So I think it is safe to say that we are all getting bored of our current routines and our patience is probably growing thinner by the day. Now that the weather has gotten colder, it’s harder to think of activities to keep our kids busy and active.
Please keep in mind – do NOT beat yourself up if you don’t have the time or energy to get your kids doing something active every single day, we are all doing the best we can! But… the more we are able to get nutritious meals into our kids and keep them active, the better their physical and emotional health will be. Research has shown that kids who get regular exercise are less likely to have depression, have fewer emotional outbursts, and are better able to sit and focus on their schoolwork.
So to help give you all some motivation – here are some ideas to keep our kids moving this winter!
- Go sledding – Once the snow starts falling, sledding is a super fun way to get some exercise and fresh air
- Take a walk – Either go as a family or get together with friends for a socially-distanced outdoor walk
- Make a scavenger hunt – This can be as simple or as extravagant as you want, just have your little ones run around looking for items all over the house, this can keep them moving for quite a while!
- Set up an obstacle course in the house or backyard – Have your little ones jumping over couch cushions and crawling under furniture to get them moving, you can even make it a competition to see who can complete it the fastest!
- Do some yoga – You can either lead your kids yourself or set up a video like “Cosmic Kids Yoga” on YouTube, it’s a great way for them to unwind and burn some energy
- Dance! – This is a favorite activity in our house – it’s such a fun way to get your heart rate up and you can try different styles of music to see which are your kids’ favorites
- Play active games – Try playing “Simon Says” (great for littles to learn how to follow instructions), or grab a jump rope or hoola hoop and just spend some time being silly with your kids
- Set up a workout area – For older kids you can set up an area for them with free weights and other workout equipment, there are tons of apps to guide them through workouts (be sure to check in and make sure they are using appropriate size weights and proper form to avoid any injuries)
- Kids choice! – Any activity that your kids wants to do is a great way to get them moving – the more engaged and motivated they are to do the activity, the more likely they are to keep it up!
Be aware that your kids are watching you closely – it is important to model healthy habits for our kids. If we make a point of taking breaks from work to get some exercise or make a healthy meal, our kids will pick up on the importance of these habits.
Don’t forget to check in with your kids on their emotional health – levels of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing in our communities and it’s important that our kids feel heard. If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, please reach out to us at the office.
Stay safe everyone and have a very happy holiday season!
Dr. Hager
