have the website do the work.

      When I’m buying used gear I look for higher end brands, because people are more likely to resell them. But I especially look for Patagonia because they have a repair program. You print off a page from their website, explain the repairs needed and mail it to them. You have to pay shipping and a small repair fee (I got some shorts patched in two places for $5 plus shipping). The used coat I bought my daughter needs two or three small repairs, so I’ll send it in this summer and have it back for next winter.

      Try places like Marshalls. My “long underwear” this winter is actually an winter running outfit: running tights/leggings and a fitted top I got at Marshalls. They often have lots of exercise clothes on sale (especially in February / March as people give up on their January fitness goals) and I find they work well because they are the wicking/polyester stuff. It’s relatively warm here, but I am outside a lot so it helps to have something.

      Also one of the brands listed in the kids section, “Arctix,” sells adult clothes very inexpensively. I just ordered myself some snow pants for about $25 on Amazon (I don’t think I’ll wear them often, so I’m not too worried about how well they’ll hold up).

      One brand I know carries larger sizes of winter outer wear is The North Face.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • Linda McGurk says

        March 21, 2018 at 10:21 am

        Those are all excellent suggestions, Melinda! I actually didn’t know about Patagonia’s repair program but that’s so great:) Thank you so much for sharing these ideas!

        Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      March 21, 2018 at 10:18 am

      Hi Melinda – Thanks for reading my book – I hope it will inspire you! And yes, I can see how that amount would be hard to handle up front, but I’ve never actually gone out and bought all my outdoor gear at the same time. I just replace stuff as it wears out and honestly, most of it lasts a LONG time. I’ve had snow pants for over 10 years. Long underwear may not last as long if used frequently, but the set in the video I’ve had for five years and it’s still got a few good years in it. Mittens is something that I may buy every 6-7 years, and I have boots that I’ve had equally long. For the amount of time that I’m able to spend outside thanks to this gear, I think it’s well worth it. Having said that, I don’t think you have to buy the most expensive gear, especially if you’re not doing activities that require super technical materials. The reason why I’ve chosen to highlight this gear is that I try to only recommend clothes that I’ve personally tried and can vouch for. I’m sorry to hear that the clothes are not available in plus sizes; I was unaware of this. I think gear companies have a big responsibility when it comes to making the outdoors accessible to people of all shapes and forms, so this is a bit discouraging. Maybe you could contact them and ask why they don’t carry bigger sizes? Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment:)

      Reply
  7. Sara says

    March 26, 2018 at 10:29 pm

    I have to suggest Darn Tough socks. I used to wear Smart Wool, but too often found them wearing out quickly. I’ve been very happy with Darn Tough and have my kids hooked too.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      March 27, 2018 at 3:32 pm

      I have not heard of that brand; thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  8. Christy says

    February 5, 2019 at 9:08 am

    Love this article! I grew up in the Appalachian mountains of Western PA we regularly had 100 inches of snow in a year and wasn’t uncommon to spend a couple weeks out of the year below 0°F. My parents never limited our time outside we were outside playing in the snow sledding, building giant snow forts out of snow piled up by the plows and many other winter games. We were outside all day long only coming inside to eat. When we were older we would leave early in the morning to head to a ski resort and not be home till late at night. I nore anyone I know had ever had any adverse effects from the cold. The idea of limiting your kids outside time blows my mind. I spent a month in Alaska when it was 50 below and still enjoyed cross country skiing, dog sledding, snow shoeing and long walks to look at the stars. I have a much harder time handling heat and humidity then I do cold weather.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 11, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      Wow, that’s a lot of snow! And that sounds like a lovely childhood with lots of outdoor adventure – I wish more children got to experience that.

      Reply
  9. CS says

    February 8, 2019 at 11:02 am

    Thanks so much for the info! I read in your book that play happens in the rain too, and I hope you will also post a similar video for rain gear! When it’s warm my kids love playing in the rain in regular clothes and bare feet/flip flops (they love getting soaked and splashing in puddles!) – and they just dry off when they come inside, but we don’t have rain outwear for chilly weather. We would love your recommendations! 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      February 11, 2019 at 3:10 pm

      A video on rain gear is actually a great idea – I will try to prioritize that this spring:) In the meantime, I highly recommend Scandinavian-style splash pants and jackets, like these from Polarn o Pyret USA: https://www.polarnopyretusa.com/index/page/product/product_id/20247/category_id/80/product_name/WATERPROOF+BIB+SHELL+PANTS+%286MOS-2YRS%29, https://www.polarnopyretusa.com/index/page/product/product_id/20242/category_id/902/product_name/SHELL+JACKET+%282-6YRS%29. They are pretty pricey, though, so a cheaper option would be Sofee and Lenee: https://sofeeandlenee.com/products/waterproof-mud-pants. They even have some rain pants that are fleece-lined. If it’s cold out, the key here is layering with a good fleece jacket or puffy coat, as well as a warm base layer. I hope that at least helps you get started!

      Reply
  10. Julie says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:40 am

    I live in Minnesota where it is winter 4+ months of the year, with normal temps at zero or below. My favorite boots for women are Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat. They keep my feet warm in temps well below zero on my daily walks outside. I love Darn Tough wool socks, REI Co-op Women’s Merino Midweight Base Layer Tights & Tops, Down Jackets that are knee-length or longer (try one- you’ll never go back!), Manzella Adventure 100 WindStopper Mittens – Women’s, and Alaska Knits Knee-High Wool Socks (great for over leggings with an oversized sweater indoors in winter). Also like Muddy Buddy Rain Suits for kids. Stay warm!

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      September 12, 2020 at 3:30 am

      Thanks for all the great tips! I’ve heard good things about Muddy Buddy but never tried the brand for my kids.

      Reply
  11. Caroline says

    April 27, 2021 at 7:24 am

    As a brazilian mother living in Eastern Europe, I justa want to say THANK YOU! You do not have any idea how your tips are helping my mental health and my marriage! Looking foward to buy your book!

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      May 10, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      So happy to hear that! I think you will enjoy the book:)

      Reply

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rainorshinemamma

Linda Åkeson McGurk
There are a lot of good things about tech, but exc There are a lot of good things about tech, but excessive screen time is taking a toll on children’s physical and mental health today. Many apps and games have built-in mechanisms designed to make them highly addictive and children are even more susceptible to them than adults, since their brains are not fully developed🧠Screens are so ubiquitous in our lives today that it takes conscious effort to balance them with experiences IRL. 

For the past few years, our family has experimented with screen free or screen reduced Sundays. I’m not going to pretend that it’s easy. But if the goal is to increase quality family time outdoors and encourage the kind of creativity that arises from a healthy dose of boredom, it does work🌳

Some other tips to foster a healthy screen time culture in your family are:

✅ Learn how to use the parent controls on your kids’ devices and set age-appropriate limits.

✅ Have certain times or spaces that are always screen free, for example around the dinner table, in the bedrooms and so on, and be sure to be consistent. 

✅ Create a buy-in for the kids by letting them help plan screen free activities for the whole family.

What’s your biggest obstacle when it comes to keeping screen time under control?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #screenfreesunday #friluftsliv #outdoors #greentime
That about sums it up, doesn’t it?☺️ This qu That about sums it up, doesn’t it?☺️ This quote is from Meet the Wild, a new picture book by Lindsay Kellar-Madsen of @the.madsen.littles. Inspired by the outdoor learning and play culture in Scandinavia, Lindsay wrote the book to invite children to explore nature all year round, regardless of the weather. 
I personally love the message and sweet illustrations in this book❤️ If you have a little one in your life, you can buy the book by backing Lindsay’s Kickstarter campaign. Check out her Instagram for details!
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#meetthewild #picturebook #outdoorplay
📚📚📚Book Cover Reveal📚📚📚 A few y 📚📚📚Book Cover Reveal📚📚📚

A few years ago, I did a poll in my social media channels to see what topic you’d like me to explore in my next book. One of them won by an overwhelming margin: the Nordic outdoor tradition friluftsliv. Well, I heeded your call. I’m pleased to share that it’s now possible to pre-order The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day from just about any place that sells books! (Link in bio)

The Open-Air Life is for anybody who is longing to lead a simpler, happier and less hurried life. It shows you how to channel the power of nature connection to improve your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships with both other people and Mother Nature. Plus, you’ll learn a few party tricks, like lighting a campfire without matches and cleaning water on the go. At a time when more and more people are starting to appreciate why they should spend more time outside, this book will show you how, with a decidedly Nordic twist.

I must say that I LOVE this dreamy cover that the designers at @penguinrandomhouse created. What do you think? 

@tarcherperigee @penguinrandomhouse

#theopenairlife #rainorshinemamma #coverreveal #bookcover #friluftsliv #friluftslivbook
I took my kids on an overnight paddling trip last I took my kids on an overnight paddling trip last weekend and it started out with sunshine and rainbows☀️🌈 Swipe to the last video to see how it ended➡️ 

We had set out to explore the northernmost island in our local lake and while we cruised up there with decent tailwinds, the wind picked up overnight. Going back the next day, we faced strong headwinds the entire time🌊 

For nearly three hours, we paddled in choppy waters, with waves sometimes so high that they splashed into the canoe. We had no choice but to paddle nonstop - if we stopped, we immediately started drifting backwards😩

The thing about being outdoors is that you’re never fully in control of all parameters - trips like these always involve a certain amount of risk. The weather can change quickly, and not always according to the forecast. What we can control is our reaction to the challenge, how we act on it and what we learn from it.

While none of us was happy about the situation, the girls did pull together and did an amazing job paddling💪🏻 And while they both vowed to never go paddling again, I told them that this will make a funny story later in life. They weren’t convinced at the time but I think they’ll come around eventually😅 

Do you have any stories of getting in over your head to share?😃
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #openairlife #paddling #paddlingwithkids
Summer is high season for TICKS…🕷 (I know tha Summer is high season for TICKS…🕷 (I know that’s a spider emoji, but you get the idea😅) 

A lot of people freak out at the sight of these blood suckers and understandably so, considering the diseases they can harbor. But they too are a part of nature and if we want to keep venturing outside during the warmer months (I definitely do and I suspect you do too) we must come to terms with them.

If you want to know more about tick prevention, I just wrote a pretty detailed post about it on my blog. Head over to rainorshinemamma.com to learn and share this post with others who worry about ticks!👌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #ticks #tickprevention
I missed a meeting Sunday night😬 An informal me I missed a meeting Sunday night😬 An informal meeting, yes, but still…I take pride in being dependable and prompt, and I hate to be flakey. 

I’d like to think that it was because I got distracted when my daughter called from my mom’s house and said she was running a fever, but in reality I got sidetracked well before that. Weekends are my time to zone out from schedules, emails and social media, and spend more time outside, especially this time of the year. 

So I missed a meeting. But I gained a quiet paddle through pastel waters as the sun slowly descended below the spruces on the horizon. An hour to myself to just be one with the lake, the light and the promise of the summer that still lies ahead☀️
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #sup #standuppaddle #sweden #sweden_photolovers #sweden_images
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations @wiet This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations @wietinghannah, you’re our winner!🎊

📚📚📚GIVEAWAY📚📚📚

Have you heard the term "ecohappiness"? If not, this is your chance to learn more! 

Author Sandi Schwartz and I have teamed up to give away a copy of her book "Finding Ecohappiness," an inspirational manifesto and practical guidebook for families to get outside and enjoy nature together. Packed with ideas for outdoor activities like animal yoga, forest bathing, sit spotting, float therapy and nature art, this book is definitely one to add to your collection📕 

How to enter👇🏼
✅ Like and save this post
✅ Follow @rainorshinemamma and @getecohappiness 
✅ Comment by completing this sentence: "To me, being in nature is..."

This giveaway closes on June 4 and a winner will be selected shortly after that. You must be 18 and live in the US or Canada to enter. This giveaway is not associated with or sponsored by Instagram. 

Good luck!🙌🏽

#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #ecohappiness #findingecohappiness #naturebooks #goodreads #naturelovers #ecotherapy #getkidsoutside
Having scientific reasons and explanations for doi Having scientific reasons and explanations for doing things is good and there are any number of ways free climbing benefits our physical and mental health. But sometimes you’ve just got to trust your guts, feel all the feelings and enjoy the joyride🙌🏻🌳

What makes you feel joy in nature?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #treeclimbing #onewithnature #vitaminn #friluftsliv #optoutside
I’m not going to lie - there are times when my c I’m not going to lie - there are times when my children’s dawdling drives me nuts. Like when they take 45 minutes to finish breakfast even though we’re running late . But I also envy their ability to be completely unhurried and present in the moment, and I realize that it’s a quality that I need to protect🐌

As parents, we need to make space for our children to play, get bored, dawdle, wander, wonder, create, sleep in, be wild and free and watch the clouds go by. Let them be where they are and not push them to achieve arbitrary milestones or condition them to think that a packed calendar is the key to success and happiness.

As always, Ginny of @1000hoursoutside is on point🙌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #1000hoursoutside #quote
Did you know that camping for as little as two nig Did you know that camping for as little as two nights straight can help you reset your circadian rhythms and improve your sleep for several weeks afterwards? That's because the natural light helps the body regulate melatonin, a hormone that tells the body when it's time to get up and go, and when it's time to rest and recuperate🌗 

My melatonin levels weren't top of mind when @jeanetteosterman and I started our challenge to sleep outside at least once a month for a year. But I must say, I rarely sleep as soundly and feel as energetic as I do when I sleep under the skies.

Have you ever tried sleeping in a camping hammock? I bought my first one a few years ago and I ❤️ it!
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #openairlife #sleepingoutside #camping #campinglife #hammock #sleepingoutsidechallenge #freshaireveryday
Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and fe Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and feel like you're constantly negotiating/fighting/fretting over your child's screen time👋🏼 

Well, you're not alone😰 

Since 2011, when mobile internet had its breakthrough, teens' and tweens' screen time has increased dramatically. At the same time, physical activity has decreased significantly. The WHO recommends that teenagers get at least one hour of physical activity every day, but in reality 85% of the girls and 78% of the boys globally don't meet the target.

Making outdoor activity a normal part of your daily routine can help  your tween or teen get the exercise and fresh air they need  and lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. I'm the first to admit that it isn't easy, but then again, nobody said parenting would be a cakewalk🤪

Hang in there and check out a few of the strategies that help me balance screen time with 'green time'. Do you have any tips to share?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #parenting #parentingteens #parentingtweens #getoutside
“I’m not thrilled about looking older. But wha “I’m not thrilled about looking older. But what unsettles me the most about the 40s is the implication that I’m now a grown-up myself.”
- Pamela Druckerman

Forty-four laps around the sun today and I still find that the passing of time is one of life’s greatest mysteries.
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #aging #44 
@pameladruck
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