Winter Warmth Verse

We’ve had a pretty cold winter here so far in the Hudson Valley, and dressing our little ones for the cold has become an established part of our daily rhythm. But from a Waldorf perspective, warmth is much more than a matter of comfort—it is foundational to a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.

Young children are still developing their internal warmth and their ability to regulate body temperature. Keeping them well-dressed in natural fibers, such as wool and silk, supports their growing vitality, strengthens their immune system, and allows their energy to be directed toward healthy growth and play rather than simply staying warm. More than just a practical necessity, warmth nurtures a sense of security, belonging, and resilience.

In my Winter parent-child circles, I have brought a little poem about winter dressing. The poem can be used as an aide to gently guide our children through the ritual of dressing for the outdoors as parents layer hats and scarves and boots on. Bringing a verse to winter dressing can help transform a hurried task into a loving rhythmic experience.

I share this poem in our circle time with gestures that emphasize body geography (touching different parts of the body that correspond to the verse) as well as emphasizing emotional warmth between caregiver and child. The gestures are all gentle caresses that give soothing touch to the child, warming the child through physical loving touch.

I place my hat upon my head,
Around my neck goes my scarf so red.
A sweater warm wraps all around me,
And wooly socks pull to my knee.
A jacket warm keeps out the wind!
On my feet, my boots.
On my hands, mittens.
And now I am all dressed and ready to play!
Cozy and warm on a winter’s day!

By prioritizing warmth, both physically and emotionally, we create an environment where our children feel safe, nurtured, and free to explore. So as we bundle up for winter walks and play, let’s embrace warmth as a gift we give to our little ones—wrapping them not just in layers of wool, but in love and intention as well.