If you are anything at all like me when it gets cold and dark (three words: December in Canada) all I want to do is listen to my instincts to curl up and hibernate–and that means stuffing my face and staying inside doing diddly squat.
BUT (if you don’t want to gain a pile of weight, you want to combat depression, and get invigorated) then what you need to do–even if you have to force yourself–is to jump off the couch, brush the shortbread crumbs from your chin and don your skates. And while you’ve at it, toss some on your kids as well. (Of course.)
Playing outside in the winter is as equally important (if not more so) as during the warmer months. During the winter months it can be difficult to get vitamin D (from the sun) which is important for bone development and strength–scary fact, some kids are getting rickets due to a vitamin deficiency! But going outside can help! As well, being active helps with mood and seasonal affect disorders which can be a serious issue if you live in regions with less sunlight at this time of year.
The problem is… it can be difficult to get out during the day if the kids are at school and at night it is cold and dark. But you know what else? The night is still a great time to be active, get out, connect with others and boost your mental health as well as physical health with an activity like night skating.
The best part? Time together. This family time can create memories and experiences that help build individual as well as family resiliency. Plus, being active can help with confidence, body image, and more.
And how about night skating (night ice skating, that is)? It’s good for many things. Let’s see… balance, coordination, muscle strength, gross motor skills, and if you add a hockey stick–eye-hand coordination and timing.
How about you? How do you keep your family active during the winter months?
Have you subscribed to the It’s All Kid’s Play newsletter? It’s not too late to get December’s copy–it includes an interview with SANTA!! Click here to subscribe now and get a free ebook of travel games for your holiday vacations!
SNOW ANGELS
Guess what we have?
Snow, snow, glorious snow! And it is light, fluffy powder… perfect for… snow angels!!!
In case you missed how to make a snow angel when you were a kid… here’s how to make a snow angel:
Wear your snow gear so you don’t freeze and get snow everywhere. Brr.
Flop over backwards into the snow.
Sweep your arms up and down in the snow.
Carefully stand up, trying not to wreck your snow angel. (Have a friend help you.)
BONUS POINTS:
In an outdoor hot tub or hot springs? Pop out in your bathing suit, roll in the snow and make an angel, then jump back in. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Trust me.
In your pajamas! Yeah, been there, done that. You want to be really quick!
No snow? Got sand? Make a sand angel. Same way–just don’t flop down as hard. Ouch!
Get out there and play! What’s your favourite snow angel memory?
Dress up warm, watch out for rocks, trees, and other people and have a blast!
Make this a family activity: Get the whole family out there–it’s great exercise and can chip away at those winter blues.
This activity promotes physical activity and enjoying the great outdoors.
You’ll need special ice fishing gear–like an ice auger and maybe even an ice fishing hut to keep you warm. If you know someone who ice fishes, ask them if you can come along. They’d probably be totally delighted to show you how and to lend you a rod!
Hint: Maggots make good ice fishing bait and you can usually get them at your local bait shop near popular ice fishing lakes.
Safety first: Go with an adult who knows what they’re doing and always make sure the ice is nice and thick.
Make this a family activity: Go out as a family and see if you can catch supper.
This activity promotes an interest in nature and outdoor sports, as well as patience.
Safety First: Don’t make it too hot and have an adult help you!
Make this a family activity: Make enough hot chocolate to share with your whole family.
This activity promotes culinary skills.
