To walk to nursery with two toddlers in the cold?

Is she turns up as you're setting off again... Make her come with you and join in the fun. 😁😁

She'll know all the words to The Grand old Duke of York before 9am 🤣🤣

It’s funny you say this. My 4 year olds scoot to school every day unless it is really raining. Every week DM suggests driving us, which after the traffic and faff of parking near a school street, takes just as long. I would much rather wrap up warm and get them outside!

I had to walk my toddlers eveywhere, whatever the weather,

As long as you dress them properly, no child ever died of it being cold. 🤷‍♀️

Would it help to say that it contributes to their 3 hours of movement a day that they need to keep them fit and healthy?

My husband is from southern Europe and we often have similar discussions. He's always panicking about me taking DD swimming (inside!) when it's cold outside and then getting the tram home. It can be 15 degrees outside and he still wants me to put a woolly hat on her because she has wet hair.

How does she think children get to nurseries/school in those countries that are actually cold? As long as your kids wear appropriate clothing you should definitely keep walking. Tell her she had her chance to raise and parent her own kids at the time and you make your own decisions as your kids' parent.

"Being stuck in traffic is warmer but way less fun. This is what gloves were invented for. Xx"

Is your reply every time she's sends you a message about it.

Don't change it. Just send again. And again.

She'll drop it eventually, no one can withstand 100% repeat of simple message. 🤣

I walk my dog every day for about 1h30, and I always have my 2nd baby with me (in a carrier or buggy) rain, snow or sunshine, and I did the same when my 1st was a baby. It's plenty of fresh air, day light (plus movement for your toddler) - all the good stuff!
My mom is the same though, and she always comments on the cold ("baby is going to get ill", "are you sure they've got enough clothes on", "oh, his hands are freezing", ...) and it used to get on my nerves. One day I asked her what she was so scared of, and she told me that my brother (who was a December baby, born 40 odd years ago) got really bad bronchiolitis and she was really scared to lose him. 😭 One of the great grandparents also lost their baby at 6mo from pneumonia, so that story marked the whole family.
Your MIL might not mean it as a criticism but maybe from her own fear?

Being cold doesn't make you ill. Cosytoes on the buggy, good coats and possible fleece lined waterproof trousers on the older one, you stay warm by walking! Much more interesting journey for the kids and good exercise for you. Goid for the environment and setting a good example.

Get your husband to tell MIL to leave you alone!

I can't imagine anyone in their right mind would say it's bad

You could say- If you want to help wrap up warm and come and join the fun - make sure you have sensible shoes.
Singing and your son's new song all the way should help convince her you really are doing it because you enjoy it. (and probably embarrass her so much she wont do it again)

I don't understand how she has the audacity to text you and turn up unasked like this, so judgemental and rude to you.

Your DH needs to tell her to stop because you can't live like this. She needs to accept you are the parents, and constant texting you the Dil is inappropriate and disrespectful.

It's none of her business unless she's asked for her opinion.

I was put outside as a baby

I'm still here

Tell your MIL that numbers of children go to forest schools - my GC do - and it's not just the walk there, they're out all day. There is a covered place with open sides for rain/sleet and for the babies to sleep. All well so far.

Has your husband had a word?

It was great fun though!!

She sounds like an absolute pain. What does your husband say about it? I think you need to politely ask her to back off and preferably with your husband's support.

My MIL is similar and I told her that Scandinavian babies sleep outside in their prams as it boosts their immune systems

www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21537988

Oh, trickier then! Just tell her you'll ask if you need help , she sounds lovely wanting to help and a bit further into winter you might well appreciate a lift. If she's anything like me dad you just have to get used to repeating yourself .

I wish a few more parents thought like you, then there wouldn't be the ridiculous parking issues outside schools.

I live in a village 1/2 a mile from the local school and virtually every parent on the street drives their child to school. There are quiet roads with pavements all the way. It's bonkers.

There's a proportion of people who think children will melt in the rain or freeze to death in minus temperatures

We live in a village the furthest road out isn't even half a mile away. Many who live in this village drive in during inclement weather and then drive back home...

I don't drive so my children were used to walking in all weathers and still are as young adults!
I'd be tempted to tell her to bugger off but I'm sure her intentions are well placed, so maybe not the best idea!
When I've been on school trips with young children, it's blatantly obvious which children are used to walking and which children are ferried everywhere in cars. It's good for them to be outside! You can have such lovely conversations while you're walking.

Yes, the entire northern Europe is abusing children. Dear lord, memories of being taken to the nursery on a sled in -30 are the happiest memories of my life. I am still here, largely intact, with all my fingers a toes present.

My mum didn't drive and dad left the house at 7, I hated the winter walks to school.
It was depressing. Looking back it still depresses me!
I class my children as very lucky having a mum that runs them to school and collects them.
In summer, I park further away and we walk a little, due to where we live, we can't walk the whole way.