It is inevitable. Unless you live in a warmer climate, your children will spend more time indoors during the winter months. Without fresh air and opportunities outdoor play, kids can get that restless feeling know as “cabin fever.” Stuck indoors, many children spend their time watching a screen of some sort which prevents them from releasing energy or engaging in brain-stimulating activity. Children with cabin fever often misbehave and fights between siblings become more and more common.
Following these tips can help you minimize the outbreak of “cabin fever” in your home this year.
Make physical activity a daily priority. Do this by having everyone bundle up and head outside to play for short periods of time. When that isn’t possible, indoor physical activity is definitely possible. Find and designate a space in the house where it is ok to kick around a ball and where there are few obstacles to physical play. Set the limits on what types of activities can be done in the space. Have kids play Just Dance or search dances up on Youtube that they can copy. If you have exercise equipment in your home, teach everyone to use it safely and allow them to use it. If you belong to a gym, make good use of your membership and take your family there when you can.
Play in the Snow. Unless it’s bitterly cold outside, let kids play in the snow. They can build snowmen or snow forts, make snow angels, go sledding and throw snowballs. If the temperature is below freezing, have kids take short breaks inside to warm up before heading back out. Kids of all ages love playing in the snow so allow them to have some fun!
Engage in “active” outings. Go Ice-skating or visit a trampoline park. Bowling is another indoor activity that offers fun for the whole family. An indoor playground is also a great choice if you have one in your community.
Arts and Crafts. Fill a storage bin with supplies such as paint, canvasses, markers, crayons, glue , different types of paper and card stock, tissue paper, beads, buttons, popsicle sticks, feathers, pom-poms and stickers. When they are bored, get the box out and let their imaginations run wild and see what they can create.
Encourage a new hobby. There are so many hobbies that kids these days can get in to. Visit a craft and hobby store for ideas. Crocheting, building model cars, starting a collection, playing an instrument like the piano or guitar,. Hobbies not only entertain children but can also build confidence by allowing kids to learn a new skill.
Visit local tourist attractions. Go to the library, local historical sites, a museum, art galleries, or places of interest. Check out other community resources like indoor play/amusement centers and indoor pools. Libraries host a variety of craft, science, reading and play activities. Kids can often enroll in reading enrichment programs and receive stickers, prizes or certificates for reading a number of books.
Get them involved in organized activiities. Let your child join a team or club. This will help build confidence,
Turn off the television and use the time for family games and activities. Play board games together or put together family photo albums. Share your family’s history and your own childhood experiences with your children.
Give your children daily responsibilities. to choose the household tasks of their choice. Allow each child to choose the household tasks of their choice. Make the activities fun by playing music and give small rewards when they complete.
Hopefully these ideas can help your winter be more enjoyable and peaceful for your family. Stop and cherish these moments because someday you will look back and think of them as “the good old days!”
