How to Keep Your Family Moving in the Winter

With the weather slowly starting to get colder, this is the time of year we naturally find ourselves indoors much more often. While it is tempting to stay in and relax when things are looking dreary outside, it’s still important that children (and parents) are getting their daily dose of activity.

It can be hard to tear the kids away from the comfort of a cozy couch while curled up under a blanket and the allure of a TV screen, so here’s a few ways you can encourage them to get up and get moving with you.

MODEL THE BEHAVIOUR

Our kids are always watching, even when we think they’re not. If your children see you being active, even if that is just cleaning the house, they will be more likely to follow suit. It’s hard to tell them to turn off the screens if we won’t do the same ourselves.

MAKE IT FUN

Turning off the screen and telling kids to “go play” will often result in anger, temper tantrums or the dreaded, “I’m bored.” So help them along if they need it. Grab a board game you can play as a family or create a quick scavenger hunt with things already in your house. Play hide and seek, read some books or do a craft. Kids often don’t need much convincing if you suggest something fun that you can do together.

MAKE IT VISIBLE

Bring out toys or activities that might be hiding in closed bins or on tall shelves so that they are at your child’s level. This will allow them to choose an activity themselves and it may be one they haven’t seen for awhile which always adds an extra layer of enthusiasm. Colouring utensils and paper, puzzles, books and blocks are great independent activities children can do on their own while also working on motor skills and developing their creativity.

BUNDLE UP

With the right winter gear, outside time is still possible in the winter. Even on really cold days a quick walk around the block for 10 minutes will get everyone’s blood flowing again and provide a nice dose of fresh air. It also means a chance to warm up with some hot chocolate together afterwards 😊

DANCE IT OUT

When in doubt, dance it out! Put on some favourite tunes and let everyone release their energy by dancing to some favourite music. If you get the party started, it will be hard for your kids to not join in and show you their moves.

The cold weather doesn’t have to turn everyone into couch potatoes. Enjoy these activities and watch your winter weekends turn into family fun time.