As parents, it is our job to make sure our children are loved, educated, safe, and occasionally watch something different than Frozen. (As much as we also love Frozen, our children are dangerously close to thinking Arendelle is a real place.) Speaking of safety, and “frozen” actually, here are some tips to help you conquer what is promising to be a challenging winter ahead.

1. Safer at home

“Since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

The classic tune takes on a whole new meaning in the winter of 2020-2021, right? Across the country, COVID-19 is spiking and folks are encouraged to stay at home. That means standby winter activities like indoor play places won’t be on the agenda this year, but you can have a lot of safe fun at home. Instead of the movie theater, find a good flick on Netflix and set up an at home theater complete with popcorn and dimmed lights. Instead of jumping around in a ballpit, put cushions all over the floor and play “The Floor is Lava.” We’re all getting a little tired of being Super Parents, but keep tapping into your creativity if you can. If you can’t do it on your own, sign up for a class!

2. Mask up

By now your children have likely gotten used to wearing a mask when they are at school and it’s important to keep up the practice. 

We all know germs spread more in the winter because of increased time inside and more runny noses. This year the masks will help the spread of germs, coronavirus or otherwise, and keep everyone healthy and safe at school or while you’re out running essential errands. Added bonus, the masks cover up exposed skin which can prevent frostbite.

3. Stay bundled

Baby, it’s cold outside so get those babies (and toddlers, school aged children, tweens, and teens) bundled up!

For young children especially their bodies aren’t as insulated as ours are as adults. (Which is a nice way of saving our bodies don’t metabolize the extra cookies as quickly as theirs do and we have a little extra cushion as a result!) Make sure that for however many layers you have on, your children have one extra layer as they get ready to build a snowman or hit the sledding hill.

When it comes to keeping those little hands warm, go with waterproof gloves or mittens and try to have an extra pair available. Wet hands can lead to hypothermia and we definitely don’t want to go there.

4. Remember to hydrate

It always seems like in the summer our children constantly have a beverage in their hands to fight the heat. Yet in winter, this good practice can fall to the wayside.

It’s important for children to continue to stay hydrated all winter because they will be working up a sweat while they are bundled up sledding and the low humidity will leave skin extra dry. Stick with water for as long as they’ll tolerate it, but you can also add fruit to the water for flavor, try herbal teas, and double down on soup as a lunchtime staple. Also, make sure children are putting on lotion after baths or showers and throughout the day if their skin is extra dry.

5. Sport safely

If you’re hitting the slopes, the rink, or the frozen pond this winter, keep your children safe by making sure they have the training and equipment they need. 

For parents who know the ropes of winter sports, this is your time to shine as a teacher and make sure your children know how to participate safely. However, if you would consider yourself “indoorsy” or you simply don’t know the first thing about ice skates, find an instructor offering socially distanced lessons. Then grab a helmet and appropriate pads and you’re on your way!