Winter is here, nipping at our noses and making our cheeks red. During this season, we’re often drawn to huddling on the couch under the afghan that Grandma gave us as a Christmas gift. It’s easy to envision ourselves going into a hibernating state instead of moving around.

While it’s easy to follow the temptation to hibernate, numerous studies show that during this season, physical activity should be as much a part of our daily habits as changing our clothes or brushing our teeth. It’s important for children to be active during the winter, as well… both for health reasons, and the simple fact that if a child is allowed to enter into an inactive state for the entire season they will not share in the rewards of physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that movement offers.

What should a parent do to help their children engage in winter activities? Getting off the couch would be the first step. Consider trading huddling under an afghan with bundling under warm clothes. It may be cold outside, but it is important to teach our children that they can play outside, even when it’s cold.

Playing in the snow can be a great adventure for a child. Making snow angels and snow forts during the winter weather are ways children can express their creativity. Even during cold weather, children can enjoy simple outdoor activities like catching snow flakes.

Getting your child involved with winter chores like snow shoveling can entertain them while giving them the feeling that they’re being helpful, and we as parents can always appreciate the help we get in winter snow removal.

While outdoor play is important during the winter, it’s a good idea to make sure that time is set aside everyday for active indoor play. The use of open space that is free of knick knacks is recommended.

Activities such as a mixing bowl parade and indoor tossing games such as “Hot Potato” can provide hours of enjoyment for a child. Creating a maze using pieces of furniture, cardboard box or chairs can keep everyone moving. Digging out those old board games can add to intense physical and mental activity.

Spending time cocooned on the couch can not only make the day long for us as parents, but for our children too. I encourage you to get up and fight these cold winter days by staying active.