
How Long Should Parents Allow Kids to Play in Louisiana Snow?
As Louisiana braces for potential record-breaking snow, we know the kids will want to get outside and play in it, but how long should you allow your kids to play in the snow, with temperatures way below freezing?
For many kids, what we will see in Louisiana for this 2025 winter storm may be a once-in-a-lifetime event, so the temptation to get outside and build a snowman or engage in snowball fights will be very tempting.
However, as parents, we must remember that we cannot allow our kids to be exposed to the elements for a lengthy period.
The American Council of Exercise recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, however when conditions are not ideal you need to monitor your kids while they are outdoors.
When it's hot outside, you should have your kids get indoors for a few minutes to allow their bodies to rest and stay hydrated. Then, they should play outside in the snow for 10 to 20 minutes.
The Boys Pediatrics posted this temperature safety zone guide on their website and it is something that you will want to keep in mind when your kid(s) want to get out in the snow.
- Green zone. The safest temperature to go outside to play is 30 degrees or higher.
- Yellow zone. Playing in temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees should be carefully watched by parents as the weather will affect body temperatures to cool quickly.
- Red zone. Your child should not play outside in temperatures less than 20 degrees. Keep in mind the wind chill factor can cause the actual temperature outside to be much colder, especially if the skin is not properly covered.
So, remember to layer your kids up with plenty of clothes while they get out in the snow, and if their hands or feet get wet after playing with the snow, be sure to dry them off properly and change clothing if need be.
Healthy Children posted this about the threat of Hypothermia and it is important to be able to recognize if someone is suffering from it:
When the body's temperature drops below normal from the cold, dangerous hypothermia begins to set in. A child may start shivering, a sign the body is trying to warm itself up, but then become sluggish, clumsy, or slur his words.
What to do if you suspect your child is suffering from Hypothermia:
- Until help arrives, bring your child indoors. Remove any wet clothing, which draws heat away from the body.
- Wrap your child in blankets or warm clothes, and give her something warm to drink. Be sure to cover core body areas like the chest and abdomen.
- If your child stops breathing or loses a pulse, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR.
- Call 911 immediately
Again, have fun in the snow with your kids, but be mindful that if they are exposed too long to the elements, it can be dangerous for them, just as when they are exposed to extreme temperatures in the summer.
Now let me get our clothing ready because building a snowman is certainly on the agenda in the days ahead.
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