To hate going outside with kids when its cold

[JumpRope]

That's it really. By the time the year hits halloween my hatred is in full swing. (I also think I may have SAD, since by halloween I'm also normally a bit suicidal, obviously would never do it, and there is with only christmas to save a bit of hope for).
I can even go out for a 'walk' in the cold if I can guarantee working up some heat. But with kids the age they are, I kind of just have to stand around whilst they play and each bit of cold air feels like a knife against my skin. I wear a lot of clothes, but I'm quite skinny, and it just feels like such a MASSIVE FAFF and I can't be arsed to get them out and grrrrr.

[CheerfulYank]

I don't like it either. I live in a place where we have snow for six months sometimes and I love it but it's such a pain getting the kids dressed in all their gear. I like walking in the snow alone but standing there watching the kids is so boring.

[handslikecowstits]

I had SAD until I started taking a vit D supplement. Now I'm full of beans.

[patterkiller]

I could have wrote your post. It feels so bad I made an appointment with the Doctor last week and going back this week. I have an under active thyroid so a lot of these things can be part of thyroid symptoms. However bloods have returned normal hence my return visit. Could you think of going? It's crap feeling like this for basically nearly half a year, every year.

[VintageDresses]

SAD can be treated so get that properly diagnosed and sorted.

As far as being outdoors with Dc is concerned you need proper outdoor clothes. Expensive but if you've got good warm boots/gloves/coat it's much nicer. Clothes properly designed for winter weather really do "work" much better than layers of ordinary clothes.

Then you need to move. It's sometimes hard to make yourself do it, but you'll have a much better time if you do. Push the swing, chase the kids, kick the ball, throw the duck's bread as far as you can, jump in puddles, catch falling leaves - a bit late this year but you get the drift.

I absolutely agree standing watching the kids is boring, which is why you need to join in or make your own games.

[megletthesecond]

Yanbu. Going for a walk with young kids in the cold is wretched. I end up freezing no matter how much I wrap up (yes I have fancy pants merino layers and sheepskin boots) because they bloody dawdle.

I go running in icy temperatures and never get cold. With kids it's cold and boring because they can't move quick enough for me to get my temp up.

[ArcticCactus]

Like they say here - no such thing as bad weather only the wrong clothes.

Merino base layers. Long johns and long sleeved high funnel neck top. Decent winter boots - real ones, not the crap you usually get in the uk. Insulated skirts are great, I've got a down filled one, then a massive parka (down, below the knee) with a massive hood. Wool hat and gloves. If you know anyone who knits get them to make you a fair isle style one because they end up with multiple layers and are warm as hell.

[Leelu6]

YANBU, I hate being cold and feel it more than most. But could you try wearing warmer clothes, like thermal full sleeved top and under-leggings, fleece and down jackets? Thermal socks, gloves, hat?

I wear these and feel toasty even in -5 weather.

[JumpRope]

Its not actually that cold. Its just even a tiny blast of the wind, and I feel like it hurts! Its ridiculous and I'm a total nancy.

I do have uni-polar depression and am treated for that all year round, so I'm not sure what could be added for SAD, aside from one of those light box things......

[ArcticCactus]

High dose vitamin d!

And one of these : www.marmotshop.co.uk/product/marmot-wms-banff-insulated-skirt/

And wool. Don't wear any artificial fibre unless it's the shell of an outer layer. Possum wool from NZ is the warmest thing in the known universe, but any wool is good.

I also take a thermos mug of hot tea with me on my daily hike with the pram. Ds was toasty at -15c in his down pram bag and I was toasty too. Ok I look spherical in so many layers but I'm warm!

[JumpRope]

Thanks for the advice. Thermos is a good idea, and that skirt is quite fabulous!

[Madcats]

You need to link up with another mum so you can moan together!

Can't you get your kids to walk a bit faster? Maybe try to get them to copy your footwork (throw in a bit of hopscotch/swap legs) if you are restricted to walking in the streets. DD used to find it hilarious.

Best bit of kit I bought for hanging about, were thermal insoles (they have foil undersides). Oh a wool pea-coat is fairly resistant to wind and drizzle too.

Take thermoses of hot chocolate (a would be a "bad mum" if I suggested a thermos of microwaved ready-made mulled wine for you). I have even been known to do "cold-weather picnics" (soup/pre-ccoked sausages in a thermal bag in hot dog rolls).

Every so often you might catch a few minutes of uninterrupted sunshine and that makes it well worth the effort of going out.