How long would you let your almost 5 and just turned 3 year old boys play outside on a 25+ degree day? I'm thinking an hour, but they NEVER want to come back in once they are outside. Should I let them just play?
I am watching from the window - but they are outside by themselves. We have a big yard with fences on two sides, and a SAHM behind us (no fence - school aged girls). I don't worry about them out there, but do worry a bit about my 3 year olds fingers getting too cold... although after an hour they always still seem warm enough...
Thoughts?
J.
Jessica
As long as their fingers & toes are warm and dry, I say let them play until they're either ready to come in or until you have something else on the schedule for them to do.
As long as their fingers and toes seem warm, I would let them play. You might suggest a hot chocolate break after a couple of hours :) I know my daughter can outlast me outside in her warm snowsuit and constant activity. It's great that they want to play outside so much, there are too many kids in front of TVs!
Ever since my little one was 2, he's loved being outside in the winter. I pretty much let him play outside as long as he wants. Now, that he's 5, it's great because I don't have to be with him the whole time. So, he stays outside and I only go out when I want to play or when I don't need a break. He just decides when he's ready to come in. 25 degrees is pretty warm and so I wouldn't worry.These little munchkins of ours have a high metalbolism and they don't get as cold as fast as we "old adults do."
My 4 year old normally tells me when she is cold, but a 3 year old might stay out even when cold. I would check on them every 20 minutes...but an hour outside does not seem too long.
