As a parent, I feel that winter is the hardest season of the year. The kids are stuck inside the house, watching too much T.V., not getting enough exercise or fresh air or sunshine, and feeling blah. Or worse - grumpy! Does this happen in your home? Well here are some ideas that may help!
* Get Outside! Even if it's cold outside, it is usually safe for kids (and parents!) to bundle up and get outside. Even a quick walk can rejuvenate the whole family with fresh air and a little exercise! This is especially beneficial on a sunny winter day, when kids can get a boost of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin! Fresh air and sunshine not only improve mood, but can also help boost immunity for the whole family. * Get moving. When it really is too cold to go out, think of ways to get moving - indoors. Build an obstacle course or exercise circuit out of pillow cushions, jump ropes, hula hoops, blankets - whatever you have on hand. Kids can go over the bed, under the blanket fort, and through the hula hoop maze, or whatever creative ideas you choose - together! Another idea? Check out Cosmic Kids Yoga videos on www.youtube.com. There are tons of themed yoga videos (Frozen, Minecraft, Star Wars) that are free! No equipment or experience required! * Get involved in your community. Try going to the library, to the art museum, the community center, or a local church. Libraries often offer free activities for kids. The Nelson Atkins Art Museum is always free, and offers free kids activities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. And you may have a community center nearby that offers swimming or exercise programs for kids. Churches and other organizations in your community may even offer "open gym" times for some great indoor play. * Get PLAYING! Kids love playing with their parents - more than anything! Play hide and seek. Get out some cards and play some classic, simple games, like Go Fish or Crazy 8s. Have a dance party - or make it a freeze dance party (dance while the music plays, freeze when it stops). Make a pretend stage area and play charades. The simplest things can be the funnest when you all get into it together. * Get out of the screen routine. Ever notice that when kids spend a lot of time watching screens, they seem to get addicted and want more? Ever notice that a lot of screen time can cause irritability and grumpiness? Break the routine! It requires more effort during the cold winter months, but the screen free days are the best days for kids - mind, body, and soul. Try turning off the screens, and playing music instead. Try hiding the remotes and the tablets, and setting out some games or puzzles instead. * Get a good perspective. Talk with your children about the differences in all the seasons. Enjoy watching snow falling. Start some winter traditions - like building a peanut butter bird feeder together and observing the birds who feed from it. Share some hot cocoa together. Cuddle under some blankets and read together. Winter can be long and dreary, but help your child find the things to enjoy and the things to be grateful for - any time of year!
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AuthorHi, I'm Brie Krentz, and I'm the School Psychologist at HGECC. I care about the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of all of our children, and I believe in Conscious Discipline as a way to minimize behavior problems and to help children connect meaningfully with others. Archives
October 2021
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