Winter Wisdom from the Playground Years

When my kids were little, we lived in Minnesota—deep winter country. I have such vivid memories of bundling them up, layer by layer, just so we could go outside and play. It was a ritual in itself: thick socks, snow pants, mittens (always missing one), hats pulled low over little ears, coats zipped up to their noses, boots tugged on with a bit of a wrestle. And then, out we’d go—into the cold air that bit your cheeks but somehow made everything feel more alive.

We built snowmen, slid down hills on sleds with squeals of laughter, and climbed the jungle gym—now made magically accessible thanks to the packed snow lifting them higher. I didn’t mind the cold. I loved it, actually. I loved the feeling of being rugged up enough to move freely through the frost. I still do. And yes, I miss those years—their small hands in mine, the sense of adventure that winter brought, and the simplicity of just being together outdoors.

Now, as a practitioner and a parent with grown children, I often think about what winter asks of us—and what it offers. In Chinese Medicine, winter is a time to conserve energy, nourish the body, and protect the deeper reserves of our health (what we call Jing). But that doesn’t mean hibernating indoors all day—especially not for children.

If you're raising little ones here in Sydney, where winter is milder but still full of chill, here’s what I’d offer:

• Get outside, even when it’s cold. Fresh air and movement help release pent-up energy and clear the mind—for both kids and adults. A brisk walk, a bit of playground time, or even just a stomp through leaves can reset the mood and invigorate the body.

• Layer them up. Start with natural fibres close to the skin, add warmth with wool or fleece, and always protect the head, neck, and feet. In Chinese Medicine, these are vulnerable areas where Wind and Cold can sneak in and disturb the body’s balance.

• Feed them warm, cooked meals. Soups, porridges, slow-cooked stews—these nourish the Spleen and Stomach, support digestion, and keep their Qi (vital energy) strong and steady.

• Let them move. If they’re bouncing off the walls indoors, that’s not just “cabin fever”—it’s their Liver Qi looking for a way to move. Create space for dance parties, obstacle courses, and games that help them release energy with joy.

Winter has its own rhythm. It’s quieter, slower, but not inert. Children intuitively know how to respond to the seasons—they’ll slow down when they need to, speed up when it suits, and show you how to stay connected to your body and surroundings.

Sometimes, our only job is to keep them warm, fed, and free to play.

Join them. Rug up. Get outside. Feel the air on your cheeks and the movement in your body. You won’t regret it.

Charlie is a Dr of Chinese medicine. She practices in the multi-disciplinary clinic, Beattie Street Health Studio and at the Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic. Book in to see how she can support you.