Collaborative Post
2020 has been quite the challenge for most. This is in large part due to the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on our economy as well as our own psychological and mental well-being. The social distancing rules and travel bans have seen many people stay at home and unable to visit friends and family in different cities. We as human beings are naturally social beings, and this sort of isolation has taken its toll on many of us.
Even though we’re coming into the depths of Winter, it’s important that we as families get as much outdoor time together as possible. One of the main advantages of being outdoors is the exposure to Vitamin D that our bodies absorb from the sun in the winter. For bone stability and disease prevention, human beings need a constant supply of Vitamin D. This vital vitamin will also contribute to defending against a large number of illnesses. In the cold, children burn more calories as opposed to those they burn in the heat. When our bodies need an increase in energy to stay warm, the cold raises our metabolic rate (the number of calories our bodies burn just by keeping still). Outdoor activities during winter will also contribute to improving mental health, imagination, and concentration.
So how can parents reconnect with their children this Winter season outdoors, and still stay safe? Here are a few ideas:
#1: Cycling
Most cities have designated bike trails for those who love to cycle. Find a safe kids bike trailer where you and your toddler can interact and improve fitness. Engaging in cycling together will help relieve stress from being stuck indoors and boost a positive intellectual attitude. Plus, if children grow up cycling and enjoying it, it’s a superb way to travel around town at no cost in their later years. Cycling together with your toddler boosts their confidence, too, as they see they are capable of doing something you can do.
Additional health benefits of cycling, if done regularly, are an increase in flexibility, muscle stamina, and cardiovascular capability. Cycling often also improves coordination and posture, an excellent plus for little growing bodies.
#2: Ice Skating
Ice skating can be lots of fun, especially for beginners. And it’s even safer with mum or dad around for extra protection. Skating enhances the function of almost all body muscles, and the gliding movement requires coordinated leg movement, a significant consideration for joint stability. The leg and abdomen muscles are also built-up during skating. Skating is good for cardiovascular well-being, like any other sport, because it improves cardiac rates and blood pumping.
#3: Making a Snowman
Making a snowman is fun and a great way to bond with your children. It teaches them creativity and patience (if like me the snow keeps falling off yours!). They’ll find so much joy in looking out the window onto the front porch to greet the snowman each morning. For you, the activity will keep your creative juices flowing too. Plus, if the children are older, a snowball fight is a great way to stay fit.
#4: Evergreen Identification
Your children have likely experienced all other seasons and seen the change of colour in the leaves and flowers. This is a great time to explore and teach them about the winter season’s flora and fauna. You’d be amazed at how well they will remember these lessons once they are in school and always remember you as their first teacher.
#5. Sports Both Inside and Outdoors
Playing sports is a fantastic way to stay active and connect with your kids, but winter weather can sometimes make outdoor games challenging. Cold, rain, and snow don’t always mix well with footballs or tennis rackets, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy sports together. For lighter weather, opt for quick outdoor games like frisbee, mini soccer, or even snow-friendly sports like sled racing or snow golf.
When it’s just too wet or freezing, consider bringing the fun indoors. Many local community centres offer indoor courts or sports programs during winter months. For golf enthusiasts, simulators like GolfBays provide an immersive experience where kids and adults can practice their swings in a controlled environment at home. While this option can be a bit pricey and might be more suitable for families who are really into golf, it’s a high-tech way to keep the passion alive through the coldest months.
In Conclusion
Outdoor play is essential for children’s growth, learning, and exploration opportunities. It is also safer for people to be outside where there is free-flowing air circulation instead of being in closed up, restricted, poorly ventilated spaces like indoors. While being cramped up in the house all day can get depressing, engaging in outdoor play with your children not only provides a bonding experience for both of you, it keeps you sane!
Within reason, encourage your children to engage in safe play outdoors. This allows them to experience the world from a different view. The emotional and physical benefits are numerous for both you and your child. Plus, it’ll keep them healthier than you think, provided they are appropriately dressed and have an adult to supervise. Ensure interactions are kept within appropriate social distancing recommendations.
Here’s some more reasons why outdoor play is important.
It is so important for children get outside as much as possible. I like your ideas, unfortunately we have very little snow in our part of the country so it might he a while before we get to do that one!