Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Kids Active During Covid-19

The world has come to a standstill due to COVID-19. Millions of people have suffered the wrath of coronavirus in these past eight months. As much as none of us saw it coming, it was known to the world that we were bound to face a catastrophe soon. Who knew it would be because of a virus? With the onset of March, the pandemic has affected all spheres of life and has endangered people of all ages. In the beginning, everyone, out of fear, stayed indoors, and avoided public spaces at all costs. From corporate buildings to playschools, everything was shut down. By the end of September, it seems like people know who to stay protected and safe, and therefore, can take the risk of stepping outside responsibly.

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How are the kids suffering amidst the Coronavirus pandemic?

Social distancing has kept everyone away and aloof from all the daily activities. Everything has come to a halt, from everyday office and regular supermarket trips to monthly visits to the doctor and weekly getaways to the malls. 

Among everything that has suffered, it's the kids (and their parents) who are suffering the most. Of course, the first challenge during the pandemic for children was to stay updated with their study lessons and classes, which, with time, got resolved with the introduction of online classes and activities. A significant challenge is still out there, and it is - keeping children active during the coronavirus pandemic.

How can we keep kids active?

Everyone is stuck inside, and there is no way we can be as socially involved like we all used to be. However, that does not imply that we overlook our kid's health and fitness. Burning calories and staying active is not only essential for adults but also crucial for kids, as they are also prone to life-threatening diseases. COVID-19 is actually a difficult time for them to develop such illnesses as they are hardly active anymore. According to research organizations, this pandemic would lead to an epidemic. As the schools are not reopening anytime soon, and there is no way kids can play outside, it would only lead to childhood obesity.

This is quite a problematic problem for parents as their children are not able to be physical and mentally active. They are 24x7 at home, eating, playing video games, sitting and watching T.V., and sleeping their way through the pandemic. This would not only make them lazy and dull but also lead to an increase in weight and risks of developing diseases like diabetes. Let's take a look at how you, as parents or guardians, can keep your child active during the coronavirus pandemic.

Indoor activities

Watch and follow dance tutorials.

Who says exercise has to be a gym session every time? Make sure you keep it fun and entertaining so that the kid is thoroughly engaged all the way through the end. Choose their favorite songs in the beginning to have them interested in the activity. The internet is filled with dance tutorials and videos. Make it a routine, preferably the entire family, to dance their stress away. This would keep your child happy and fit. 

Assign house chores

If you come to think about it, there are a lot of "calorie-burning" chores right at your home. Small tasks like watering the plants every day, washing their toys, cleaning their room, etc. can be assigned to them. This would make them organized, fit, and responsible. If you live in a two or three-story house, give them chores that would make them climb the stairs multiple times in the day.

Yoga

This is a form of exercise that can be done by everyone. Also, yoga is all the more critical during this time as it includes lots of breathing exercises, which is the need of the hour. It would strengthen your respiratory system. Also, it would keep everyone mentally fit, as well. 

Exercise challenges

Kids are competitive and always game for challenges. Throw them a challenge to do twenty sit-ups or ten push-ups in a row to earn that pancake or waffle. This could be turned into a game even- if you have more than one kid in your house, organize a hula-hoop or a skipping contest to earn extra iPad time, etc.

Make them self-reliant

This activity would help them in the long run. Plan their week in such a week that they are responsible for themselves at some point in the day. Some days, they can make their peanut butter & jelly sandwich or maybe for everyone. Other days they could fold their own clothes and organize their cupboard. 

Read Also: Keeping Kids Safe from Coronavirus

Outdoor Activities (with safety precautions)

Family time in the lawn 

Nothing beats some fresh air and sunshine. Play catch or throw Frisbee and have a great time with your kids on your lawn. Make it a habit to take a quick stroll with your kid or a jog every day.

Adventurous activities

Make sure you take out time for recreational activities as a family. Take the necessary precautions and permission and step out for a hike or a trek.

Grooming and Pruning

Your garden needs a lot of caring and cleaning, especially with the fall approaching. Take your child’s help in digging holes, planting bulbs, watering plants, and pulling weeds plants in the daylight. It is a physical activity for them.

Gameday

Organize a day full of exciting games like a treasure hunt, a three-legged race, hurdle race, a crab walk, hopscotch, water balloon toss, and relay races. Keep prizes and perks ready for the winners.

Gym time

Plan a 60- minute exercise routine three to four times a day, after consulting a child physician or P.E. teacher. Make it fun by having it over a video call with your child's friend.

It is imperative that you keep your child active and stress-free during the pandemic. A sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic could become a habit for life, leading to numerous diseases. Take ideas from the tips mentioned above, and keep your child safe and healthy.