I think we need to sing this one more often, instead of “Rain Rain Go Away!” I know that playing in the rain is not always the most comfortable idea for both parents or kids, but it truly can be SO much fun!! I will also acknowledge that one of my favorite things to do when it’s raining is bundle up in comfy pjs, put on a movie and just listen to the rain fall while sipping hot chocolate! But if you give it a chance (and please give it a chance), you and your little ones can also make so many fun childhood memories if you get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer, even on these rainy days!
Benefits of Playing in the Rain
Yes, there are actually benefits to playing in the rain, and I’m not just talking about the amazing memories I just mentioned (which to be honest are really the biggest benefits!). For one it will help your children develop physically. They are already learning what their bodies can do and how to move, balance, run, skip, jump and much much more. When you add water to the mix, they will have to figure out how to manage slippery ground which will help balance, coordination and overall gross motor skills. When letting my almost 2 year old play in the slippery, muddy, water puddles in our yard last week, it was amazing to watch her little feet slip beneath her and how she could actually manage to stay on those tiny feet and slide around without falling! Of course at one point she did take a pretty big fall into that puddle, but it ended up being one of the funniest (and most fun) moments for her and all of us watching….and thankfully my mom got it on video and that has also become my little one’s favorite thing to watch, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her laugh so hard at any video before!
Beyond the physical, they also will learn that going outside and being active doesn’t have to be dependent on the weather, and this can lead to a healthier relationship with staying active and getting out and moving, and therefore a healthier lifestyle. Playing in the rain also provides for both sensory and science learning that just can’t happen when it’s sunny all of the time. You can watch how the water acts in the rain. You can observe and explore insects who come out in the rain and how other animals respond to the weather. You can collect or redirect water. The feeling of the water falling on them, the wet ground and the mud are all sensory experiences that will fascinate your little ones. The smells and sounds of the rain will also provide unique experiences that are hard to duplicate.
Finally, anything new can spark creativity in your little one. They can pretend the puddles are different bodies of water and imagine other people or creatures are there with them. They can bring toys out to play in those puddles (boats, cars, animals, etc), and/or beach toys or kitchen items to play in the mud or water to “cook” or build. If you give them the opportunity, they can come up with anything!
Won’t they get sick?
Going out in the cold or rain does not mean that kids will automatically get sick. If they are not dressed properly and are cold or wet for extended periods of time, then that is a possibility. Also, if they are already fighting a cold or are sick, it’s best to stay indoors. But if you are prepared and your child is dressed appropriately, there really shouldn’t be any issues. Rain boots and coats are a great way to stay dry. Having towels and dry clothes for when they are done is another way to keep them warm. If you don’t have rain boots or a jacket, layer up to provide protection, use an umbrella and make sure that you have dry clothes and shoes for after. If you are at home, take them inside and even give them a nice warm bath when you are finished. If you are out and about, those towels and extra clothes and shoes are key. So the next time there is a rainy day, just be prepared and you can let your little ones play outside and be confident that you are still keeping them as dry, warm and safe as possible!
Disclaimer
*As always you know your child best. If their immune system is down, they are generally susceptible to getting sick, or have other needs that you are concerned about, please use your best judgement and speak to your pediatrician before playing in the rain. In addition, make sure to stay safe and stay indoors if lightning is nearby or the weather is causing hazardous conditions.
Ideas for playing in the rain
Here are just a few ideas to get you started….the possibilities are endless!
*Run and jump in puddles
*Bring out random toys for those puddles
*Use sand toys or kitchen tools to scoop, pour, “cook,” build, etc.
*Collect rain in different containers; see how fast each fills up and measure the rain
*Redirect the water on the ground, with mud, blocks, sticks or anything else
*Look for slugs, snails or other little creatures that like to come out in the rain
*Listen to the birds and other wildlife to see how they react to the rain
*Bring out pots, pans, plastic, cardboard, really any variety of materials and listen to the different sounds the falling water makes
*Take out different items that might sink or float in the water and test them out
*Draw in the mud, or use it to “paint” on the driveway, patio or sidewalk
*Use pieces of wood, containers and other materials that can hold your little ones and let them build platforms and bridges over water
*Add food coloring to puddles and then sweep them up and watch how the colors mix
*Throw different sized rocks, balls or toys into the puddles to see the different splashes that they make
*Collect water in buckets, cups and other containers then use different paint brushes to paint the walls or covered areas with water
*Sing and dance in the rain
The moral of the story is that a rainy day does not have to ruin your outdoor fun, and can in fact lead to some of your child’s favorite childhood memories. If you and your children are healthy, the conditions are safe and you can prepare properly, get out there, get wet and have some fun with what nature has provided…you won’t be disappointed
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