Little Bodies Are Made to Move

I get it. The chilly weather makes us want to hibernate.

We reach for the blankets, turn on the heater, make another cup of tea and settle in. And if we’re honest, it’s tempting to let our kids do the same.

But while a cosy afternoon indoors can be lovely, little bodies are made to move — and movement is so much more than exercise.

For children, movement is how they learn about their bodies, their environment and what they are capable of. It helps them develop strength, balance, coordination, body awareness and confidence, not to mention a more regulated nervous system. 

And the good news? It doesn't need to happen on a sports field or at an organised activity.

It can happen through playful exercise at home. 

Here are 5 easy ways to get kids moving indoors:

1) Crawling along a "tunnel" of dining room chairs or sliding along on their tummies, to collect a "treat" on the other side

2) Playing the "floor is lava" hopping from across a few scatter cushions

3) Carrying the laundry basket with some heavy objects inside 4-5 times up and down the stairs 

4) Dancing in the kitchen with mom and dad - 2 fast upbeat songs should do it! 

5) Timing their races down the passage with a stop watch - first doing frog jumps - they have to try beat their time on each go, then as a "slithering snake" and then as "crab" - side-walking. Add a thera-band or stretchy rope around their ankles for some extra feedback (resistance)

Watch the fun they have, have a go yourself and you'll hear the giggles! This movement play is max 20 minutes. Who doesn't have 20 minutes to have some intentional fun and bond with their kids in a day? It's achievable and simple and the benefits are endless.