It's freezing cold and we are told it's going to get worse, but you can't close your front door and stay inside no matter how much you want to! Children have to get to childcare, nursery, school and you need to brave the cold weather even if you (and your kids!) don't want to.  Here are a few tips to make it that bit more bearable!

Wear a hat: most of your body's warmth will be lost by heat escaping through the top of your head.

Mittens: mittens are preferrable for children as they are warmer than gloves.

Warm drinks: a nice cup of hot (or warm) chocolate can be very satisfying.  Try to tempt your little ones to warm up with a warm drink when they get home.

Scarf: around the neck and chest, flat against the body under the coat and another one, if you think they need it, around the back of their neck and across their face and cheeks.

Layers: dress in layers; warm air is trapped between layers and helps to insulate.

Outer layer: make sure the outermost layer is tightly woven so as to keep out the wind.

Underwear: make sure you have long sleeved vests, thick socks and even leggings over tights (or under trousers)  to keep out the cold on the way to nursery.  The children can always take them off once they arrive.

Keep dry: make sure your child is dry and wears waterproofs if it's raining.

Shivering: is a reflex and if you child is so cold they shiver, they need to get inside and out of the cold.

If you have snow around you then no doubt it's cold, but on the plus side, the children are probably loving it!  Wrap the children up in coats, hats, scarves and gloves, put on some cosy boots, and they can go out and play while the snow lasts.  Here are some game ideas to play outside in the snow:-

1. Snow Sculpture: Traditionally we build snowmen, but why not build snow animals and other sculptures like snow-castles or a boat?  Help your children to scoop up mounds of snow and sculpt it into a variety of shapes!
2. Animal Tracking: Look out for the footprints of different animals in the snow; birds, cats, dogs, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, deer...even if you live in an urban area you'll be surprised at how many animals wander in the wild!  Look for animal tracks and tell your toddlers all about the creatures that make them.
3. Footprint Art: There's nothing more inviting than pristine snow!  Have your children create a track of snow pictures by trampling through a pristine blanket of snow.
4. Obstacle Course: Build an obstacle course in the snow - draw a line that your toddler must walk 'tightrope' style, draw boxes that they must jump between and build hurdles that they must jump over.
5. Target Practice: Build a snowman then have your toddler pelt him (or is it a her?!) with snowballs.  Get a hat and have your children throw a hat onto its head!

You may be tired of the snow, but there are still plenty of games the children can have fun with outdoors!