Boots With the FURRR....

Boots with The FURRRR…

Basking in the soft light of the cabin porch, I found myself captivated by a picturesque scene: my 67-year-old father, nimble as ever, engaged in a spirited snowball fight with his 7-year-old granddaughter. Nearby, her twin reveled in her own snowy playground, climbing snow plow piles with gleeful abandon.

In this idyllic winter scene, a seemingly minor hiccup unfolded as my youngest niece tugged at my coat pocket. With a sweet voice, she exclaimed, ”There’s snow in my boots!” A minor predicament, perhaps, but it offered a revealing new outlook into the world of children's winter gear.

As we popped inside to remedy the snowy boot situation, the mismatched ensemble of her seemingly adorable boots (with the fur, laces, and zippers- oh my!) and tiny “winter socks” offered an unexpected and new connection. The market is filled with visually appealing winter gear that, upon closer inspection, may not withstand the rigors of immersive play. The faux fur, colorful laces, and unnecessary zippers hid a practical flaw – gear that wasn't tailored to her immersive play style.

This realization prompted me to consider the ways children interact with the world around them. Some, like my niece, are irresistibly drawn to puddles and snowbanks, craving the tactile experience of the elements. Others, a bit more delicate in their exploration, observe from a distance until they're ready to fully engage.

The lesson learned extended beyond the immediate situation. The market, saturated with charming yet less durable options, emphasizes the importance of investing in quality gear. While cheaper alternatives may seem appealing at first, they yield frequent replacements diminishing their overall value.

The value of this reflection lies in understanding a child's nature when selecting outdoor gear. Just as we, as adults, wear our experiences differently, children express themselves uniquely. The purpose of gear transcends mere protection; it becomes a facilitator, encouraging them to live in the moment, reveling in the messy, unfiltered joy of outdoor exploration.

The winter porch scene, though initially a vignette of joyful winter play for the entire family, unfolded into a profound lesson about the significance of thoughtful gear choices. Let this story be a reminder to us to embrace the unique ways children interact with the world and choose gear that empowers them to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Here’s the bottom line… We have to consider the child for whom we are shopping. We are not dressing them for a fashion show, but rather an experience on which to build further learning.

We must honor who children are and embrace them wholeheartedly. It is a real crime in my eyes to dress a child in gear that is so lovely that they fear getting any mud, rain, or paint on it. Gear is meant to be LIVED IN.

For example, I am hard on my gear because I am an immersive being. I am ALL IN when interacting with the outdoors. I crave the sound of squelching mud, I am quick to drop to my knees even if it means they may get soggy. Being IN the snow is where I find immense joy and the key to unlock the portal to play.

If we are going to invest in gear, we need to remember two things:

1. Cheap Gear is not going to last. You’ll likely have to buy more than once in a season due to tears etc. Seek out discounts- consult my Ultimate Gear Guide for more tips on this.

2. Consider the child you are dressing. You know your child, you see how they interact with the world around them daily. Be sure to consider this when you are on the hunt for outdoor gear.

Lost when it comes to searching for winter gear for your child? Check out my Top 5 Winter Gear List!

Stay playful my friends.

Always beside you,

Ade