COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives. Some of you have lost jobs and now struggle with financial security. Others work from home juggling the competing demands of your job and your essential role as mom. 

Whichever of these is your truth, here’s some great news to help you help your children become strong, coordinated, and confident during these difficult days— and they’re free. Any bargain hunters out there?

Many moms, including me, buy lots of trinkets for their children and most of us think more stuff is better. Marketing saturates our lives and we’re bombarded by the message, “your child needs this or that to be successful.” Research hasn’t proven these claims true. In fact, most children need fewer toys. And, here’s where you and your children win. The games I’m suggesting are timeless and cost nothing. Plus, children love them.

Today’s children are often sedentary, spending hours slouched on the couch, in front of screens, mesmerized by the bright colors, catchy tunes, and constantly moving images. Science has proven they are also increasingly anxious, overweight, and weak and at greater risk for developing an early onset of diseases often associated with old age, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. No mom wants that, right? So, let’s get back to basics, shall we?

To help you get those children to a good place in their development—both physically and emotionally—here are 3 retro games to get them off the couch and active:

• Chase is a game that young children naturally begin to play when they first learn to run. Toddlers learn to run (looks like a fast walk at first) around the age of 21 months. So, this is a great game to begin by two years of age. If you have more than one child, encourage them to chase each other. Yes, outside is preferable and more tolerable. Allow them to run and play until their mood improves and they are tired. One doesn’t improve strength, coordination, or physical endurance without pushing the limits. So, let them push their limits.
• Tag is a naturally-occurring offshoot of the game of chase. Tag, you’re it. The child who’s it chases to tag a new leader. Children squeal with delight as they race away from the tagger. This game can go on a long time and I encourage you to allow it to continue if you can. Let them wear themselves out and end up in a pile of tears or giggles. That way you know they’re ready to move to something quieter, like reading.
• Freeze is another wonderful game for young children. The leader has the other children run around. At some point, the leader yells, “Freeze!” Everyone remains “frozen” until told to “unfreeze” and resume running. For younger children, you can use the words, “stop” and “go”. Children adore this game. Plus, it’s great in helping them learn to keep their bodies still.

Each of these three games builds overall strength, agility, coordination, and endurance which will help them become playground champions and leaders. And everyone knows leaders are the ones most likely to be successful in life. That’s your ultimate dream for them, right?

Yes, I know they’ll grumble when you tell them to store the tablet or turn the TV off. But, stand your ground, mom. You know best.

Children need to move and they have inexhaustible levels of energy. It’s healthy for them to enjoy simple games, such as the three discussed, to get the wiggles out in a natural way that requires no money and no trip to the store.

And, in today’s world of social distancing and isolation, this is a great idea for my moms who are stuck at home and counting pennies. Or, those whose kids are simply driving them crazy. It goes without saying, always supervise so the slower or weaker children have a chance and don’t get bullied. 

Stay safe and sane this week and, as always, contact me if you have questions.

Is your child’s development on track?  FREE checklist.

What are some other simple games your children love?

(Photo credit: Adobe Stock)