Snow is amazing in that it invites exploration. The first day it snowed T just marched in circles stomping his feet and smiling while the neighbor boy did basically the same, occasionally picking some snow up and throwing it, brushing a tree, shouting out with glee. Sledding downhill got even the slightly timid of snow S to smile hugely. My boys and the neighbor played and played. Then we worked on building snowmen. At almost age 3, Frosty the Snowman has been an important seasonal song and story in our house. The boys were thrilled to build snowmen even though they did notice and comment later that they didn't come alive and play.
A neighbor who was walking by saw my children sledding with their dad and I and said that these will be great memories. I said I wasn't sure if my children will remember the snow. She said, surely they will remember the joy and each time it snows they will be happy. I thought that was a beautiful statement.
It made me appreciate my own comfort and love of snow. It makes it easy to present snow as something wonderful for my own children. However, this reflection also made me wonder how could I inspire some of our friends who may not be so comfortable in snow to get outside with their kids. Today, I followed through on this challenge and knocked on a neighbors' door with an invitation to play. Their child is scared of the snow they said. I think we often fear those things that we have not experienced. In this case both the parents and the child are new to snow. I will knock again, bearing extra warm clothes.
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