Bring life into the place

By Howa

January 23, 2021 3 min. reading time

Movement is a basic need of our children, essential for health and well-being, and the absolute foundation for good development. We have long been fighting against the lack of movement in our children. While digital media previously kept our children immobile, we now face even more challenging conditions. How do we bring life into the house?

Challenges

For some time now, neither club sports nor school sports have been taking place. Those who can go outside, take bike tours or explore the forest or city on foot. But what if even that is no longer possible? Anyone who has been in quarantine knows how quickly boredom sets in and how claustrophobic it can feel. If you also live in a small apartment, your options for sufficient movement are very limited. And if you live with one or more restless kids who want to burn off energy, it’s anything but easy.

Structure in Everyday Life

What generally helps is maintaining structure in everyday life. The routine may change, but regular schedules give us and our children stability and security. Stick to fixed meal times, keep in touch with family and friends. With little children, you can take pictures and send them by mail to kindergarten friends or grandma. Making others happy also makes you happy. Also, take some time to relax and do nothing. It can be hard to motivate yourself and the children. Some days you just don’t feel like it and can’t get going, and that’s completely okay. Create retreat spaces for yourself and your children; no one can be an entertainer around the clock.

Themed Days

Create your own highlights. Plan one or two themed days together with your children. This could be a fairy tale day, a superhero day, or a wellness day, for example. Choose activities, recipes, and craft ideas to go along with it.

Staying Fit

Integrate movement into your family’s daily routine. But how can you move a lot in a small space? How do you tire out the little kids and get the older ones off the couch?

Movement Games Indoors

Balloon Disco

You don’t need sports equipment to get the kids moving. A little music for dancing and a simple balloon are enough. The balloon must not touch the floor—let’s go!

The Floor is Lava

Scatter pillows, newspapers, towels with some distance on the floor; these serve as small rescue islands that can also be moved. The goal is to get from one side of the room to the other without touching the dangerously hot lava floor.

Pillow Fight

When was your last pillow fight? Gather all pillows and stuffed animals in a pile and let the fun begin.

I Am Your Shadow

One person makes a movement, the other has to imitate it. Jumping, standing on one leg, lying on the floor, stretching arms up—everything is allowed.

Potato Masher Game

We’ve decided this game will have its revival this year. Plus, the remaining December sweets need to be used up.

Balloon Rockets

Each player gets a balloon in a different color. Inflate the balloons and hold them. On the count of three, let go. Either the one whose rocket flew the farthest wins, or the one who collects their balloon first.

You can find great ideas also at: https://www.elternimnetz.de/familie/krise/bewegung.php

Role Play

Role play also offers plenty of variety. Free play helps children understand the world and provides opportunities to acquire a wide range of physical and mental skills. Here are some ideas and products available in our shop: https://www.howa-spielwaren.com