5 Tips For Keeping Your Children Active And Healthy During The COVID-19 Pandemic

how to keep children active healthy kids during pandemic

Since the start of the year, the coronavirus pandemic has spread across the world and the United States, changing how we live our day to day lives. With schools closing and children having to stay at home, many families have struggled to keep their kids entertained during these unprecedented times.

With the summer vacation now in full swing, you may be left pondering how to keep your children occupied. To help, here are 5 useful tips that will ensure your kids stay happy and healthy throughout the pandemic and beyond. 

Encourage Outdoor Play 

Getting outdoors and encouraging your children to play outside can do wonders for their mental and physical health. While pandemic restrictions are starting to lift, many parents are still anxious to have their kids play with others, so you may prefer to limit outdoor play to your backyard, helping to create a safe environment for your children. If you live close to a park, there are tons of outdoor sports that your kids can partake in, such as soccer, baseball and softball. 

Limit Screen Time 

For many parents, social media can be both a blessing and a curse. If your children use platforms like Facebook and Instagram, it’s important that they don’t spend all their vacation behind a screen. While televisions and smartphones may act as a distraction when you need to get on with things, your children won’t gain any health benefits, so make sure that you establish boundaries and limit screen times. Doing so can help improve your child’s sleep, concentration and reduce eyestrain. 

Get Creative 

With a lot more time on your hands, thinking outside the box and getting creative with games and activities will help keep your children active and occupied during these unsettling times. Your imagination can run free, so thinking of fun games that keep things interesting will reduce the risk of your child throwing a tantrum. Many children love being independent, so whether you do an arts and crafts session, or a jigsaw, give your child some responsibility and an opportunity to think on their own two feet. 

Join In 

If you have one child or your children are constantly fighting, joining in on the fun and being involved in activities can provide enormous health benefits for you too. Regular exercise is important for all ages, helping to lower blood pressure, stay positive, and increase energy levels. 

There are also virtual physical activity programs that your child can participate in from home, which can help keep them active and healthy. 

Be There For Support 

Your child’s mental health is just as important, so if you have noticed any changes in their behavior, make sure that you’re on hand to provide constant love, support and reassurance. Your child may feel reluctant to open up at first, so it’s your job as a parent to let them know that you’re there for them during the pandemic and beyond. 

As a parent, it’s only natural that your children are your number one priority. Depending on the age of your children, they may not be able to process what is going on, so keeping everything as normal as can be is crucial for their health and development. All the tips listed above will ensure that your child’s mental and physical health are not compromised during the pandemic.