How to Keep Your Child Physically Active During the Winter Months?

Why is physical activity important?

Physical activity is integral for your child’s health. Regular physical activity can help with fitness, strong bones, and muscles. Not only does it provide good strength, but it also controls obesity and reduces the chance of depression. 

Hence it is very important to ensure that your child has sufficient physical activity throughout the year. But it is understandable that during the winter times, it becomes difficult to provide that level of exercise. 

How to provide sufficient physical activity during winter months?

In the cold months, it starts to get dark early and the cold weather prevents your child from having enough time to go to the playground and run and play. But as responsible parents, we cannot ignore the physical exercise that our children require. So how can parents ensure that their little ones get sufficient physical activity during the winter months? 

Commercial time is exercise time

TV consumption increases during the winter time. As the days get shorter, children “slow down” more and they prefer to sit in front of the TV. To counteract their inactivity, create a fun game to help them get their daily physical activity in. 

A fun way to enjoy this fun activity is to dance whenever commercials come on. If dancing is not something that your children enjoy, they can do a small physical activity such as jumping jacks or running in place. 

Build an obstacle course 

An obstacle course is a great way to get your children excited to run and play throughout the house. It’s very simple to get household supplies to create this course. Give your kids a timer and let them get as active as possible. 

Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Although this activity takes a bit of prep work, it is extremely exciting for young children. Create a brief treasure map that has a special prize as the treasure.
Hide that treasure in an unexpected location and start the fun. Your children will surely love the adventure of finding a treasure along with the excitement of locating a new special toy or prize. 

Dance parties 

Throw on some fun music and have impromptu dance parties. This activity is a great way to bond with your children while allowing them to have physical activity.
Let your child choose a song, preferably a song that has a great tune for you to dance to, and keep it as a challenge. They will find it to a great random dance party that will keep them on their toes.

Tip: Don’t plan ahead. Just start the party with their favorite song and start dancing. 

Simon Says 

Take a spin on the popular game: Simon Says. This game gives the perfect blend of excitement and physical activity. Take the opportunity to do 10 Jumping Jacks or sit-ups. 

Make the game even more exciting by increasing the speed of the commands. Watch your children squeal with happiness as they are jumping around. 

The cold can prevent your child from going to the park and playing sports or on the playground. But that doesn’t mean that their physical activity has to suffer. On cold days, like such, we can incorporate indoor activities for the benefit of your child’s health and enjoyment. The next time you find yourself with a restless child or one who has gotten tired sitting in one place for hours, pull out this list and see which activity your child would like to do.

Do you have any favorite indoor games that encourage physical activity?