When the first snowfall hits, thoughts inevitably turn to stay indoors, snuggling with a blanket, and avoiding any sort of physical activity. It might seem like the perfect time to pack on some extra pounds, but thankfully there are plenty of ways to keep your kids active and healthy over winter. Keeping children active in the winter is important for their overall health. Colder temperatures make it more challenging for kids to get as much physical activity as they need. However, there are many ways that you can help your child remain active throughout the colder months. Whether by getting them involved in sports or encouraging them to go outside for a walk, keeping your kids active can make all the difference when it comes to staying healthy during winter. Here
1. Plan Activities Together
When you and your child decide to participate in an activity together, it can be a great way to spend time together and get some exercise at the same time. You may choose to do something that you both enjoy, like taking a dance class or playing a sport, or you may choose something that will help your child improve their health, like swimming or yoga. The important thing is that you and your child are both excited about what you’re doing. Once you’ve chosen a few activities, make a plan for when and where you will participate in them. Planning ahead can help you make sure that you actually follow through with your plans, which will help you and your child stay active year-round.
2. Go for Walks
For children, walking is an excellent way to get some exercise. It’s also something that kids can do almost year-round. Even in the coldest weather, you can bundle up in warm clothes and head out for a walk. Most people don’t get enough exercise, and kids are no exception. Walking is a great way for kids to get some exercise, especially if they’re too young to participate in other sports. Kids who walk regularly often tend to be healthier than those who don’t, both in winter and all year long. A few tips for taking walks with kids are to choose a route that will keep them interested, use the time to talk about things that are important to your child, and make sure to come prepared with enough warm clothes, water, and snacks for everyone.
3. Get your kids to Play Outside
Playing in the snow can be a great way to get kids excited about winter. If your child is reluctant to go outside in the winter, try getting them to go play in the snow. Snow can be a fun place to explore and create, and kids can burn lots of calories playing in it. If your child has a backyard, try to get them to play in the snow a few times a week. You can also encourage them to go play with their friends in the snow. Most kids want to play in the snow, and if they’re allowed to regularly, they will stay active in the winter. Playing in the snow can be great exercise for kids. If you want your kid to burn calories in the snow, you can encourage them to build a snowman, go sledding, or have a snowball fight.
4. Make Fitness a Family Activity
If you or your child participates in an organized sport, make an effort to do it as a family. Many sports teams host family events, which are a great way to get everyone together. You can also use some of your child’s practices as family activities. For example, if your child plays basketball, make an effort to come to their games. You may even consider volunteering to be a team parent. If your child doesn’t participate in an organized sport yet, you can still make fitness a family activity. There are plenty of things that families can do together to get active, like going for walks, playing outside, or even doing some indoor activities like playing board games, reading, or making art together.
5. Host a Sports Day
If your family is sports-oriented, consider hosting a sports day. Sports days can be hosted at home or at a park and can include a wide variety of sports, depending on what your family enjoys. There are many sports day ideas out there, so you can easily find one that works for your family. If you do host a sports day, make sure to come prepared with the equipment that you need, as well as snacks and drinks for everyone. Make it a fun event and make sure kids know that everyone is expected to participate.
6. Start a Running Program or Fitness Class Together
If you have a particularly active child, you may want to consider starting a running program together. Running is a great way to get active throughout the colder months and can help you and your child stay fit. Besides running, you can also look into starting a fitness class, like yoga or gymnastics, with your child. Classes are a great way to stay active and can even help you and your child form a special bond.
Conclusion
Keeping kids active in the winter can be a challenge. However, there are plenty of ways to motivate your child to stay active, even when the weather outside is cold. Whether by planning activities together, going for walks, making fitness a family activity, hosting a sports day, or starting a running program or fitness class together, you can help keep your child active, healthy, and happy this winter.