Winter will be here before you know it. For some families, it's an exciting prospect. For others, it's a bummer.
It's no secret that summer seems to be the time of year families seem to have the most fun. Winter can be hard for any person affected by seasonal blues to get through, let alone a whole family.
There are ways to make the transition to winter — and generally more indoor time — with your family a little bit easier on everyone. Here are some ideas to get your family through that time while balancing individual efforts and family togetherness.
Get out your winter wear and see what still fits.
Part practical and part fun, this lets you reminisce on the memories of winters past. Whether it was just a snow day, a vacation, or any other random occurrence, you'd be surprised at how many memories some clothes can bring up.
Brainstorm all the different foods you want to eat throughout winter.
There are so many delicious foods out there that just hit the spot at this time of year. A good meal can also do a lot to turn your mood around. Maybe the cooler weather means more baking for your family, which kids will love to come up with ideas for. Make a list and keep it on hand for when you need meal inspiration or something to do on a quiet day.
Find activities that help you get your energy out when you have to stay inside.
By now, we're all a little sick of indoor activities. Still, it's best for both adults and children to not let the cold-weather months lull them into a sedentary hole. Find creative new ways to get active in the house that respect everyone's rules but still help burn off some of that pent-up energy.
Find some quiet activities that you can do together.
As important as it is to get your energy out, it's also important to take plenty of time to replenish it. Finding some low-energy activities that you can do together or even some low-key things you can do parallel to each other can help make winter days sail a little smoother.
Pick up a winter sport together.
Finding a winter sport the entire family can enjoy together can help put a bright spot in your winter days. If it's an outdoor sport, it can be a great way for kids to get their energy out and stay active during otherwise sluggish months. Plus, they'll sleep soundly at night! Even the least graceful parent can find a sport they can indulge their kid in if they're willing to try.
Get together all your home's coziest items.
Kids will love helping get out fuzzy blankets, flannel bedding, and comfy pillows. Is it a coincidence that those are some of the makings of an amazing pillow fort? That's for you to decide.
Take time away from screens.
The feelings and rules around screen time are complicated and vary among families. That said, finding an amount of time that works for your family to take away from screens can be beneficial in the winter. Just like everything, there's a time and a place.
Explore new activities.
There are some long-winded crafts that are simply too time-consuming to take on at other times of year. Take advantage of winter by taking the time to learn something new and let yourself explore it, either as individuals or as a family. It's not about perfection, but the journey through learning can easily take you into springtime if you find the right activity.
Get the light in where you can.
Getting outside on sunny days, regardless of how much bundling up is required, is worth it for both you and your family's physical and mental health. When the outdoors simply isn't feasible, explore the variety of therapy lamps out there that can make a difference for you and your family.
Find the bright side.
It can be easy to get into a slump in winter, but a key element to keeping your family out of it is developing an attitude of positivity and gratitude. Remembering that as hard as winter can be on some of us, there are so many people out there who struggle more. That's never to say your own feelings aren't valid and you shouldn't make space for them, but sometimes a little perspective on your winter woes can go a long way. In just having each other, we have more than many.
