How to Help Your Kids Stay Active and Healthy This Winter

Depending on where you live, it may be too cold for your kids to play outside in the wintertime. Or it may get dark so early that your kids don't have much time to play outside after school. A lot of parents struggle to get their kids to stay as active and healthy as they should when the trees lose all their leaves. If you're trying to help your children stay on the right, healthy track this winter, here are a few things you can do to help them out:

Get them off the couch

There are plenty of games your kids can play indoors that allow them to get their bodies moving. If you have a Wii at your house, for example, your kids can tire themselves out playing the available sports and dance games available for the popular video game console. Playing video games isn't the only way your kids can exercise indoors, either. Playing old school board games like Twister and classic games like hide-and-seek also gives your kids some of the exercise their bodies need. Just make sure they get up off the couch and get their bodies moving. Oh, and remind them they can't play ball in the house.

You may also want to put on your heaviest coats a few times a week and go outside as a family to do things like make snowmen, take walks, and just enjoy the icy world around you.

Keep the cookies and sugary drinks to a minimum at home

Your kids will be getting their fair share of sweet treats at school and holiday parties this winter. So, curtailing their sugar intake at home is a good idea. When they complain of a sweet tooth, offer them some fresh fruit instead of soda, juice, candy, or dessert. Fruit will delight their palates without giving them a sugar rush and a rush of empty calories. Despite your efforts, your kids will probably be less physically active during the winter season than they are during any other season. For this reason, eating healthy may be something you want to make a bigger priority at your home during the wintertime this year.

Visit local indoor attractions

A few laps around the science, art, or children's museum are good for your kids' bodies and brains. There's probably a lot to do indoors wherever you happen to live. So, try to explore it all as a family over the weekends. Getting out and about and checking out local indoor attractions definitely beats spending the whole winter sitting around, staring at computer, TV, and smartphone screens.

Try out the strategies above to help your kids stay healthy and active this winter, and remember how much power parents have to influence the habits of their children!

Leslie Johnson is a freelance health blogger and professional writer who spends most of her time writing for www.mastersinhealthcare.com and other sites related to health education. When Leslie's not writing, she enjoys swimming and spending time with her family. Please feel free to leave your feedback for Leslie below!