Due to the coronavirus we are spending more time indoors we’re spending a lot more time with our children, which makes it all too easy for kids of all ages to turn to playing endless video games or watching too much television.
Even though families are indoors, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should have moderate physical activity at least 60 minutes each day, and find activities that are fun for everyone. Below are some suggestions.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Try these activities to help build motor skills — Simon Says is great for exercise, or try Copycat, where children have to mimic your movements. When they get older, upgrade to Magnet — they have to do the opposite of whatever you do. Give kids animals to imitate and you’ll have them squirming like fish, hopping like frogs, or scrambling like crabs.
Grade School Ages
School-age kids are bursting with creativity — watch them add their own spin to these ideas. Use pillows or the cushions from the couch to make an obstacle course they can crawl through. Play music and dance. Freeze dance is fun, too — choose music your family likes, then pause the music at random intervals. When the music stops, everyone freezes in position, which helps build balance.
Teenagers
This is a tougher one. One suggestion would be kids versus adults. Who can do the most pushups, sit-ups or jumping jacks in one minute? Cleaning out a section of the basement or garage can be a workout. Join them, and use the chore time as an opportunity to teach correct lifting techniques.
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