Can't handle another wet winter

[birdinhend]

I wfh part time.
Have spent the past few winters doing all the usual toddler groups and soft play..even though DS has just stated school I can't handle spending the weekend sat around the house as he's crap at independent play or doing the same treadmill of soft play and swimming etc and I've been in the house all week mostly asides the odd gym visit either working or doing housework. The weather forecast here is shocking for the next month.
Does everyone feel like this? I feel like I'm wishing time away for better weather or until he's older. We do the occasional play date but house isn't big enough or other people don't have only child so not as bothered.

Parks are bloody dangerous when it’s wet. I never understand the insistence on here that it’s just a matter of waterproofs, it really isn’t.

I hate going out in the rain too BUT there are relatively few days which are endless rain with no gaps. Watch the forecast like a hawk and as soon as it looks like it’s going to be dry for an hour then out you go. Even just a walk to the local shop or to feed the ducks or whatever is a lot better than being indoors all day.

Agree with signing up for activities too. Saturday morning there is usually some sort of sports club going on. You said he does football on a Friday, I bet there’s another club on Saturdays somewhere even if it’s a bit of a trek. Swimming (lessons or with you) is a good winter option too as knackers them out.

Just warm them in advance and keep them in a thermos of course!

You have my sympathies OP. I’d describe myself as quite outdoorsy, we have all the wet weather gear etc… but I agree trying to enjoy the outdoors with a small child in the pouring rain is max. 30 minute activity.

As he's responded well to football, I'd stick him in an organised class on Saturday and Sunday mornings so at least you don't have to think up what to do.

Ha ha ha!

I completely agree it sucks. I guess there is no option to work on site in your job? It sounds like wfh is making the frustration worse?
I think when you’re stuck in all day you have to do things YOU enjoy as well as dc. There was an amazing support thread on here for trapped toddler parents in the pandemic that gave me so many ideas to get my DD playing independently. Assess the toys and set them up in different ways. If you have loads put some away and get them out again next time it is raining. Swap a bag with a friend. Have you got lego? Often available free or cheap secondhand. Anything sensory still works at age 4/5 - if you have a storage box or similar use it to make a sensory bin - rice/ oats /sand & add diggers and spoons, or make playdough. Play with them for 5 mins then say oh I will be back in 20 mins and go do something you enjoy for a bit (is the idea, I never thought my dd would ever get it but she did in the end). What can you do inside that you both enjoy? We do “colouring club” “puzzle club” and “reading time” when I get to do colouring/ adult puzzles/ read my own book (appreciate not everyone has such geeky interests). Board games? Charity shops often have games and puzzles. I save tv for 4pm when I then relax before dinner & bed.
Does DS have another parent at home?you could divide the afternoon like 2-4, 4-6 so each of you gets a slot to watch a film/ have a bath in peace (got us through many wet lockdown weekends).
I actually love the wooden awning idea @Haroldwilson thank you - going to try to source something secondhand.

OP ignore all the sanctimonious comments! All puddles look the bloody same and a child would have to be pretty simple to get any joy out of them over the age of 3 🙄

I want to know what Zippy has had deleted 😂

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c14zkrddrxmt

but MN still insist there’s no such thing as bad weather!

Always referred to as 'hot choc' and cuddling up with one. Which would take up.. 5 minutes? 😄

Only bad clothes... I'm guessing you'd need a deep sea diver's suit.

It's not really surprising that the children of adults who hate going out in the rain feel the same is it?!

My children then grandchildren just wrapped up and got on with it. I know you don't want to hear that but you're moaning about being stuck indoors and moaning about going out in the rain. So something needs to change!

For drying wet gear... put a small gel dehumidifier in the car and spread things out in there. Dry like a dream and not draped all over the house! 😊😊

@Lostthetastefordahlias to be fair, this child is at school, so I think it's probably just weekend ideas, although he does a football club as well.
Unless I've misread all of the above, it certainly wouldn't be the first time.

Canada is colder but it is less humid. It is the dreary, wet, muddy relatively mild weather that we deal with for half the year here that's the problem. It is very different. Plus places like Canada have an outdoor culture, so things are set up differently and the scenery to go with it.

I'd say try cultivating a family vibe - board games, joint things to do indoors, help them enjoy books and crafts. If they are still little playing in the bath with bottles and pans can be fun. It is good to get outside for a bit for the natural light but trudging for an hour in the park doesn't usual feel enjoyable.

This time of year half hour collecting conkers and acorns can be fun if you then use them in crafts.

I think you’re right @MaisieMacabe though one wet weekend day can feel like it lasts about a week I find!

Mine liked running out in the rain! Honestly, my son is 29 now and has never in his life put his hood up or used an umbrella! I didn't get it then and I don't get it now.... 🌧️

Thanks to those who have posted ideas. We have done a billion things indoors during all the lockdowns.
I'm still none the wiser as to who enjoys going out in the pelting rain..every day. Why? What do you enjoy about it?
We already walk the dog in the rain, why would DS want to faff about alone in the park in more rain.
I'm clearly missing something. Love the replies about people's grandkids, I'd hazard a guess you have rose tinted glasses at soggy little kids and the hassle of puddle suits.

I'd say that since he's in school all week and goes to football club one day of the weekend, I don't see the harm in staying at home the rest of the weekend. Sure, if it's dry head out somewhere, but otherwise just chill at home. When it's really chucking it down, it's no fun being outside. Posters saying otherwise are at it, or at least don't live on the west coast of Scotland!

But I see you say he doesn't play well independently. Might be something to work on. I think it's good for kids not to have every single day timetabled.

The hit toys in our house for extended independent play are Lego, kinetic sand, den building kits (you can buy them on Amazon), and magnet tiles. And of course a good dose of telly.

It is utterly miserable right now. National Trust properties tend to shut during the winter for cleaning and maintenance, and it is just too miserable to be outside.

I see the puddle suit wankers are out in force on this thread. (I have stolen this phrase that was coined on a previous wet weather thread).

For a great many people being outside in sideways rain is not a joyous experience, regardless of how many waterproofs you wear. It just isn't fun.

Who has a picnic in the rain?!

Can't think of anything worse than being dragged out of a warm house to play in a damp wet dreary park. Not exactly my idea of fun. Nightmare.

People who like wearing puddle suits?

I'm not keen on them even in dry weather, tbh.