Keeping your Kids Busy during Winter Break

CLEVELAND – If your little ones are going to be home for holiday break, you’re sure to hear them say “I’m bored!” at least a couple of times, if not more!

So, what are some healthy ways to help keep them entertained?

“I think cooking is a great activity. This time of year people make cookies, they make special dishes. I think it’s just a fun activity that families can do together and you can even sneak in a little math without even talking about it by doing the measurements and letting your child help with that,” said Gina Robinson, MD, pediatrician for Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

Dr. Robinson said some other ideas could include making an advent activities box, taking your child to the library to check out a book or going for a walk outside.

Speaking of the outdoors, there is plenty to do if you live in an area where it snows.

For example, you could go skiing, snowboarding or sledding. Ice skating is another option.

And not every activity has to cost money. Many communities offer free events for children.

You could also plan family events, like watching a movie together.

Dr. Robinson does suggest limiting screen time.

“I have parents in my office on their phones just as often as I do the teens, so I think it’s something we can all work on,” she said. “And if parents are home, it’s a great time for them to get off their screens if they don’t have to work or they can take a break from work and do something and have some family time together.”

Dr. Robinson said it’s important to make sure your child still has some structure in their day too, like having a regular sleep schedule. That way the transition back to school won’t be as hard for them.