Keeping Kids Active Despite COVID-19 Challenges

Physical activity is a vital part of keeping kids healthy. Over the last few months, parents have seen changes in their children’s daily lives and schedules, including a decline in activities like recess and group sports. However, children 17 years of age and younger need at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Ensuring your child is developing healthy habits is one of the best things parents can do to encourage a healthy lifestyle. With more families spending more time inside, don’t forget to make time to stay active together while following CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some activities to keep your kids and family active include:

• Make up your own family game that involves a unique combination of jumping, sprinting, lunging, squatting and crawling.
• Create an indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt and race your child to finish the tasks.
• Walk, run and hike with your family.
• Dance in the living room to your favorite songs.
• Do household chores and yard work together.
• Play an active video game that involves fun body movement.
• Play games outside like tag or catch.
• Play sports with your family like soccer, basketball, tennis, or badminton.
• Ride your bikes together or skate in your neighborhood.
• Take regular family walks on weekend mornings, after dinner, or any other time you can.
• Take the dog for a walk or jog.
• Get onto the water to go kayaking, boating or sailing.
• Participate in fitness classes held outside that allows for distance between you
  and others.

As we continue navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to set aside some time for these types of activities, not only for your children but also for yourself. As always, don’t forget to practice effective hand washing, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, continue social distancing and wear a mask or face covering when you can’t avoid being around others.

Simultaneously, don’t let the effects of this pandemic make life miserable for you or your family. Stay informed and make thoughtful choices about ways to bring some normalcy back to your life.