Winter can be a tough time for many people, especially for those who have young children. With the cold weather and shorter days, it can be difficult to stay active and entertained, especially when it’s not safe to go outside or when you’re stuck indoors due to a seasonal illness. However, it’s important to find ways to keep yourself and your kids happy and healthy during the winter months. Here are some tips for staying sane and having fun while spending more time indoors with your kids.

With the turn of the new year, there are plenty of things to think about for making changes to your lifestyle for a healthier, happier household.

1. Get moving: It’s important to stay active, especially during the winter when you may be spending more time inside. Encourage your kids to dance, do yoga, or play active games like tag or hide and seek. You could also try going for a walk or doing a workout together as a family.

1. Get OUT of the house! Go to a trampoline park, the mall, the dollar store, the library, and a fun museum. Recently we enjoyed taking the kids to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
2. Take breaks from screens: It’s easy to rely on screens for entertainment, but it’s important to limit screen time and encourage other activities. Set boundaries for screen use and schedule regular breaks for other activities, such as reading, crafting, or playing a board game.
3. Get creative: Winter is a great time to tap into your creative side and try new activities. Encourage your kids to draw, paint, or build with blocks or other materials. You could also try cooking or baking together, or creating your own homemade playdough. We do a lot of photoshoots to help me prepare for the busier seasons and the kids have fun with me with those themes, even if they are off-season.

1. Stay connected: It’s important to stay connected with friends and family, especially when you have been apart for a while. Set up virtual hangouts or plan a socially distanced outdoor activity with loved ones. We have a google hub max screen in the kitchen and the kids can call family whenever they want.
2. Get OUTSIDE! Take the kids sledding, ice skating, build a snowman. Have fun. We live in Colorado and the days can get pretty short here at this end of the time zone. I find I get depressed if I do not get enough sunshine! So important. So when the day is warm enough, we bundle up and try to make an effort to breathe some fresh air and really soak in that sun, even if that means a ten-minute walk or a full winter picnic at the park (weather permitting). And of course, there is playing out in the snow! Read about having a successful snow day here.
3. Take care of your mental health: It’s normal to feel a bit stir-crazy during the winter months, but it’s important to take care of your mental health. Make time for self-care, such as reading, meditating, or taking a relaxing bath. It’s also important to talk about your feelings with your kids and encourage them to express themselves. With my very busy ADHD brain, I find putting on a meditation playlist at night helps my brain slow down and relax. For the kids and for bedtime we love the Moshi App. It works wonders for sleep and meditation.

By following these tips, you can help yourself stay sane and have fun while spending more time indoors with your kids during the winter months. Remember to take breaks and prioritize self-care, and don’t be afraid to try new activities and get creative.