Rainy Day 911

Don't let a little rain get the best of you

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Most kids learn "Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day" by the time they're two or three. And why not, since just about everyone prefers a sunny day over a rainy one? However, we also need to teach our kids to enjoy the rain, and not to assume that its arrival means the end of all things outdoors.

What should you do if bad weather strikes on a day when you've planned a hike or other outing? And what can you do when—after the second or third rainy day in a row—everyone in your family is bouncing off the walls? Here's a little collection of ways to turn less-than-perfect weather into an opportunity for fun.

Before you read on, one cautionary note: If the truth be told, young children usually delight in rain—they love splashing around. All too often it's we parents who condition kids to believe that bad weather calls for indoor activities. So make sure that your own attitude doesn't need adjusting as well. Remember, once everyone's out the door and used to the weather, a rainy day excursion usually turns into fun.

Stay Safe, Dress Right
The very first thing any parent must do when trying to plan an excursion on a rainy day is to make sure conditions are appropriate. Sometimes you really should stay indoors.

Don't take your kids out in a thunderstorm, and do your best to avoid being caught in the backcountry during such a storm, especially in exposed areas where lightning is likely to strike, such as mountaintops.

Make sure your kids are appropriately dressed for the weather. You may need to add an extra layer because of the rain. Hypothermia can occur if one gets wet, even when temperatures aren't dramatically cold.

What kind of clothing does your child need to stay comfortable on a rainy day?
If your child is simply going to run around in your yard on a warm summer's day, nothing special is required. The only thing that may be needed is for your child to jump into the tub or shower when he or she is done.

Forget the umbrella, too, since they're more likely to become a burden or a weapon in a child's hands. Young kids may enjoy umbrellas on city streets or close to home, but after a while they're likely to either hand them over to you or start using them to bonk their siblings or friends. Umbrellas, therefore, are not appropriate for hikes; instead, make sure your child has a wide-brimmed hood.

If you plan something like a hike or bike ride not particularly near home, your child will need some real rain gear. Start with:

A hooded rain slicker, jacket, or poncho;

Waterproof or water-repellent pants, especially in cooler temperatures or on extended outings; and

Waterproof or repellent boots. Rubber boots, also known as puddle stompers, are fine for backyard fun and short, flat outings. However, the soles of these boots offer little or no traction, so they're not appropriate for hiking, especially in wet weather when footing is likely to be slippery. A good solution is to coat canvas hiking boots with a silicone spray to make them water-resistant.