One of the most difficult things about the wintertime isn't just the blistering cold that freezes your hands while you try to clean off your iced-over car windshield; it's the fact that the sun sets way before a child's energy level. The cold weather and the lack of daylight can prove to be stifling since it doesn't allow for much time spent outside getting exercise. This can be especially tough on kiddos who need that physical activity to address their sensory needs.
Without the natural vestibular input, joint compression, and heavy work activities that comes from outside play, these kids end up with more wiggles than they know what to do with, resulting in the wall-climbing, bed-bouncing, and hall-running that makes you wonder if anyone in the house is going to make the "Nice" list this holiday.
So what's a frustrated parent of an active child to do? Here are a few ideas about how to "wear out those winter wiggles".
Workout Those Wiggles
Starting a workout routine isn't just for the new year. Putting together a fifteen to thirty-minute exercise regimen for mornings or evenings (or both!) can not only burn off some holiday meal calories but also knock out a child's sensory cravings. Activities such as stomping in place, jumping jacks, and sit-ups can go a long way to keeping kids from getting that sensory input through less positive means. And if you child doesn't have that kind of mobility? Using free weights, hand or ankle weights, and medicine balls can help get some of the same results.
Create an Active Play Space Indoors
Let's face it: No matter how many times you've told them not to, the kids are going to want to run and jump in the house. So instead of going hoarse with reminders, why not try carving out an area of your home where your child can get active?
You don't even need a lot of space! Whether you have a garage, a basement area, or just a small corner of the living room, you can pick up items that can easily make a space your child's "go-to" area for their physical needs.
Indoor Trampolines are a great start for a small space. They're relatively affordable, adaptable, and will spare the beds and couches from becoming the prime indoor choice of trampoline! Indoor trampolines can help with balance, coordination, and can help kiddos interpret proprioceptive feedback and manage their wiggles.
Swings sets are great for getting kids to vestibular activity and burning energy when they are, you know, covered in snow. So what if your kids could do that inside the house? The great news is that they make indoor swing sets for your kiddos! They're incredibly sturdy and durable and can be installed on just about any door frame in your house. The vestibular rocking motions are not only soothing, they also build core strength.
Got kids who love crashing into the couch? Try out a crash pad. What's better than a giant, safe, fluffy, durable square of foam-stuffed fabric that kids can leap and jump and crash on? Of course, kiddos should mind safety things, and rules must be set for the time and duration of the use of a crash pad. But it is pretty fun! Crashing into crash pads can help kids get better proprioceptive input.
Finally, you can try out the tried and true obstacle course. Use some couch cushions to make a hopscotch indoor version of "the floor is lava." It might also be a good idea to invest in some soft play blocks that are designed to be played with, unlike the leather couches in your living room. You might also want to check out a few balance stones, giant soccer balls, or yoga balls. Making a custom, fun, and educational obstacle course is a great way to encourage problem-solving skills as well as shake some of their sillies out.
If you have an open basement or garage, try letting your kid ride a bicycle or tricycle indoors! It might be a good idea to get them a little tricycle or PonyCycle so they can work out a little squirminess. It'll help them build leg strength and helps with hand-eye coordination, too.
When All Else Fails, Leave The House
Playing outside might be out of the question but getting out there just long enough to get in the car might do wonders for everyone's mood. When the family starts getting stir-crazy, plan an outing for stretching legs and experiences if it can be done safely regarding your local COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Indoor places could include:
- a local community center for walking, swimming, and social activities
- empty malls for walking and running
- inflatable parks for crashing and climbing
- trampoline parks for jumping
- child-friendly climbing gyms for climbing
At the end of the day, your kid might still not go to bed without causing a bit of a ruckus first. That's okay! You're all human. But it is a good idea to encourage ways to expel physical energy inside the house this winter.
This article was originally posted in November 2019, and slightly edited and updated in January 2021
