There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather

Bringing Up Bébé meets Last Child in the Woods in this “fascinating exploration of the importance of the outdoors to childhood development” (Kirkus Reviews) from a Swedish-American mother who sets out to discover if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native Scandinavia holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her American children.

Could the Scandinavian philosophy of “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” hold the key to happier, healthier lives for American children?

When Swedish-born Linda Åkeson McGurk moved to Indiana, she quickly learned that the nature-centric parenting philosophies of her native Scandinavia were not the norm. In Sweden, children play outdoors year-round, regardless of the weather, and letting babies nap outside in freezing temperatures is common and recommended by physicians. Preschoolers spend their days climbing trees, catching frogs, and learning to compost, and environmental education is a key part of the public-school curriculum. In the US, McGurk found the playgrounds deserted, and preschoolers were getting drilled on academics with little time for free play in nature. And when a swimming outing at a nearby creek ended with a fine from a park officer, McGurk realized that the parenting philosophies of her native country and her adopted homeland were worlds apart.

Struggling to decide what was best for her family, McGurk embarked on a six-month journey to Sweden with her two daughters to see how their lives would change in a place where spending time in nature is considered essential to a good childhood. Insightful and lively, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather is a fascinating personal narrative that illustrates how Scandinavian culture could hold the key to raising healthy, resilient, and confident children in America.

 

Praise for There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather

A fascinating exploration of the importance of the outdoors to childhood development.
—Kirkus Reviews 

“I could not put this book down! Linda McGurk not only offers a fresh perspective about parenting and outdoor play from a Scandinavian viewpoint, but she is a fabulous storyteller and will hook you on the first page.”
—Angela Hanscom, author of BALANCED AND BAREFOOT 

Linda McGurk offers a perfect antidote to the hyper-vigilant, extra-electrified, standardized-tested, house-arrested, 21st-century childhood and the experts who push it.

—Richard Louv, bestselling author of LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS 

Smart, friendly and Swedish. Packed with sane ideas that will get your children outside, independent, and filled with the joy of living.

—Heather Shumaker, author of IT’S OK NOT TO SHARE 

This is a heartfelt manifesto on the importance of the sort of unhurried, nature-rich childhood that every American child deserves.

—Christine Gross-Loh, author of THE PATH

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Touchstone; Reprint edition (October 2, 2018)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501143638

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501143632

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.53 ounces

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.38 inches