How to Beat the Winter Blues

Are your kids driving you up a wall?  Worried about too much screen time? Lack of motivation?  Teen spending too much time alone in their room?  
Winter can be hard on everyone.  Winter blues for children can look different.  Some children seem out of control or develop behavioral issues due to being cooped up without enough stimulation.   Others might isolate themselves, seem irritable or develop bad habits.  
Children’s need for physical activity does not stop when it gets below freezing.  Here are some ideas to get moving anytime, anywhere:
Create at home exercise program- simple / fun aerobic activities are a great way to get kids moving.
Play board games with a twist- Simple things like when a player loses a turn they have to do 10 jumping jacks.  Come up with rules that encourage movement. Kids will love making up their own rules. 
Play movement games- Simon says, Twister, red light / green light are all fun ways to get moving.  
Dance Party
Create a scavenger hunt around the house
Assign chores requiring gross motor movements- Sweeping or washing the floors, carrying laundry up/ down stairs, taking out the garbage all require full body movement
Bundle up and go outside


Other ideas that take a little planning:
Find outdoor community events 
Go bowling, laser tag, indoor bounces or open gymnastics 
Go to a local indoor pool
Movement along with good sleep and eating habits, can help children beat the winter blues.  Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect children and teens, so if you are concerned, contact a mental health professional in your area.