The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine Issue 5 | Page 11

Fighting Cabin Fever
Have an indoor scavenger hunt. Set up household
items to find, leaving clues and going from room to room.

Set out couch pillows

and throw pillows for
climbing, jumping, and
stepping over. And never underestimate the awesomeness of a good old fashioned pillow fight. Though I have
learned that child-sized safety goggles (or last summer’s
swim masks) come in handy.

Try some yoga or just some good stretching exercises. There

are some kid-friendly DVD’s and illustrated pose instruction
cards that really make yoga simple and fun for kids; introducing
the breathing and stretching that is crucial for good mental and
physical health. Cosmic Kids Yoga is a Youtube channel your
children might enjoy.

Make cards with different exercises (jumping jacks, hop on

one foot, giant elephant steps). Draw the cards, doing the exercises
in a different order each time. This one is also great for following directions and sequencing skills.

Bounce around. There are some great toys you may already have on

hand like a ride-on, mini-trampoline, bowling pin set, or hop-on ball.
Those big exercise balls are a huge hit at our house. These materials require
lots of movement and will burn off lots of steam in just a few minutes.

However you choose to combat cabin fever in the long winter months, you and your family are sure to see the
benefits of staying active. A few minutes everyday can help prevent tantrums, promote better sleep, encourage
a healthy lifestyle and fun family bonding time. I hope these activities encourage you to get moving and come
up with some ideas of your own. Now, go play! §

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