Get Your Family Ready for Spring
After a long and cold winter for much of the northern hemisphere, it may seem impossible that spring is actually on the horizon. Here are just a few things you can do to get your family ready for spring.
Cheryl Butler
If you live in the American northeast like I do, it probably seems unbelievable that spring is around the corner – given the terrible winter we’ve just experienced. But it’s true! We will soon see buds bursting with fresh, green growth and the temperatures will start warming up as well.
During the transition weeks that lie ahead, instead of pining for the proof that spring has sprung, take advantage of this time by preparing for warmer weather so when it does arrive, you won’t be scrambling for items that your family needs.
Here are just a few things you can do to make sure your family is ready for spring:
Spring Tune-Up for Toys: When fall ended you may have put bicycles, scooters, wagons, and other outside toys quickly to bed for winter. This is a great time to make sure your kids safety helmets still fit and check the swing set to be sure everything is working properly. Also, is your child’s bike still the correct size, and is the sandbox filled for the warmer months ahead? Before we have our first heat wave, take advantage of these last few cool weeks to get ready for outdoor play.
See also: Tips for Kids and Their Toys
Start Transitioning Clothing and Shoes: April showers bring May flowers, so before all that wet, spring weather arrives make sure your child has rain boots and slickers that fit, yard shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy, and sandals and flip-flops that are the proper size. This is also a wonderful time to head up to the attic or wherever you store your seasonal clothing and start pulling out shorts, short-sleeve t-shirts, lighter jackets and even bathing suits so you’ll have everything ready to go when the warmer weather finally arrives.
Make a List of Spring Places You’d Like to Visit: Now that you’ve been cooped up for most of the winter, start looking for fun, new places you and your family can visit when the warmer weather arrives. Is there a new park or playground you’ve not been to yet? Maybe your youngest child is finally ready to join a soccer or T-Ball team? Make a list of new places you’d like to enjoy with your family when the fresh days of spring arrive.
See also: Manners for the Great Outdoors
Establish Outdoor Play Guidelines: Your kids are growing and perhaps this year you will allow them a bit more freedom when they play outdoors with their neighborhood pals. Before their outdoor time really kicks in, take some time to establish rules and guidelines that will be expected of them before they take off for the great outdoors. This will eliminate any confusion or difficulties once they do start hanging outside for the warmer seasons.
For more great tips on practical parenting, check out the Mighty Mommy homepage.
About the Author
Cheryl L. Butler was the host of the Mighty Mommy podcast for nine years from 2012 to 2021. She is the mother of eight children. Her experiences with infertility, adoption, seven pregnancies, and raising children with developmental delays have helped her become a resource on the joys and challenges of parenting. You can reach her by email.