Many parents are worried that taking children out to play in the rain will make them ill. What can we say to persuade them otherwise?
Keeping them cooped up all day indoors is more harmful for their physical and emotional development than the risk of them getting a chill.
Make a display for parents showing in a very visual way how children get colds. Then balance this with images of children enjoying being out in the rain. Add something about what they have learned or maybe write a simple poem expressing the children’s views about the rain. Whatever you do, let your display do the talking and show very visibly why being outdoors in all weathers increases children’s physical and emotional resilience.
Parents are more likely to be reassured if they know you have the right kit for the children: raincoats, wellies and lots of mats and towels.
Once parents see the benefits to their children of new ways of doing things they become great supporters.
Answered by June O’Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation
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