Let’s face it.
It’s November.
Summer is most definitely over.
With the cold chilly rains and snowfalls to come, getting outside is more of a challenge.
There are fewer daylight hours and we’re all inside together for long stretches of time.
But your kids’ needs for active play and movement don’t change with the seasons.
They are still full of energy and need to use it.
So what’s a Mom (or Dad, or Grandparent, or caregiver) to do?
Since you will be indoors a lot more, it helps to think about indoor time as active time.
Quiet play and a bit of screen time has its place, but the more you allow kids to move, the easier it will be for them to be quiet later on.
Here are a few ideas.
1. Put on some music (it can be your favourites, doesn’t have to be kids music). You can have a dance party, or a mini exercise class. Lots of jumping is good (Sorry if you have neighbours downstairs…. invite them!)
2. If you have any instruments or other sound makers, have a marching band and parade all around your house or apartment. Here’s a great link for making musical instruments with kids of all ages.
3. If your kids are old enough and you have a soft enough surface, do “gymnastics” together.
4. Use pillows, cushions, garbage pails, crawl through tunnels, chairs, whatever you have, and create an obstacle course. You can keep rearranging it!
5. A soft ball allows play “sitting down” such as rolling or catch. Create a basket with a garbage pail for “basketball”. Line up some non breakable items for “bowling”.
6. Hide and seek is always fun. Remember that little kids aren’t good at keeping their eyes closed, and they think you can’t see them if they can’t see you! (Really little kids think you can’t see them if they close their eyes. Wouldn’t it be great if we could close our eyes and become invisible?)
7. Play some active games like Egg and Spoon Race – all the fun without the mess.
8. Don’t forget ride-on toys like the Mini Micro kick 3 in 1 scooter. Great for indoors and out and they use lots and lots of energy!
See? There are lots of options for kids to be active indoors.
If you are lucky enough to have a family room, lots of outdoor games can come inside.
Just allow your kids to have some “silly time”.
It’s a great stress reliever and energy user-upper.
And remember, outdoor play is always great for kids.
Even though you might not like the weather outside, most kids are happy to play outside
in almost any weather as long as they are dressed for it.
And it gets you out of the house as well… a real sanity saver!
You’ve got lots of months of winter ahead. So aim to enjoy it!
And I’ll keep sharing ideas with you to make it easier.
