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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have taken my toddler out in the rain?

108 replies

Chocolateismyvice · 22/09/2018 11:19

My little boy is nearly 19 months old. he's a very active and busy child, and loves nothing more than running around. We've been cooped up for nearly 2 weeks due to a virus, so yesterday was the first chance in ages to go out. All he's wanted to do the last week is walk up and down the stairs and run around, with so much built up energy.

Now DS is like a puppy, he's a bundle of energy so needs a lot of exercise and fresh air. Plus, I just love taking him outside. Anyway, in the morning, it was a little drizzly and windy but nothing to bad. I bundled DS up in a vest, jumper, thick trousers, all in one rain suit and wellies, and went to the park. He had a great time running around and playing on the swings/slide. We were there probably about 45 minutes. A woman was walking with her dog and friend, and saw them a few times.

At one point, they smiled at DS and fussed over him a little. Then woman with the dog piped up that he shouldn't be out in the rain, he needs to home where it's warm. She wasn't necessarily rude, but it was a little clipped in the way she said it. I just said that we've been stuck in for nearly a fortnight due to colds etc, so nice to be out. She just have a forced smile then went.

It made me feel like shit to be honest :(

Was I/am I unreasonable for taking my toddler out when the weather is not great? He was warm and dry, and obviously I wouldn't bother if it was torrential rain or gale force winds. It was misty rain and light wind/bit cold at the time! It's not like I left him run around completely naked.

Do you or did you used to take your kids out when it's a bit windy/raining?

OP posts:
Original poster
Chocolateismyvice · 22/09/2018 11:20

He also had a hat on (won't bloody keep gloves on!).

And sorry for the typos Blush

OP posts:
dubdurbs · 22/09/2018 11:22

Why shouldn't you take your child out if he's wrapped up warm and dry? It's not like he'll melt!

Mammyloveswine · 22/09/2018 11:22

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Sounds like you had a lovely time! I also have an excitable puppy instead of a child Grin and he loves splashing in the puddles! We always get out for a run around!

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 22/09/2018 11:23

No, he was appropriately dressed & having fun! That's what all-in-one's were made for, so you can still get out when the weather shite surely? Or in wet school runs, in my case. We'll often stop at the park in rainy whether on the way back from school if dc4(3) needs to burn off some energy & the baby is happy. He loves it as gets his pick of the equipment!

megletthesecond · 22/09/2018 11:23

Yanbu.

Alsonification · 22/09/2018 11:24

God YANBU. When mine were little they often splashed in the rain. It’s so good for them & helps build immunity. As long as they’re in appropriate clothing what’s the problem.

Paie · 22/09/2018 11:24

If it rained solidly for weeks on end, would she expect you to stay indoors and never venture out?
Yanbu to enjoy the weather whatever it is.
If it's sunny you protect your child with sunscreen, if rain then waterproofs. No difference as long as you're both happy

TwllBach · 22/09/2018 11:24

I live in North Wales where it rains for seven months a year if I hadn't have taken DS (now 2) out in the rain a few times last winter he would have spontaneously combusted. Even nurseries are supposed to take children out 'whatever the weather!' I would say you were being an excellent parent by responding to your child's needs in a safe, controlled manner, so two fingers up to the silly woman with the dog!

FissionChips · 22/09/2018 11:25

Why the fuck does she think wellies and raincoats exist? Stupid woman, I’d have told her to fuck off.

category12 · 22/09/2018 11:25

Of course YANBU. She had a different perspective to you, that's all. You don't need to justify yourself to anyone.

Your ds was having a good time. The end.

TrainsandDiggers · 22/09/2018 11:25

YDNBU!!! Fresh air is much better for little ones than being cooped up. Should have said the same to her!

NotACleverName · 22/09/2018 11:26

YABU don't you know children melt in the rain? Wink

billybagpuss · 22/09/2018 11:26

ignore her, she's an idiot and I bet her dog had a coat and wellies on too.

Fresh air is the most health beneficial thing you can do for a kid, for their wellbeing physically and mentally. You were absolutely right.

CaptainCorrigan · 22/09/2018 11:26

YANBU. Rain does no harm to anyone. As long as he's warm and dry (which most toddlers don't even care about) he'll be fine. To keep him couped up indoors is surely more harmful than fresh air and exercise?!

MrsMozart · 22/09/2018 11:27

Goodnes me. She was rude.

Weather appropriate clothing, crack on and enjoy!

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 22/09/2018 11:29

Honestly i really wish people wouldn't pass bloody comment.
If you'd have taken him out in pair of shorts. I might have said "She had a point".
However he was weLl wrapped up and it sounds like he had a whale of a time, bless him. I bet he like Peppa pig jumping in all the muddy puddles.Grin
You can't keep children cooped up because of the weather. You can't sit and keep your life on hold. They who ever they are say. It's good to get children out in all elements.
Also they're learning about nature and weather aren't they, so It's not only fun. It's Educational.

LongSummerDays · 22/09/2018 11:29

@NotACleverName I once told someone who commented that my ds was playing in the rain (did they think I didn't know it was raining and he had wellies, waterproof trousers etc on) "he's not made of sugar, you know" Grin

Nacknick · 22/09/2018 11:40

@LongSummerDays my dad used to say that and it always makes me smile

My niece also famously once said "it's only rain grandad" and we still say that

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 22/09/2018 11:45

I'm well known for saying that to people at school who want to bring the children inside as soon as a single drop of rain falls from the sky...

OhTheRoses · 22/09/2018 11:47

Nope. Should he not shower either.

A lifetime ago when it came down like sheets all of one weekend and the dc were stir crazy at about 3pm on a Saturday afternoon I thought that's enough. Wellies, waterproofs park. They were 5 and 2. Park was empty they had an amazing time and collected a whole box of conkers which ds later counted at as 439. They were so happy when they got home. DS still remembers that afternoon and the conkers.

He took the conkers to show and tell. All 439. His teacher said he was the only one who wasn't stir crazy that Monday. He also shared all the conkers.

User9870 · 22/09/2018 11:48

Thank you for this thread....I shall inform my DC school that they cannot attend school whenever it rains as they cannot possibly walk to school in the rain!!!

Yanbu.... He was wrapped up and had waterproofs on to keep him dry so why not. We get some right looks when we turn up to school in pouring rain having walked. "Omg have you walked?" Erm....yes because I don't drive and the dc have their waterproofs and wellies on. They actually get to school drier than those who have run from the car in their ballet type shoes and thin cotton coats.

OhTheRoses · 22/09/2018 11:48

It was a Sunday afternoon.

Ijumpedtheshark · 22/09/2018 11:50

I take my son out in torrential rain as he loves it. He’s all wrapped up and in his puddle suit and I’m under an umbrella. Great fun.

Fatted · 22/09/2018 11:52

God, you'd never take your kids out in this country if you couldn't take them out in the rain!!

I've always taken mine out in all weathers. Wrapped up nice and warm, rain cover on the pram when they were still in that, snow suits, water proofs and wellies on once they were walking. I even bought myself proper wellies and waterproofs to get them out!

We live in a small terrace and get cabin fever if we don't get out for a bit every day!

SnuggyBuggy · 22/09/2018 11:52

Nothing wrong with a bit of rain

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