In the past years, I couldn’t understand why my kids were going to bed later and later and waking up earlier and earlier toward the end of winter. Then I realized, my kids were getting too much rest and not enough exercise. Don’t let that happen to your kids this winter. These activities will get you all moving even if it’s too cold outside.
Paint the snow – Fill a squirt bottle with water and a few drops of food coloring. Go outside and create beautiful artwork in the snow. Make a snowman and paint him a red sweater.
The better snow fort – Spray a large container with cooking spray and pack with snow like you would a sandcastle. Flip and lift. Small plastic filing boxes work great for this activity.
Indoor treasure hunt – Have lunch or dinner in the form of a treasure hunt. This project will need some planning ahead. Create riddles for the kids to find the first part of their lunch. Have crackers and cheese in the bathtub, sandwiches in the closet, dessert in the toy room then finish off with a craft in the bedroom.
Obstacle course – Create an obstacle course throughout the house. Jump over couch cushions and dodge the kitchen chairs. Use jump ropes and hula hoops, too. Put in your own twist and have the kids pick up their toys in each room or sweep the kitchen floor.
Where Do I Go? Game – Have each child come up with a specific direction to write on a small piece of paper such as “take 10 steps”, “turn right”, etc. Take turns drawing one piece of paper at a time and the person who is “it” must do what the paper says. See if that person can get to point “A” to point “B”.
The Penny Game – Have each child sit on the first step to go upstairs. Put a penny in your hand, put your hands behind your back and show your hands to the kids. If that child guesses which hand the penny is in, they get to move up one step. If they guess wrong, they stay where they are. The first person to reach the top step, wins.
Keep kids active this winter. They will sleep better at night, and with good sleep, everyone will be happier and healthier.
More Articles By Jill E. Wright:
Create Soapsuds Art
Improve Conversations With Your Children
Grow a Crystal Rock Garden
Source:
Personal experience
http://familyfun.go.com/winter/