Living in Minnesota, you’d think we would go sledding all the time. Actually, though, we only got around to it once last year, on Christmas Eve. My plans for Christmas sledding this year were foiled by Tate’s refusal to wear a hat or mittens. We gave it a second try this week, though, with success!

You’ll notice from the photo that I mean success in going sledding, not in convincing Tate to wear a hat. A hood is better than nothing, though, right?!

With this crazy winter of snowstorms in the South, there are probably some sledding newbies out there. Or maybe some of you Northerners haven’t been sledding with young children. Therefore, today I am offering…

TIPS FOR SLEDDING WITH A TODDLER

1. Wait for the weather to be reasonable – for MN I’d say 30 degrees or higher; the rest of you know your climate-hardiness.

2. Don’t go crazy bundling the kid up – if you have a warm coat, you don’t need a heavy sweater underneath it; use lighter layers to avoid sweating.

3. Choose a small hill. First to avoid the chance of your child freaking out on a longer, faster ride. Second, to minimize the walk back up for both of you!

4. Be safe! Make sure the path and the bottom of the hill are unobstructed by trees, lightposts, other kids, etc. Even on a small hill, you can get going pretty fast.

5. Keep the child on your lap, with your arms wrapped around so he/she feels secure.

6. THE MOST IMPORTANT, MORE THAN ALL THE OTHERS: Leave while you’re still having fun! Don’t push it to the bitter end, or even close to that. We only did three or four runs before heading home. On the way back to the car we talked about how fun sledding is, and I’m sure he’ll be ready for more next time.

I can’t take any credit for that last tip – it’s an old Works For Me Wednesday idea from Kristen that I’ve applied in many circumstances. What has worked, or not worked, on your family sledding adventures? What’s your favorite style of sled?