Book Review: “There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather”

A bookmark pic of younger me and reminder of how the outdoors was a part of my life even if I didn’t know it yet

When I first picked up the book by fellow blogger pal, Linda McGurk (Aka Rain or Shine Mamma), I knew immediately after scanning a few pages that it would be a fast read–I flew through the first chapters curled up in a blanket with a cup of coffee, thinking to myself how I inadvertently practice “hygge”  or what she describes as, …”The Danish way of fighting the long, dark Winter by creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with friends and family. Often involves lighting candles.” My interest grew from page to page as I began to think about the American ideals of how we raise our kids vs the Scandinavian way–something that Linda does such a good job of pointing out and something that as an outdoor-loving mama myself, needed to take a deeper look at.

Relatable to every parent

Whether you were raised going outside all the time or practice those same sentiments with your children now, there is a place to start for every parent. Linda’s storytelling of her own experiences living in suburban Indiana really hit home for me and validated some of our reasons for moving out of our suburban neighborhoods and cross-country in hopes of broadening our terrain and outdoor experiences. The idea of children not getting the recess time they need during school hours, the increased number of students diagnosed with ADHD as young as 4, and the rise of technology use among younger kids: these are just a few points she writes about that have all made their way into conversations I’ve had with friends, family, and teachers alike. The conversations happen and are relevant if you have kids no matter the age or where you live.

A starting place for resources

Every chapter ends with a Scandinavian parenting tip along with the suggested reading material. I plan to go back and write each one of them down for reference and put them on my reading list. Each parenting tip is complete with helpful ways to make a difference in your child’s life or well-being and are easy to follow and carry out. Bonus shaded excerpts like “Dress for Outdoor Success”, gives bulleted suggestions on what to wear in what kind of weather. At the end of the book, there is “A Scandinavian Mother’s Get Up and Go Outside Manifesto” which basically reiterates some familiar tips and reminders of how we can continue practicing getting outside with our kids.

My only question now is: How can I become an honorary Scandinavian parent because the cozy to-outdoor-play ratio is something to aspire to?

I would love nothing more than to gift this reading experience to another.  So, I have (1) downloadable Audible copy of Linda’s book, “There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather” and will be giving one away. You can enter by commenting below, what weather is your favorite for getting outside with your kids and why? I will select a random winner by Friday, February 2, 2018.