Winter at home
What we do on a minus-ten day
A Minnesota winter is long, and the children still need to run. This is how a very cold day goes.
- 01
Step 1: Before the children arrive
Janine looks at the forecast and the wind chill, and decides whether the day goes out at all. She texts families if the plan changes.
- 02
Step 2: At the door
Wet boots and mittens go on the rack to dry. Children keep warm socks or slippers for inside.
- 03
Step 3: Mid-morning, moving
A path of cushions, scarves to dance with and a parade around the kitchen table. Little ones need to run even when they can't go out.
- 04
Step 4: Something warm on the stove
Soup or oatmeal, with children stirring from a stool and Janine at the stove.
- 05
Step 5: Lunch and a long rest
Lunch at the table, then a nap or quiet time with the lights low and the radiators ticking.
- 06
Step 6: Afternoon and bundling up
Quiet play, then the long business of snow pants and boots again at pickup. Parents are welcome to sit on the bench and help.
When it eases
When the day eases, we go out
A still, gray day at minus five feels very different from a windy one at minus ten, and Janine decides each morning which one it is. When the yard is fit, the children go out dressed for it, stay for a short while and come in to something warm.
What to send in winter
Snow pants and waterproof boots
Warm mittens, and a spare pair
A hat and a neck warmer
Spare socks and a full change of clothes
Come and see the boot hooks
Book a tour and see how the door, the living room and the kitchen work in winter.