What to do with the children outside in January...Go Sledging

What to do with the children outside in January………Go Sledging

Grown ups might grumble about it and just a few centimetres can throw the country into chaos, but there’s no getting away from it – kids of all ages just love the white stuff.

So if you’re snowed in, can’t get in to work, stuck at home with the children because their school has closed, then make the most of it - and get out playing. There’s nothing more fun than throwing a few snowballs (gently) and your children will love seeing their parents acting as silly as they are. If you have lots of snow in your garden, a snowman is one of the best things you can do with your kids – and it’s absolutely free. And if you’re lucky enough to live near a hill or slope then sledging is a must!

Before you go make sure everyone is suitably dressed as you are going to get very, very wet and cold so it pays to make sure you are wearing warm, waterproof clothes.

Work from the inside out; what you put next to their skin is as important in cold weather as what they wear on the outside, especially if they are going to get hot pulling their sledges uphill. So start with a high quality thermal base layer made from man made fibres, not cotton. Man made thermals actively wick moisture away from the body as well as keeping you warm, whereas cotton absorbs moisture so they could end up with a damp layer next to the skin which will cool down and make them feel shivery.

Don't ever underestimate the importance of warm extremities. Mitts are warmer than gloves and easier to put on for younger children and don’t forget thick socks - if it’s really cold you might want to use a liner sock as well. And remember a hat to keep off the biting wind. Finally, snow boots are a sensible choice as they are warmer than wellies and have sturdy soles to help children walk easier and more safely on snow and ice. Warm children are happier children, which mean happy parents too!

Once you’re all togged up you’re ready to hit those slopes!

It doesn’t matter what kind of sledge you use – they all whiz down hills and are lots of fun. You can even get inflatable sledges which are comfortable but not really built to withstand the sticks and stones you get on your average country hill. Really simple sledges like the plastic bucket shaped sliding pans and big round UFOs are very cheap and often provide the most fun – and screams – as they spin you round and round and you have to fall off to stop. Slightly more sophisticated are the snow bob sledges, which have a brake, although it can pitch you out sideways if used too sharply, so little ones are best going down with older children or with mum or dad.

Steerable sledges are a good investment for when the children get older as they feel more in control and are great for high speed races. Alternatively, if you’ve always fancied having a go at building your own sledge here’s Little Terra’s handy step by step guide – don’t forget to get the kids to help out too.

THE LITTLE TERRA BUILD YOUR OWN SLEDGE GUIDE

Materials ( Total cost approx £15 )

2 x 1.8 metre lengths 144 x 28mm pine - get it cut to size at B&Q or your local hardware store.

2 x approximately 380mm length 50mm x 25mm pine (to be trimmed exactly to length later). This is the foot-rail and cross-brace.

1 x 2metre strip of aluminium 20mm x 2mm.

1 x 1.5 metre strong, brightly coloured rope.

24 x 5mm x 80mm countersunk screws.

48 x 5mm x 25mm countersunk screws.

Instructions

1. Take one of the 1.8m lengths of pine and cut it exactly in half, giving you 2 x 900mm lengths. These are the runners.

2. Take the other 1.8m length of pine and cut it into four equal pieces, giving you 4 x 450mm lengths. These are the cross-rails.

3. Take the cross-rails, measure 30mm in from the end and 30mm in from the sides, and make a mark for drilling. Drill a hole through each of the four corners of 3.5mm diameter. Make a countersink in each of these holes on the same side.

4. Cut the curve (130mm radius) and foot-rail indentation on to the runners. Drill a hole just large enough for the rope. This end is now the front of the sledge.

5. Place one of the cross-rails on the top edge of one of the runners at the back end (without the curve and notch). Align the holes you have drilled through the cross-rail with the centre of the length of the runner; this will make the cross-rail overhang the runner by 15mm on the outside.

6. Drill small pilot holes through the holes on the cross-rails, straight into the runners. Insert screws. Repeat step 5 at the other end of the cross-rail, fixing to the other runner.

7. Leave a gap of 10mm and place another cross-rail, make the pilot holes and insert the long screws.

8. Carry on until all four cross-rails are fixed in position.

9. Take one of the cross-brace or foot rail pieces approx 360mm long, turn the sled over and mark the exact length needed to fit tightly between the two runners, cut to length. Screw to the underside of the rear cross-rail. Attach to the runners at each end: this is to brace the side rails. Take care to prevent the short screws from going through to the top of the cross-rails or outside of the runners.

10. Place the foot-rail into position at the foot-rail indentation. Drill two 3.5mm holes through the runner, and then pilot holes into the foot-rail end. Insert screws, repeat at other end.

11. Cut the aluminium strip in half. Drill a hole about 20mm from one end and then another 80mm away, and further holes at 80mm spacing. Countersink the holes. Starting at the top of the curve, put a screw into the first hole, then bend the aluminium slightly to allow you to put the second one in and so on, carefully bending the metal around the curve and ensuring that it stays in alignment with the bottom of the wooden runner.

12. Apply two coats of matt varnish

13. Get out and play!