Does anyone have any ideas of how to shake the winter wiggles? I try to take my kids outside to do different things when it is not too cold or wet but I am trying to come up with some things they can do in the house. We like to do quiet things like read, puzzles, and other various activities but my children are very active and I think we just need some more ideas on how to get out all the pent up energy indoors.
Thank you for all your ideas. I think I just needed to be reminded that I should be a little more relaxed about letting my kids get their energy out indoors during the winter months. We love to dance, tickle and play tag. Since I have been trying to do these things more, my kids actually seem to be more calm and sleep better at night.
Play Daze, or a quick trip to Chuck E Cheese- minus the pizza is what I find works the best for us. I know my son needs physical activity or he doesn't seem to sleep well-you can also visit the local pools- most of these things cost a little money- but not lots
Hi A., I have a small exercise trampoline in my livingroom (no other place to put it) but you can purchase inexpensive ones that the kids could play on. Be sure you get one that you can buy a handle that attaches so they have something to hold on to.
The reason i suggest this is that when my 3 little grandboys, 7, 4 ans 2 come over they are constantly on it. Great exercise and it wears them out!!
Another thing would be to do exercises. They might have a dvd for kids to do arobic type exercises. jumping jacks, running in place, or if it is agreeable to you, run in a certain pattern in the house - like thru the living room, into the kitchen, and back into the livingroom.
Good luck. It is going to be a long winter. M.
My kids dance all over the livingroom when there is music on...I like that freeze dancing idea. We also have a miniature trampoline that they jump on (it's just big enough to jump on and we got it last winter cause we had just moved from CA and didn't know what to do with so much indoor time!!). A friend of mine also has a slide that she only uses for indoor.
I'm not sure exactly where you live A., but there are many gymnastics places that offer open tot times during the week. It is usually very inexpensive and gives kids an hour or two to run around, get some exercise, and burn off some energy. One that we go to regularly is M&M gymnastics...their open gym is from 12:00-1:00 M-F and it costs $3 per child. HTH!!
one of the best things my active bunch do is to make blanket tents using chairs or couches my older boys use to make three or four "houses" with blankets and play all afternoon. another thing we do is everyone leaves the room and one preson hides a toy or ball and then everyone runs back in to find it the first person to find it gets to hide it..this game is even funner when the sungoes down so early we sit on the couch with flash lights and use them to search instead of running around. anyway heres some thoughs hope they help..
Hello. My sister and I have a 3 and 4 year old. We take them to indoor playgrounds like planet kid and boondocks. It can cost but Bookdocks is only about $3 a time. we also sometimes take the kids to Mc D's, Burger King and places such as this for a long lunch. this give my sister and I time to catch up and the kids have a great time. they also learn social skills because they learn to make friends with strange kids of all ages.
God Bless!
I got a book called "Cabin Fever" but I looked it up at barnes and noble dot com and there are tons of books called cabin fever, so here is one like the one I have, called "Cabin Fever Relievers". http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.a...
That help's me in the winter months.
My girls love to dance! We pick out a new CD at the library every couple of weeks. Sometimes we play dress up while we dance (put on our crowns and dance to the "Disney Princess Favorites"). And it's great exercise for Mom too!!! We also love to pull off the couch cushions to make tents, play hide and seek, and we still hide easter eggs every now and then (they are going to have lots of practice come Easter!). Hope this helps!
Try getting them involved in what you need to do. My kids love to help me clean house or tackle a project like cleaning out their closets, dressers, etc. If all else fails, let them take the couch cushions off and build a tent with sheets. Sure its a mess for a while but it builds fantastic memories!
~L.
Hi, A.. We got one of those small exercise trampolines for our basement playroom, or in the living room. It can store on its side when not in use, but it gives our kids a great way to get a bit of exercise if they're feeling extra wiggly. Especially if they're not allowed to jump on the bed! ;)
Peace,
Krsiti
Hi A.,
I think every mother can feel your pain. I try and get them out when it's not to cold but when we are stuck inside we have dancing contests. It's fun since it's Chrismas time cause they LOVE Christmas music. Basically we dance and whoever is the last one dancing is the winner. I have a small daycare and all the kids love it. I don't know how your house is set up but we also play hide and seek and sometimes even tag. We have a nice big finished basement that we run around in. Good luck.
Chris
One game that we like to play is freeze dancing. We turn on the music and then they dance until I pause it. They always try to be making the silliest faces or standing in a funny pose.
We had the same problem and ended up buying a small trampoline! It's a wonderful way for the kids to burn off some energy. Taking turns is always a challenge, but the exercise is worth it. Plus, it doubles for a great way for mommy and daddy to exercise! Good luck with Baby #3!
We have that same problem with my hyperactive six year old. He always is in motion. We put on some music and we dance like crazy. We also get out our musical toys and make a band. Another good game is follow the leader. You jump around and they copy you. Then they get a turn to be the leader. The crazier the leader is the more energy they get out. Another game is balloon toss. Blow up an ordinary balloon and toss it around.
Good luck
We play basketball with balloons and a box, hullabaloo, and catch using scarves or bandannas. :)
The other responses are great, I did all those things with my kids! And, any outdoor toys that can be cleaned up to be brought inside for the winter are great too--slides, swings, sand box, water table-- these are especially nice if you have a basement. If you have an exposed beam in your basement you can hang a swing!
I also would take my kids to an indoor play center once a week like McDonalds, YMCA or things like that. Ask a friends to join you!
