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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

6 months of shite weather

310 replies

SomeoneStolemySocks · 04/10/2020 17:03

No toddler groups............can't go to the park because the ground is always soaking wet/play equipment waterlogged. Can't afford softplay every week. One of my sons is nearly 2 and I have no idea what I'm going to do with him until the sun shows it's face again next year.

I'm feeling low about the onset of autumn/winter. Trying to entertain a very active little boy at home for 6 months of cold/dark and horrible autumn rain.

Anyone else in the same boat? Ideas?

I realize with hindsight how lucky I was to be able to take my first son to a local toddler group on a Tues morning. It only cost £1 entry, & he loved playing with different toys. Those groups were great, such a shame Covid has finished them off (near me anyway)

OP posts:
Welikebeingcosy · 04/10/2020 20:39

It isn't mindset. There is a reason birds fly south for the winter.

I've lived in 7 different countries all with different climates and I've seen in every place there are some who hate the heat and some who hate the rain, some who love the heat and some who love the rain. This is the only country I know where I've heard anyone say they want to get away because of the weather. And for the record, on rainy days in hot countries, NO-ONE goes out. They have sense to not put themselves through that displeasure.

All this toxic positivity nonsense is getting out of hand. You can't force people to love the same things as you. It's like trying to force someone who has a taste aversion to strong salt and vinegar to tell them it is all in their mind and to try it on different foods, when the muscles in their face are literally reeling from the intensity of it.

I bet half the people saying how 'wonderful' the rain is, if offered a villa on a Caribbean island with their whole family, would be like 'let's get out of here', in an instant.

How many times have you heard a nature documentary talk about the rough winds of winter?

Yes, maybe you can make the most of it and try to get through it, but that doesn't mean you can't express how difficult it is. Winters ARE hard and there is a reason everyone breathes a sigh of relief when summer comes around.

And if being outdoors in the winter and rain is so normal, then why do we live indoors? We build houses because we physically cannot handle the cold. Yes maybe in small doses, but an hour or two of puddle jumping doesn't equate to filling the whole day like you can in the summer.

The cold can make you ill too- the immune system is affected by exposure to cold and dry air and viruses spread better in lower temperatures.

Welikebeingcosy · 04/10/2020 20:40

And it seems like all the people trying to ridicule the six months of bad weather claim, are expecting to get their bikinis out in February.

romany4 · 04/10/2020 20:41

My children are grown up now but were born in Scotland so well used to shit weather.
. Where we lived there was one toddler group once a week. That was it. No family nearby.

We went to the park or library. The rest of the time, I baked with them. Did drawing, gluing, played with Lego or playdo and read to them. Watched a lot of cartoons but quite often, just got on with my housework and left them to amuse themselves with their toys! They were fine. Didn't need constant attention.

UpCloseAndPersonalWithGlenda · 04/10/2020 20:42

But most of all, make memories

Sorry, but

There are loads of things to do outside with small children, even on wet days. But I think the OP's point is that everything is pretty shitty at the moment, and the prospect of endless wet days (even if she does have some fun in puddles with her son) makes it feel even more shitty.

OP, do you have local friends with small children? Sharing dark and rainy days with other people who are in the same boat does make it feel slightly better.

jessstan1 · 04/10/2020 20:46

Yes but she cannot do that if we are in lockdown.

I'd say just do things indoors. There are going to be some nice days during the week when you can go out.

Iambouddicca · 04/10/2020 20:46

www.warmwellies.co.uk/kids-wellies/infant-wellies--sizes-9-13-

These are a game changer!

(No faffing with thick socks that slide down and rub. Nice an flexible and easy to walk in even for tiny children. And warm feet all the time!)

randomer · 04/10/2020 20:49

@Welikebeingcosy, I don't want to don my wellies and get soaked and then snuggle. Actually I bloody hate snuggling.

ManCubsMama · 04/10/2020 20:50

What a moaning Mertyl!!

HollywoodHandshake · 04/10/2020 20:54

@SomeoneStolemySocks

Hmmmmm..........according to the majority on this thread the parks should be stock-full of happy, rosy-cheeked autumnal-clothed children, with smiling parents chatting amicably as they stand welly-deep in golden brown leaves.

Except the parks near me are devoid of human life. Not a soul. Odd that.

Of course I get out for a walk or a play in the park if it’s sunny. But in the rain it’s a lonely existence, dragging a reluctant, cold toddler to a sodden playground in the hope I might see and meet some of these happy-go-lucky MN’s who live the autumn/winter dream. They’re not there. Maybe I should try the woods instead FFS

Hmm I don't like the weather of this country, but no need to be a martyr either. If it's that bad, you can relocate, English weather is not huge surprise.

My mental health couldn't cope with being stuck at home every day, I need to be outside for at least 1 hour or so, even if it's running pushing a buggy whilst my toddler is having a nap in it if there's no other choice. My kids are all like puppies, and need to be out too.

You can get out of the house without ending in a flipping playground. Playgroups and classes have always been for the benefit of the parent, not the child. If they are warm enough and kept dry, there's no reason why a toddler would mind the rain that much. Even last year which was pretty horrendous didn't stop everyone to have a few hours nearly every day of dry weather!

UpCloseAndPersonalWithGlenda · 04/10/2020 20:56

@jessstan1

Yes but she cannot do that if we are in lockdown.

I'd say just do things indoors. There are going to be some nice days during the week when you can go out.

Oh stuff lockdown. I'd see friends anyway if I were in that situation.
HollywoodHandshake · 04/10/2020 20:57

@Welikebeingcosy

And it seems like all the people trying to ridicule the six months of bad weather claim, are expecting to get their bikinis out in February.
In a normal year, I would be flying to a warm beach for half term and in February. No one is saying it's not shit, but no need to be dramatic either. There's plenty to do, even a trip to the supermarket with a 2 year old keeps them occupied for an hour. Just buy them a mini basket or trolley and let them do their own shop. It's hardly entertainment of the year, for you but strictly no need to be miserable at home all day.
Pantheon · 04/10/2020 21:00

It's shit, op. I'm worried about it too. We used to go to a few playgroups a week. And my dd and I love getting out in the rain and jumping in puddles but I don't necessarily want to only do that for months... I guess needs must! Are there any museums or libraries near you? As for indoor stuff, my dd loves baking and crafts. And lots of ideas online and 5 minute mum etc.

Ratatcat · 04/10/2020 21:01

I hate the phase ‘no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes’. We are a household that has spent a fortune on waterproofs, have sent children to forest schools etc. There is nothing that will convince me that going to the park in the pissing rain is fun. Even the hard core, all day in a forest, forest schools will have canopies and huts to make wet weather more bearable.

I think you have to psychologically try and make the most of nice autumnal days. There are often lots of cold but nice ish days that are fine for at least a few hours. Garden centres are a good option for a walk especially once the Christmas decorations are out.

I’m in a fortunate position that I can afford classes for my two but it is really tough for people who have relied on toddler groups. I know quite a few new mums or mums with toddlers that have become quite lonely.

Charles11 · 04/10/2020 21:02

I agree that it is crap and miserable but going out in the rain is better than not going out for 3 days.
Kids tend to love being out in the rain so I’d just go with it.

Incrediblytired · 04/10/2020 21:04

So dramatic!

CallmeAngelina · 04/10/2020 21:06

I was down on the south coast this weekend in hideous weather (as it has been in most of the UK). This morning, as dh and I battled against a force 10 gale and driving rain walking along the promenade, there was a family with two toddlers all rigged out in rain gear, running and stamping in puddles, squealing with laughter. It was a joy to witness actually.

MsChatterbox · 04/10/2020 21:06

I've been out every day it's rained this week... I just try to pretend it's by choice and not because things are closed Grin. Nearly 3 year is not fussed in all in one fleecy wetsuit, waterproof gloves and wellies. 3 month old happily tucked inside my rain coat!

MsChatterbox · 04/10/2020 21:07

Woods are great when it's raining if there's any near you.

HollywoodHandshake · 04/10/2020 21:08

I hate the phase ‘no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes’.

well if you decide to live in the UK, either you are a martyr and feel sorry for yourself for most of the year, or you make the most of what you have.

This thread makes it sound like we are a country of gorgeous summers! Some are better than others, but they can be pretty shit, grey, damp and miserable just the same. There's a reason why many people do not consider a staycation in the UK as a holiday!

You (and I) might prefer beautiful sunny warm days, but as long as you live here, you take the rain too.

SleepingStandingUp · 04/10/2020 21:09

@Welikebeingcosy

And it seems like all the people trying to ridicule the six months of bad weather claim, are expecting to get their bikinis out in February.
Yeah cos there's no middle ground between 6 months of torrential rain or bikini weather.

I wouldn't take them out in the rain, ds5 is a bit precious, but when it stops, puddle suits and wellies are fine.
There will be lots of child, dry days - layers, hats, gloves.
There will be days in between, wellies and Woolies.

If you get out when you can, the days you can't won't seem as bad and then it's TV, crafts etc

ShebaShimmyShake · 04/10/2020 21:12

Science stuff like making a rain gauge or using cobalt chloride paper to make a rain toy (blue when dry, turns pink when wet...there's stuff online about things to do with it). Indoor picnic. Watch Singing in the Rain.

lioncitygirl · 04/10/2020 21:12

It’s mindset. It’s not going to rain for 6 months. 3 days of rain does not mean 6 months of shit weather. Puddle jumping. Hot chocolate. Pick up leaves, do some art. Loads to do!

Dreambigger · 04/10/2020 21:12

OP I totally get this. Its such a tricky time to have toddlers. All this talk of outdoor frolics is lovely in theory but I went to toddler groups and activities to chat to other mums. It can be soo lonely and kids do really enjoy other kids company and get a lot more fun out of activities with other kids. There is no easy solution. Flowers

Daphnesmate01 · 04/10/2020 21:16

I think what the OP is saying is that it's bloody lonely entertaining a toddler. The 'fun in the rain' comes when you're with another mum and her kids, or have a few kids with you, IMO. You have my sympathy OP, I used find it hard spending a lot of time with my dd and just me.

This.
My dc's older siblings are at school. Local toddler group is closed. Most days I dress dd up (in a splash suit) and take her out - she seems to like the outdoors. Tomorrow, we will most likely go splashing in a few puddles and then a bit of indoor play - but it can be a case of moving from one activity to another pretty quickly. Agreed, it is much better to have someone/other children to do activities with, unfortunately, we are not in this situation. I am trying to find a forest school which might be open.

Hokeywokey · 04/10/2020 21:17

The competitive walking in the rain on this thread is making me laugh.😂