To think that British people need to get better at winter?

[honeytea]

I have noticed lots of people worrying about the cold weather and their DC coming to harm due to eating/sleeping/playing outside.

I am confused as to why in a country that we all know has miserable weather for much most of the year some children don't have clothing that enables them to spend time outside. The risk of vitamin D deficiency, the higher chance of getting ill when inside and childhood weight issues could all be made better if kids were encouraged to spend more time outside.

I know it isn't all families, I have just been supprised at the amount of people worrying about thier children being damaged by winter weather. It doesn't even get very cold in the UK, nothing a pair of breathable woolen thermal underwear and a good coat/all in one wouldn't solve.

I am British but I now live in Sweden, here the kids at daycare/school have to spend at least 2 hours outside by law, it doesn't matter if it is raining, snowing or -10 the kids are still out playing/eating/sleeping. The schools only shut due to weather when the temp drops below -40.

AIBU to think that we need to get better at winter, it does after all happen every year for about 6 months

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

In the states you are usually liable for snow removal from public areas around your house. In many municipalities if you don't remove the snow from the footpath then they can do it and charge you for the cost. Many people that can't or don't want to do it will pay either an enterprising teen or a company to do it for them. I have stayed with families and when it snows everyone goes and shovels. It took all of us about 3/4 hour to clear a driveway and footpath.

Salt and grit aren't the same thing. Often in areas that stay below -10 will put grit or sand down for traction but not salt.

One thing that I see that is really different here is that people prepare their cars better. It is common practise to carry a small shovel, a bag of cat litter and tire chains/cables in the back of the car for if it gets really bad. In some areas you are required to carry chains and the police can make you put them on and will stop you to check. They also prepare themselves better. My snowboots have crazy amounts of tread on them and many people have studs that they can fit over their shoes/boots for when it gets icy.

Mathanxiety, Utah snow is known for being dry and power, but I have pictures of my kids building snowmen (in bare feet, crazy kids!). Graupel on the other hand is no use to kids, but is a lot easier to clear so I prefer it!

[Acekicker]

Fair enough fryone, I'm used to people claiming it's illegal to clear the snow in the UK (had a colleague tell me that only this week) which frustrates me no end after having seen it all done properly in Germany so I took your post the wrong way - sorry.

[spoonsspoonsspoons]

I can still remember on one occasion where it snowed and it had originated in Siberia. You couldn't build anything with it which was rather disappointing, just throw handfuls of the stuff around. It was a novelty to come inside and find you weren't soaked through after playing in the snow though.