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When temperatures drop, it can be a bit more challenging to keep active and exercise, especially when it comes to your kids. Preventing colds and winter germs is in all likelihood a top priority for most parents during the cooler months, especially when kids are super young. So how can parents encourage their children to stay active while at the same time keeping them healthy and warm in the winter?
Keeping active is important, no matter the weather. Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, this is still possible during the cooler months as well. Here are a few great ideas on how you can keep your kids active and engaged in physical activity even on the coldest days of the year.
Benefits of staying active, no matter the weather
Staying active, explains ABC News, has lots of benefits for children, including better sleep, an increase in energy, and a great way to limit screen time for your little one. And there is no reason exercise and physical activity can’t be fun! So, even if it's cold outside, there are ways to keep active and get these great benefits.
Fun ways that encourage your littles to move around include having dance parties around the house or following a dance video at home. Putting on some loud, fast paced music is super enjoyable and gets those muscles going! It is also a great way to bond and have fun as a family, everyone together. Spending quality time dancing together is a sure way to create memories, even when it is rainy or even snowy outside.
Other ways to stay active indoors include playing active games such as catch, ball games and even creating a circuit around your living room, with pillows and blankets and any other things you have around. Just like with dance parties, these activities can help create wonderful memories of fun and good, old fashioned family time.
Heading outdoors, safely
If it is extremely cold outside, you may not be sure about allowing your little ones out there. However, if approached appropriately and with the right gear, sometimes it can work wonderfully. According to West Tennessee Healthcare, dressing in layers is the way to go, and being able to remove layers as you or your child heat up.
Playing in the snow, when dressed appropriately and if safe for your child, is almost a must! Snow fights, if you live in a place that snows, can be a fun and exciting way to run around and use up some of that energy that has probably built up by being indoors.
Other ways to stay active when it is cold are going on hikes and beautiful walks in nature, again, if appropriate in your area and if dressed for the occasion. There is so much beauty in the winter months, vibrant colors and crisp fresh air. Make sure to take pictures and enjoy them as the years go by.
Staying active in the winter months, especially for children, can be a challenge, but is not impossible at all. From fun indoor activities to exciting outdoor ones, each day can be a fun adventure. Enjoy the benefits of staying active and create lots of memories with your little ones!
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