I love winter. I love the snow, the chilly weather, Christmas, cozy clothes, all of it!
But the down-side to winter, especially if your children are young, is the cabin fever! If you are a homeschooler or schoolteacher you may be feeling this even more!
When I was teaching at a Navajo Mission School in New Mexico, some of the little boys just could not handle indoor recess. I would create pretend tasks for them. “Mark, help me. Run this note to Mr. Jacobs! Its very important. Run!” The note usually said, “Help me get this kid some exercise!” Mr. Jacobs would send him on some other urgent tasks or we’d keep sending the note back and forth for a while. Luckily our school “hallway” was the desert floor and the open sky. Mark never minded freezing cold or rain. I did have him wear his coat.
Here in the Northeast we’ve suffered some heavy snowstorms. The very little children who attend my Making Music Praying Twice classes haven’t been outside in weeks and it shows in class! They are either exhausted or hyper!
So, what can we do to help our children stay physically and mentally healthy when the weather prohibits outdoor play? Let music help you out!
- Dance Party! This is the easiest way to quickly get some exercise. Put on some music: whatever makes YOU want to move. Push the furniture up against the wall and dance, dance, dance! The kids will have a ball and will benefit from the music.
Dance Contest! This takes the party to the next level and is great for older children or if mom or dad is petering out! Everyone gets a song to show their best moves and is graded on a sliding age-appropriate scale. I don’t like to keep score; my kids are happy to “tie”. You can make a more serious competition if that’s your family’s style. Having trouble finding dance music? Most cable television packages include several music stations. You can choose salsa music, kids music, oldies, big band, and more.- Percussion Jam! Toy drums, Tupperware, wooden spoons, cardboard boxes, storage tubs, whatever! Challenge everyone to put a drum kit together with objects around the house. Put on some music and play along! Warning: This can get VERY loud! Take the challenge to the next level by trading solos or playing without a CD. Let one drummer start with a steady beat and others can join in, adding interest.
- Winter Show! Let each child present a song, dance, or instrumental performance in a family talent show. Remember, talent shows are only fun if mom and dad give their undivided attention. Older children can prepare the show while you are making dinner and the curtain can go up after everyone helps get the dishes done!
- Mood Management! Remember that through the day, music is your friend in helping to manage your child’s mood. Music releases serotonin in the brain, helping children focus and calm down. Lullaby for naps and bedtime really work. Mozart in the background will stimulate brain activity to prevent the idle willies from setting in. Upbeat music will encourage the much-needed exercise as you all tap, rock, nod, sing, and move to the music. Singing little songs through the day grabs their attention and keeps children happy and engaged.
If all else fails, remember, it could be worse! I always remind my kids that Laura and Mary Ingalls used to be literally stuck inside for the entire Wisconsin winter!
God bless your families,
Kate
