Monkey Joe's Blog
Make Active Play a Priority for Your Kids This Winter
Posted on Nov 18, 2016
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Spring and summer are full of reasons to get outside and move, but as temperatures fall and the days get shorter, you may notice your kids spending more and more time inside on the couch. You're not alone! According to researchers at the University of Cambridge, kids are getting far less exercise during the fall and winter months, and they need your help to make a change.
According to the study's first author, Dr. Andrew Atkin of the MRC Epidemiology Unit and CEDAR, "Physical activity is important for children's health and development, but many do not get enough exercise... During spring and summer, when the weather is better and the days are longer, they tend to be playing out and more active, but during the darker, colder months, they are much less active."
So, what can you do as a parent to help your kids be more active during fall and winter? The most important thing you can do is give them the opportunity to move. If you're looking for something to do on a cold, wet day, choose physical activities like a visit to Monkey Joe's indoor playground instead of sedentary indoor activities like a trip to the movies. Make time for regular active play, and make it fun! Consider setting up a standing playdate with neighbors, classmates, or teammates.
There are ways you can even get your family to move more without leaving home! Have a nightly family dance party in the kitchen, do some kid-friendly yoga together in the living room, or play a sports/dancing video game together. Whatever you do, just make sure that exercise is a daily aspect of your family routine. And remember, no matter what the weather is like outside, your kids can always have a blast in our indoor playground! Click here to find your local Monkey Joe's and bounce into hours of active play!
Photo by Pezibear via Pixabay
