Being a parent means being a problem solver. Keeping your family active can be tricky, especially during the winter months. Here’s how you can stress less and plan ahead to build movement into your daily routine.
Try these tips to be a movement champion at home:
- Schedule time for family movement every day:
- a morning stretch
- outdoor play after school
- after dinner walk
- Set limits on screen time and encourage kids to take the lead in finding creative and active ways to spend free time.
- Plan weekend outings that include movement:
- walks
- hikes
- bike rides
- playground visits
- Lead by example by making time for your own physical activity. Let your kids know it’s important to you!
- Take walks with friends instead of visiting on the couch.
- Schedule time to do free online physical activity videos.
- Walk laps around the playground while the kids play.
Kids spend a large chunk of their day at school, and it's important that they are active while they are there. Teachers may need support and ideas to encourage movement during the busy school day.
Try these tips to be a movement champion for your child’s school:
- Help organize classroom celebrations that include active games.
- Talk to school leaders about recess policy. Students should get at least 20 minutes of recess every day.
- Offer to help teachers plan spaces and activities for active indoor recess.
- Work with teachers to create a calendar of daily brain breaks.
