There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather

A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge)

By: Linda Åkeson McGurk

Narrated by: Ann Richardson

Bringing Up Bébé meets Last Child in the Woods in this lively, insightful memoir about a mother who sets out to discover if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native Scandinavia holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her American children.

When Swedish-born Linda McGurk moved to small-town Indiana with her American husband to start a family, she quickly realized that her outdoorsy ways were not the norm. In Sweden children play outside all year round, regardless of the weather, and letting young babies nap outside in freezing temperatures is not only common - it is a practice recommended by physicians. In the US, on the other hand, she found that the playgrounds, which she had expected to find teeming with children, were mostly deserted. In preschool, children were getting drilled to learn academic skills while their Scandinavian counterparts were climbing trees, catching frogs, and learning how to compost. Worse, she realized that giving her daughters the same freedom to play outside that she had enjoyed as a child in Sweden could quickly lead to a visit by Child Protective Services.

The brewing culture clash finally came to a head when McGurk was fined for letting her children play in a local creek, setting off an online firestorm when she expressed her anger and confusion on her blog. The rules and parenting philosophies of her native country and her adopted homeland were worlds apart.

Struggling to fit in and to decide what was best for her children, McGurk turned to her own childhood for answers. Could the Scandinavian philosophy of "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes" be the key to better lives for her American children? And how would her children's relationships with nature change by introducing them to Scandinavian concepts like friluftsliv ("open-air living") and hygge (the coziness and the simple pleasures of home)? McGurk embarked on a six-month-long journey to Sweden to find out.

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather is a fascinating personal narrative that highlights the importance of spending time outdoors and illustrates how the Scandinavian culture could hold the key to raising healthier, resilient, and confident children in America.

©2017 Linda Åkeson McGurk (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Great way to get kids outdoors!

I loved the book. It was awesome to learn different tips and tricks for getting kids outside. It also changed my views on some traditional parenting ideas.

So much good information.

sharing the outdoors with children is a passion of mine and this book validated so much of what I already believed. It gives solid evidence based on research about why being outdoors is so good for all of us and the authors own experiences as well. A great book to listen to!

A Danish guide to a happy childhood

I adored listening to this book. It was accessible, helpful and interesting. It paints a picture of a Scandinavian childhood and how anyone who picks up the book can use helpful tips to provide their children with such a childhood. Thank you .

weather🏞🏜🏔

I love this book! weather is not a problem! you can work and listen to this.

Actionable information for change

The book starts slow but gains quickly. Each chapter has a single takeaway to add to a list of actions you can take at home. the book was well written and actionable.

such an enjoyable read

The stories took me to a childhood I wish I had. I love the stories details so much! They make me feel like I was experiencing all the funs and challenges.
I let my child play in the sand and go barefoot every time I took her traveling for weeks. I get judged for letting her clothes be dirty and play by herself unwatched sometimes.

Now I will be stronger knowing I am doing what is best for my daughter

Inspiring...

This is a refreshing take on outdoor play interweaving a personal story, stereotypical (and true) observations, and scientific research. I cried and laughed (perhaps pregnancy hormones). loved it.

Good information, but repetitive

I enjoyed it, but I did feel it became repetitive the last few chapters and I struggled to finish it in the end.

Great book full of practical wisdom to raise nature loving kids and become a nature oriented parent

Great book full of practical wisdom to raise nature loving kids and become a nature oriented parent

Great stories

Interesting she rarely mentions her husband. But overall really enjoyed this book! Love learning about how other cultures raise their kids.