It’s January in Canada, so it’s cold. Really cold. However, it’s nothing we can’t handle. We may be overly polite and apologetic, but we are a hearty people. If your snot doesn’t freeze inside your nostrils, it’s cold but not really cold. If your breath doesn’t crystalize on your scarf when you exit your house, toughen up – you are Canadian.
Travelling anywhere in winter with small children in tow requires a minimum of 12 extra minutes prep time (I’ve done extensive research on this, trust me). If you are running late, it will take them 27 minutes because science. And so, I present to you…
My Five Rules for Canadian Kids in Winter
1. Layer. Two pairs of socks, extra mittens. We all know it feels bunchy, just do it.
2. Wet mitts won’t dry in a bin. They go on the dryer – every time. Remember? The dryer? Any good Canadian household will have the standard minimum of two such contraptions.
3. Shut the door. All the way. Right away. JUST SHUT THE DOOR.
4. Tiny mittens that stretch when you put them on are not really mittens. Real mittens impede all fine motor skills. They also prevent frost bite. Hold still while I tie your scarf tighter to muffle your complaints.
5. Put on your snow pants. Forget that, just put on any snow pants. No argument, no excuses. We all agree that they hinder movement, but they also prevent your skin from burning on the walk to school. And snow pants always go on first, it’s the law.
Yes, it’s cold out there, but we can get through it together. As long as you SHUT THE DOOR.
Tough Bananas 
Im such a wuss. It’s 32° and I’m not going out!
Sounds so much warmer in farenheit.
This. Industrial strength winter Mom—I salute you!
I accept.
*blushes
I’m ashamed to admit. I have no dryer. I just make everyone hang them on the hooks. I guess I’d never hack it in Canada.
I will send you one. They are on sale this week at Canadian Tire.
It got up to 43F/6C today so we left our coats in the car while shopping. It was lovely.
Tropical
What’s a scarf?
You could use it clean up queso.
I seriously don’t see how you deal with that level of cold for that long!!! It’s been in the 20s & 30s here southeast US for a week and very cloudy and ima bout to lose my sanity! Wow!
Somehow you adjust. Its supposed to go up to 2 soon which will feel tropical.
I firmly believe in the philosophy that there is no bad weather, just good clothes. We don’t have designer clothes, but good quality clothes keep out the wind and wet and can often be passed along from one boy to the next. I figure if the boys can run around inside hyper, they can get dressed in full gear (hats mitts snowsuit and boots) and run around outside as well. When you are cold, come in … but not until you have run up and down the hill 20 times!
Are your tears frozen? No? Back outside.
“I can’t put my arms down!”
“You’ll put your arms down when you get to school.”
Love that movie. 🙂
Yesssss