by Courtney
My name is Courtney and I live in Oklahoma. I have 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2. Kids are full of energy and my kids are no exception. While thinking about and reading about keeping my kids active feels like a lot, it can actually be really simple and free! Here are some of the things I like to do with my kids at home using things I already have.
Set up obstacle courses with chairs, tables, diaper boxes, laundry basket, small toys or other objects in your home. This can be done with kids as young as 2 and helps with directions and gets them moving. Demonstrate how to do it and describe. Say “Climb over the diaper box, crawl under the chair, walk around the laundry basket, jump over the toy, run down the hallway and finish". Then time your kids with your phone and celebrate with a dance party and cheer for them as they cross the finish line. If you don’t have a timer just count or make up at number at the end. It’s not a race but kids love to pretend. The important part is to celebrate every time!
Time your kids doing anything. Say “I wonder how fast you can get dressed” or “I wonder how fast you can run down the hall and back”. Celebrate each time and challenge them to beat their previous time!
Put painter’s tape on the floor (rug, carpet, hardwood, tile). With just a straight line you now have a balance beam. You can walk forwards, backwards, sideways, or like a bear. Make shapes with the painter’s tape and say “Jump in the circle, hop to the square, crawl to the triangle” or any other variation you can think of.
I hope that these ideas and the resources provided by wichealth.org have inspired you to try new things, get active, and have fun!
This blog was written by one of our guest bloggers, Courtney.
About Courtney
Courtney is a stay at home mom to 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2. She loves to read, craft with her kids, has a heart for new moms, and enjoys making new friends.
