Angelfish -
I try my best to get the kids outside every day in whatever weather. Ds has waterproof trousers and coat and gumboots, so even if it's pouring with rain, he can go and jump in puddles or whatever.
SUCH a good suggestion! I've recently had to have a "chat" to myself about being a little too precious about Gabby going outside. It bugs me that she gets so filthy. She's not fully walking yet (a bit of crawling and walking and LOADS of falling, hehehehe) so most of her pants have stains on the knees... urrgh!
The thing is, though... she loves being outside! And, I find when she has had a bit of outside play (like you said), her behaviour is different later on.
I know she's only 1 but she has recently started the whole tanty show. My initial reaction was to tell her off for doing it (like she can understand what I am saying anyway!! LOL), then to ignore it. Obviously that doesn't work because she's still doing it. She'll bang her head on the floor and writhe around like a feral when she doesn't get her own way. It's also tempting to laugh at her (my sister found it hilarious when she was turning it on for her photos last week) but I know that's counter-productive too.
So... I've made a decision that Gab needs some outside play every day. She has a sandpit and trike out in the car port so, even if it's raining, it's ok. Mum has made her some waterproof pants to wear over her regular clothes which will help. I'm going to invest in a pair of gumboots too. If it's super cold, I'll have to throw more layers on her. I've got to stop fretting about her clothes too. They are just clothes, after all!