Swedish author and nature-play expert Linda McGurk explains why it’s essential to get your family outdoors, and how to brave - and even enjoy - the cold, dark winter days ahead.

McGurk says, “I think we’ve just become very comfortable, and then all of a sudden, you start thinking, well, maybe it’s not a good thing to be outside because it’s uncomfortable.”

So the mother of two set out to change that. In her book “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather,” her goal is to help American families become more comfortable heading outdoors at all times of year – even on those imminent dark winter days.

“Head outside for a little bit every day, regardless of the weather,” she says, “I think it’s good for kids to learn to be comfortable with the discomfort. That it’s not dangerous to experience cold weather…and that’s how my friends back home in Sweden were raising their kids.”

Scandinavian tips for (actually enjoying) cold weather outdoors:

For a successful outdoor experience, McGurk says the goal is to identify any risks and mitigate them.

Start by making sure kids’ physical needs are met before heading outside, i.e. they’re fed, hydrated, have gone to the bathroom, and aren’t too tired.

Dress for the weather with lots of removable layers – and head outdoors wearing all of them.

Have activities in mind. When you’re outside, McGurk recommends having a couple of games or ideas up your sleeve, just in case. This can be as simple as tag, hide and seek, or playing with a ball.

Assess the weather. How cold is too cold? She says, “I think it’s pretty rare to get to those [extreme] temperatures where you can’t even leave the house.” If you’re not sure, she recommends staying close to home, so you can quickly get inside if anyone gets too cold. 

And remember: independence helps kids thrive. McGurk insists that letting children play on their own isn’t as perilous as Americans often think.

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