On Thursday morning I’m speaking at a local MOPS group about getting kids outdoors in nature, enjoying God’s creation.When I awoke this morning, the gloomy skies were dribbling down rain on our already drenched lawn. I wasn’t particularly motivated to work on my talk and stated as much on Facebook.Immediately two friends responded. One pointed me to photos of her daughter playing in the rain; the other urged me to take the kids to the park to roll down hills and get muddy.These are activities I encourage here at the Kroeker house … we generally do not shy away from puddles or mud. And my friend practically quoted from my talk. I myself urge moms to open their minds (and washing machines) and get past their aversion to muck.So, take my friend’s advice, which is also my own.Get the kids some play clothes (garage sales and Goodwill will give you plenty of options).Boots are handy.Umbrellas optional.And then follow my lead. I took my own advice, hopped off my hypocritical duff and invited my own kids to slip into their play clothes and enjoy the rain.
As one of my Facebook friends pointed out: if you do this, you get to be the Best Mom in the World.Not a bad title to earn so close to Mother’s Day, eh?
My dad used to take us for walks as kids after a rain, and we would splash in all the puddles on the way. We went barefoot because there were no crocs in those days.
LOVE it! We have a rainy day post up right now! I have so many memories of getting filthy and wet and it was FREE and fun and pure joy! Isn’t it odd how many people don’t think to let their kids do the most simple games and spend time exploring the outdoors?!
My kids loved doing this – and I loved it as a child too. I can remember putting my head under the rainspout – just to get the most out of the experience 🙂
My girls (3 & 5) LOVE LOVE LOVE to go out and play in the rain and mud puddles. I usually just put on their bathing suits and crocs or beach shoes and off they go! Unfortunately, here in Florida, rain is usually accompanied by thunder and lightening!! But, every time it rains they ask and we all stop and listen. If there is no thunder, then we go for it!!!
Thanks for this post…it reminded me of just how much fun it is to get all wet and dirty!!!
Blessings
Shelley
So, so, so true! Thanks for the reminder. Way too often I’m more concerned about any extra work certain activities would cause me instead of the joy and harmless good fun my kids would have. Gulp!
My kids love playing in the rain, too, especially when Mom & Dad come out, too. Thanks for the reminder to get out and enjoy nature, no matter what the weather!
Oh Anne, I love this post. Not that long ago I posted facebook status about letting my kids play in the rain. I was shocked at some of the comments I got. One guy even suggested that my kids might get pnemonia. I love letting them explore outside. A week or two ago they wanted to outsdie in the hail. I decided let them (and I took some hilarious pictures). I knew they would love it and I knew they wouldn’t really end up staying out there that long. I didn’t post a FB status about it, though! I will let you know if I post the pictures on my blog.