4 Refreshing Activities To Recharge Your Children
Photo by Robert Collins via Unsplash
by Anya Willis
Anya Willis is a mother of three and has been a yoga instructor for the past 12 years. She understands that getting kids to be active is no easy feat.
She created FitKids.info to help parents find fitness alternatives to keep their kids moving.
Self-care is essential for people of all ages, including children. Whether they are toddlers in daycare or teenagers preparing for college, kids need time to reset and mentally prepare for the days ahead. If you need self-care ideas for your kids, incorporate one or all four of these activities into your family's routine.
1. Spend Time Outdoors
According to one study, regular unstructured outdoor playtime helps children become healthier, smarter, happier, and interact better with others. With so many emotional and physical benefits, outdoor playtime is a fantastic way for youngsters to have fun and rejuvenate for the next day.
Set aside outdoor time every day for your kids, even if it is only 20 minutes. If you have a backyard, create a fun space specifically for the young ones. Purchase inexpensive toys and chalk for them to play with. Thrift stores and dollar stores have lots of affordable options.
Water toys such as squirt guns, sprinklers, and kiddie pools are fun options during hot months. If you have the funds, splurge on a sandbox with buckets, shovels, and sand molds. Just be sure the sandbox comes with a lid so you can cover the box when it is not being used. Otherwise, bugs, stray cats, and other critters may get in the sand.
To maintain a well-kept and safe yard, grading the land to promote erosion control and improve drainage can help. If you do not have a pro for land grading services, search online for local contractors. Before meeting to discuss your needs and get a quote, evaluate the companies by reading online reviews. If the estimates are expensive, book with a company offering deals, specials, or credits.
2. Set Aside Creative Time
Creative time gives kids' brains a break from the studying and learning they do throughout the day. These activities look different depending on your children's ages.
For young kids, playdough, coloring, gluing, and painting are all fun ways to create unique projects. Put together a bucket with crayons, paper, glue, stickers, and other accessories they can use.
Creative hobbies are more specialized with older children. If they love drawing, purchase an art easel and drawing pencils. If they have a knack for graphic design, download a design program that they can use to construct digital masterpieces.
3. Dance While Listening to Music
Listening to music helps kids relax and de-stress. If your children are older, they might prefer unwinding in their rooms while listening to tunes. However, younger kids will love a dance break with mom or dad while blasting their favorite songs. Let each child pick one or two of their favorite songs, play it on your phone, and boogie the night away.
4. Be an Example
One of the best things you can do to emphasize the value of self-care to your children is by prioritizing self-care for yourself. If they see mom or dad taking time to rest and relax, chances are they will do the same.
Meet a friend for dinner. Tend to your flower garden. Read an e-magazine or a mystery novel by your favorite author. Whatever it is that makes you feel renewed, set aside time for it.
No matter what stages of life your children are in, taking time to rest and recharge helps them perform better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Integrating these four activities into your family's schedule will help your kids get the breaks they need to be at the top of their game.