Preparing Kids for Winter

Winter is on its way to the Costa del Sol, and while that doesn’t bring on visions of freezing temperatures, ice, or snow like it would to other parts of the world, we still have our share of cold and rainy days that are in stark contrast to the bright sun-filled days that we have been enjoying over the past months.

Kids, especially in the stress and excitement of back to school routines, are more vulnerable to this change in seasons which can affect them both physically and emotionally. Here are some ways you can make sure your kids are feeling their absolute best this time of year:

Get plenty of exercise:

Exercise is a great way to burn off extra after school energy as well as being a boost to their physical as well as mental health. Experts agree that at least one hour of free play outdoors every day is recommended, even on cold or rainy days -just be sure to dress for the weather! If you can’t make it outside, kids can get their much-needed exercise through fun indoor activities such as dance parties, home made obstacle courses, or scavenger hunts. Remember, adults need their exercise, too, so feel free to join in on the fun!

Staying Mental Stimulated

Keeping active is important for a kid’s body, but finding ways to stay stimulated mentally is important for their brains. Challenge your kids to brain teasers or jokes, encourage them to get creative with fun arts and crafts, help them find and participate in a club or social programme, volunteer to help those less fortunate, or play board games as a family to build brain muscle!

Eating Right

The right food can help keep kids happy and healthy from the inside out! Of course, special treats are also acceptable once in a while, but keeping kids’ meals and snacks full of what their bodies need to grow and thrive will only do them good. Not sure what a child’s body needs? Here’s a handy guide:

  • The Food Pyramid: Make sure your kids are eating a balanced diet by providing them with 2-3 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of vegetables, 6-11 servings of grains, 2 servings of protein, and 2-3 servings of dairy each day.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: You will also want to make sure the foods you offer are rich in the vitamins and minerals kids’ bodies need most but may not be able to fully produce naturally until older: Calcium, fiber, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, and iron.

Stay on Top of Their Mental Health

Winter blues are a real thing and it can affect kids as well as adults. Stay on top of it by checking in regularly to make sure your kids don’t feel overly anxious or stressed, especially this time of year and in the wake of Covid-19. Getting plenty of exercise and eating right are great at combatting this, as is keeping to routines as much as possible, giving kids ample time for play, and getting the right amount of sleep for their age and their needs.

Combatting Winter Colds and Flus

It’s almost guaranteed that every kid will get at least one bout of the common cold or flu this season. You can keep them at bay and speed up recovery time though, by continuing to encourage your kids to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, coughing and sneezing into their elbow or a tissue, and keeping them home from school when they are ill.

Mundo Manía is currently closed, but we hope to be open again soon. As the leading kids play and party centre in Estepona, we are dedicated to bringing you the best indoor and outdoor kids’ play facilities as well as kids’ activities and events. We look forward to when we can open our doors again and see your smiling faces! Follow us on social media for regular updates.