It’s that time of the year again. The kids are home from school; the weather’s cold outside; everyone feels stuck in the house; and nobody wants to get up and move. Yes, it is wintertime, and it poses a challenge to physical activity.
This challenge, however, can be overcome. Your kids are not limited to lounging around all day. With a little creativity, your children can be up and moving this winter while having fun in the process. Here are 10 tips for keeping your kids active this winter.
1. Dancing: If you have an Internet connection, this activity is very easy to manage. Just create a YouTube playlist of your (you and your children’s) favorite dance songs. Hit play and have a party in the living room. You don’t have to be great dancers; it’s good for a family to enjoy a bit of silliness together, especially in the name of health.
2. Fun Age-Appropriate Aerobics: While some exercises can be boring or too challenging for the little ones, many are just the opposite. Think back to your days in elementary school P.E. classes. Warm ups included sit-ups, pushups, jumping jacks, running in place, etc. If doing this as a routine bores your children, do it as a game of “Simon Says.”
3. Indoor Fun: There are many indoor games that require children to get up and move without completely destroying your home. Consider hiding a box or an object and having the children use a treasure map to find it. This will have them moving all over the house.
Musical chairs is another fun game that requires little space; and a game of Twister is always good for some laughs.
Building a pillow fort may turn your living room into a campsite for a while, but the children will be crawling in and out, bending, lifting, and having a great time. Despite how it may look, it’s not too difficult to clean up afterward, either.
4. Community Centers: Many towns have community centers open to the public either for free or for a small fee. They may include basketball courts, a running track, and perhaps even an indoor swimming pool. The local YMCA is also a good option; the membership fees are reasonable in most cases, and they have a lot to offer both adults and children.
5. Indoor play grounds: The best-known example of these is Chuck-E-Cheese. If you forgo the pizza and just let your children run around and play on the rides and games, this is a good option for physical activity. And while I regret suggesting a visit to a fast food restaurant, many of them DO have indoor play places. Buy something healthy off the menu (McDonalds and Burger King are both offering fruit and salad options now), and let the kids play it out.
6. Baking and cooking: Stirring batter, scrambling for ingredients, and measuring or timing all require physical and mental activity. Not only will they be up and moving, but your children will learn what it takes to prepare a healthy meal for a family. These skills will be vital in the future, especially if you want them to grow up into adults who don’t depend on precooked, microwavable, or restaurant foods to survive.
7. Mall walking: When parents think of the mall, they tend to associate it will over-priced items and money wasting, but it does have its uses. Many malls allow people to walk inside for fitness purposes without having to spend a dime. Seniors tend to use this to their advantage, but many younger people don’t realize this option. If you’re unsure about your local mall’s rules, just give them a call.
8. Indoor chores: Let’s face it, chores must be done and they require physical activity. We had to do them as kids, and our kids should do them if only to learn what must be done and the proper techniques. During winter break, make sure the chores get done before the video games and television. This will provide exercise, character building, and get the house a little cleaner.
9. Outdoor play: Your family doesn’t have to stay inside all the time during the winter. By wearing proper winter gear, paying attention to the weather, and limiting the amount of time spent in the cold, your children could still manage outdoor play. Add snow to that, and your options increase substantially (snow men, snow forts, snow balls, the list continues!) Just make sure they’re bundled.
10. Outdoor chores: If you live in a snowy area, your older children can contribute by participating in some outdoor chores. Shoveling snow and salting the walkway are safe enough jobs for your children to handle. If you have some elderly neighbors, perhaps your children can assist them with their snow buildup as well. Again, proper dress, time management, and age-appropriateness is something to consider beforehand.
More from this contributor:
Five Games to Improve Concentration and Attention Span in Children
Tips for Raising Strong and Empowered Girls
How to Help Your Teen Prepare for the ACT