getting them out to play in winter - sick of this rain and darkness!

[soverynewtoallthis]

Mum of nearly 4 year old boy and he has soooo much energy . Lovely in summer, or even when it stops raining for five minutes but the only time that it hasn't been hurling it down recently has been after dark and we have no street lights! It's uncanny... the sun sets and the clouds part.

I have played a few flashlight games with him - hunt the welly boots and other favourites. But anyone got any other good ideas for after dark games that will run off some energy?

Help!

Can you tell me what games you play with the flaah light? Sorry I'm no help!!

Decent waterproofs and wellies and get out there!
Just make sure you come in before anyone gets too cold, and strip off into lovely snuggly dry clothes when you get in.

H&M have padded waterproof salopettes - basically these but padded: www.hm.com/gb/product/14460?article=14460-A

When I got some for my toddler, they had them up to size 10yr. They're £19.99 and they keep him completely dry and warm with wellies on. We basically just suit up and get out there. He's only just started walking so I had major issues with soggy wet mittens and cold hands as he crawled through puddles, but we would have gone bonkers this winter inside all the time.

I tend to think you just have to get the gear on and get out there, come rain or shine. Make it fun, have spares of socks for soggy feet, spares of gloves because you're bound to get soaked, and try to enjoy it. Then plan to go to a nice cafe for a hot chocolate or something as a treat after.

Honestly, my toddler has just discovered the joy of splashing through puddles and it's so much fun to watch him, it's made me realise that with the right clothes, bad weather doesn't have to be miserable.