Yes, there are parenting hacks for navigating winter with kids.

Thanks to our brand partner, VICKS

When we think of a typical Aussie childhood, summer usually comes to mind. Long, hot days, cooling off at the nearest pool/lake/river/beach, endless barbecues, sticky ice-cream and the constant reapplication of sunscreen. Bliss.

But winter can be just as good — something to be enjoyed, not just tolerated.

Sure, it's tempting to hibernate and wait for the sun to come back. But with kids around, hiding away with a blanket and a book just isn't an option. Unfortunately, their energy levels don't dip with the temperature.

Having spent many winters with my three boys in both Australia and the United Kingdom (where two of them were born), I've learned a few tricks. Here are my go-to hacks for getting through winter with kids.

Be prepared.

Winter coughs and colds really take a toll — especially at night.

Symptoms that seem mild during the day often ramp up as soon as the sun goes down. Hearing your child coughing through the night or struggling to breathe through a stuffy nose means broken sleep for them — and for you. By morning, you're dealing with a tired, grumpy little person who feels worse than the day before. It's a vicious cycle.

To make life easier, have a "sickness station" ready to go — a box with tissues, a hot water bottle, a wheat pack and products like Vicks VapoRub.

Designed for kids aged two and over, Vicks VapoRub can help relieve cough and cold symptoms by releasing soothing medicinal vapours for up to eight hours. And for an extra touch of calm, it's now available in a comforting Lavender scent.

Because when kids sleep more peacefully, everyone wakes up feeling a little more human.

Get outside. 

Have you heard the saying, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes? Every day is a good day for getting outside, if you set yourself up for success.

But repeat after me: outside days in winter are not the same as outside days in summer.

So, if the weather is terrible, you don't need to plan to have a whole day outside — even just an hour can be a great reset, whether it's a walk to the park, exploring the rockpools at the beach or going on a bushwalk.

The places you might consider "sunny day places" can be surprisingly fun on a cold or rainy day, so dress the kids in layers, grab your warm hats and jackets and head out into the fresh air.

Yes, there'll be mess. Yes, there'll be wet socks, mud stains and soggy clothes — but the winter fun is worth it.

Image: Supplied.

BYO thermos. 

Make those outside outings even more appealing by encouraging the kids with the promise of a mug of hot chocolate once you get to the end of the beach/top of the hill/next bend in the bike ride.

Bringing a thermos not only means you're bringing the promise of something warming and delicious with you — it'll also save you splashing out cash on overpriced hot chocolates. Throw in some fruit and a bag of marshmallows and you're sorted with an energy-boosting snack to help the kids make it all the way back.

Yes, it's the kind of thing associated with grandmas on the sidelines of soccer games, but trust me — those nanas are onto something.

This is where the thermos would have come in handy. Image: Supplied.

Break the boredom.

Some days you really can't get outside, and it doesn't take long before the chorus of "I'm bored, there's nothing to do" begins (or is that just my three boys?).

After I've told them, "only boring people are bored" (which they absolutely love hearing), I reach for the boredom box. It's a crate full of activities that they can choose from (and not a screen in sight). I'm talking colouring books, kinetic sand, play dough, slime, puzzles, balloons, stickers and stencils — the kind of thing they'll never go looking for themselves, but when they're presented with it, they'll definitely dig in.

Keep it cosy.

Make being at home on those winter days something cosy to look forward to, especially after you've been out in the elements.

Soft slippers, cosy robes, blankets and cushions mean they can hop into a warm nest with a book or cuddle up in front of the TV. If your house is as cold as mine is (because let's face it, Aussie houses seem to be built for the summer), then keep things in one room to save on trying to warm the whole building.

Challenging them to build a blanket fort to hide away in with their toys, books or just imagination is a great way to help them stay busy and cosy. Yes, your house will look like chaos, but at least they'll be entertained and happy. Repeat after me: embrace the mess.

Find Vicks VapoRub at your local Coles.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. 

Feature Image: Supplied.

Vicks is trusted by Australians, providing generations of care. VapoRub, with its unique combination of eucalyptus oil and menthol, relieves 4 cough and cold symptoms, so you and your family can sleep peacefully. Now available in a new Lavender scent, Vicks VapoRub releases medicinal vapours for up to 8 hours, relieving blocked nose and easing congestion for a peaceful sleep through the night. The new Vicks Lavender Inhaler provides soothing blocked nose relief, anytime, anywhere. If you're looking for an ultimate shower experience, try Vicks VapoShower Max and breathe freely with soothing Vicks vapours.