We are finally starting to dig ourselves out of the holiday crunch. Luckily, we had a holiday crunch - thank you for your continued patronage! While I didn't have much time to post to my own blog, I did do an article for momtrends about family skiing.

Here were a few of my tips:

Dress your child appropriately: It's all about details. SmartWool socks are also a must! Fleece Balaclavas keep their chin and cheeks warm. Hand warmers work wonders on cold hands (look for mittens or gloves that feature a zippered pocket to keep these in the right spot). And finally, invest in the right ski outfit. Not only is a quality coat and snow pant a must to block wind and cold, it can also help build the excitement. This is the time when kids can get away with head-to-toe pink or a fierce Mohawk hat. My girls' skiing ability improved exponentially the year one wore pink zebra and the other wore black zebra.

Invest in safety gear: Helmets are essential. Children fall just trying to stand up on skis. A head injury when they are just beginning to form their opinions about participating in a new sport does not go over well. Goggles are another must. They help keep faces warm and improve visibility. Also, apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, as the sun's rays can be extra-intense against the snow.

Keep it fun: Don’t put high expectations on your child and be prepared to slow down. Spend some time with them yourself, and also put them in a few lessons. Group classes are social, teach skills correctly and often, as we discovered with our 4 year old, incorporate time to build a wicked snow castle or learn the art of a perfectly executed snow angel. Finally, our girls will tell you that the best part of skiing is snacks and cocoa in the lodge. So, be sure to budget for a splurge after your day of accomplishment.

If you are interested in fabulously fashionable outerwear and accessories for your skiing adventures, visit www.montkid.com.

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