Cabin Fever: Keep Your Children Energized!

Children are less active in the winter-especially on cold, snowy days here in the Chicagoland area. 

As parents we want to keep our kids bodies moving, their minds engaged and limit the time in front of the TV and video games.  Here are some ideas to help you keep them healthy and active:

• Children love to dance-even the littlest ones.  Turn on some music and watch them move to the beat.  Play the “Freeze Dance”.  Join them--it’s more fun that way! 
• Go on a scavenger hunt!  Write out a list of 5-10 items (depending on the age of the child) and send them off to find the listed items! 
• Bundle up and go out in the snow!  Make snowmen, snow angels, or go skating.  Your child can even help shovel a portion of the sidewalk!
• Simple games like Simon Says, Red Light/Green Light, or Twister keeps them moving!