- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Fun in the Snow
Staying Active With Your Kids During the Winter Months By Teri Brown
can help make winter sports safer for everyone:
- Ski helmets are a good idea if your child is skiing, ice skating or sledding. Make sure the helmet fits correctly.
- Be prepared. Children should wear a hat or headband and wear gloves or mittens. A child who is too cold is not a child having fun!
- Dress your child in layers. Polypropylene is a wonderful material that dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Your child should also wear a turtleneck, sweater and waterproof jacket.
- Protect your child from sunburn and chapping by applying sun block and lip balm.
- Always wear eye protection. Kids should carry sunglasses and goggles with them.
- Be sure your child has identification, the name and phone number of your hotel and your cell phone number written down on a piece of paper and in a secure pocket.
The Hildebrands prepare for the cold by dressing themselves and their children in layers. They are concerned about safety and prepare against various emergencies. "If you are going to be way in the backcountry, you need to pack lots of fat-laden food (chocolate, sausage, nuts) and pretty much munch constantly," says Hildebrand. "Another thing is to bring emergency bivouac supplies. A sleeping bag and some sort of tarp or tent can be a life saver."
In spite of the possible dangers, Hildebrand believes the benefits are worth it. "There's something uniquely joyful about skiing down a challenging trail, be it in a snow squall or a beautiful spring morning."
*Photos courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Family Resort