Do you have a parenting hurdle you’re working through? If so, “The Parenting Post” is for you! One of our writers, Albiona, has been answering all of YOUR parenting questions over on IG. We’ve turned her series into blog posts on our website as well. We just can’t get enough of her helpful advice, and we thought you’d appreciate it, too!
Her videos cover a wide variety of parenting questions–honestly, anything and everything! If it’s something you’re wondering, there’s a good chance that another parent in our community is also struggling with it. And Albiona is here to help!
This week, she’s sharing about how to help ourselves and our kids during these cold weather months. It can make for some incredibly long days when our kids can’t burn their energy off outside. So what’s a mom who’s craving peace, quiet, and a calm nervous system to do? Well, it might not be an answer you particularly like . . .
How can I keep myself and my kids from feeling cooped up during cold weather?
Winter can be pretty brutal around here. Cabin fever sets in as we are inside for way too long and everyone–and I mean, everyone–is desperate for a break. The cold weather and swirling snowstorms really have a way of tricking us into believing it’s all cozy and snuggly inside (when in reality, it’s getting to be so loud that we can’t even hear ourselves think). When you notice your kids starting to get a little wild when they’re stuck inside during these cold weather months, there are two things you can do–and these two things will help both them, and you!
Take them outside.
Outside? As in, into the cold weather that’s making us stay inside?! Yep!
Did you know that adults mind the cold much more than children do? It’s why most schools still have outdoor recess during the colder months. Kids benefit from that cooler, fresh air–and it’s especially good for their lungs. So let them go outside, even if it’s just for ten minutes. And if you can grin and bear it–grin and bear it and go out with them! Or, watch from the window with a hot chocolate in hand if your yard is fenced in or your kids are older.
If you can let them go outside and move, it’s going to be so good for so many different parts of their development. Their gross motor and fine motor skills will be activated and stimulated. And, expending their energy in the fresh air is so good for them!
Plus, think about the sensory piece of it: how fun was it when you were little to play in the snow?! We don’t usually love it as adults, but it’s so fun for kids. So unless it’s brutally cold, try to give your kids at least 10 minutes of outside play. You’ll be so, so glad that you did.
Embrace the mess inside.
Not an option to go outside? Be a little more flexible with the space inside your home. This would be the perfect time to allow them to build really big forts. Let them carry really big pillows, blankets, and cushions. All that lifting and walking around are good for their motor system because they’re really exerting a lot of effort to build and create something.
Now, yes, the mess will absolutely trigger you because it looks really messy. But at the same time, remember to think about what your kids are gaining in the process; it’s so much more worth it than you having to deal with your room looking slightly chaotic for a little bit of time.
You can also create spaces for them in your home: little trampolines are great for jumping, and big yoga balls are great for movement when you can’t go outdoors. Oh, and don’t forget to utilize your local indoor play spaces to expend that energy! We have so many amazing options right here in + around Detroit.
In the end, you’ll beat the cabin fever. Remember that movement is key. Kids really crave it, they love it, and they need to move! So whether it’s inside or outside, remember to create those moments for them to expend some of that energy. And then sit back and relax (okay, sit back and try not to stress about the fort mess!) and remember: this too shall pass.
Do you have more parenting questions for Albiona? Leave them below so she can possibly answer them for you. To learn more, you can follow Albiona on Instagram. Or, subscribe to her weekly newsletter and download her free guide for teaching parents how to get their kids to listen.
