To walk to nursery with two toddlers in the cold?

[Chillyoutthere]

I like to walk to pre-school/nursery with my 3 and 1 year old children whenever possible. I enjoy it, I think they enjoy it, and I believe it’s better for us all to be outdoors instead of in a car.

The walk is about 25 minutes to pre-school, and then a further 15 minutes to nursery with a buggy and buggy board. Sometimes my husband will take one child and I’ll take the other (older one scoots in this scenario), which makes each journey about 20-25 minutes. Traffic is awful so it’s only about 5 minutes quicker in the car.

Obviously, it’s getting colder, which is leading lots of input from my MIL regarding our commute. She feels very strongly that it’s bad for kids to be outside in the cold (1C this morning). I am being told / texted multiple times a day that they will get ill, this is bad parenting and that I am selfish.

I disagree. I was brought up to believe that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes! Both kids were both wearing hats, gloves and snowsuits this morning.

So, dare I ask… AIBU?

This is the problem!! I don’t drive either, and I honestly think she believes they should be indoors from October until April!

Tell your MIL to butt out. It won't do them any harm. Quite the opposite actually, it's good for you all.

No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!
If you all enjoy it then carry on!

Hilarious. When pre school , mine didn’t go to nursery but they played outside all day, especially in the snow, digging tunnels. When walking home from school, 5 year olds, they would cross the park to meet me and their coats would be in their bags with their jumper, and in only t shirts , they would be doing somersaults in the snow. There’s no such thing as bad weather. Just the wrong clothes ..Billy Connelly

Totally agree! Eldest left school yesterday in his T-shirt despite monsoon level rains. I think he might take after me.

(MIL had offered a lift, but I told her we had waterproof skin and lots of clothes. She laughed until she realised I wasn’t joking)

Your MIL is being wierd. There is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Bet you have some lovely chats along the way too, win win.

I agree that it's good for you all. MIL is being kind and concerned, but it's your decision not hers.

I’d be tempted to seek out the info on how bad poor air quality due to unnecessary car use is for children and send that to her. My children are older now, but our walks to and from preschool and nursery in all weathers are still a lovely memory.

I don't have a car, 3 kids under 6. They'll be fine. They'll learn that bad weather doesn't stop your day and how to dress appropriately. Being out in the cold is just a part of life in the UK.