It’s winter — and that means your kids are probably staying indoors more often. They also might be enjoying their holiday break from school, whether they’re attending virtually or in-person. It’s essential to keep children’s minds occupied so they don’t spend too much time using electronics.
There are endless activities you can use to engage their brains. Take a look at various tricks to try this winter.
Start Journaling Together
Journaling is an effective way to boost your memory. If you keep a record of your thoughts, you can improve how well you recall past events and become more creative. You can even see mental health benefits when you journal consistently.
Encourage your kids to log a daily journal entry. Be sure to participate alongside them so they’re inspired to stick with it. As a result, they should experience a more positive attitude and outlook. Learning how to express themselves effectively is a vital life skill children should have.
Play More Board Games
A board game can be an excellent strategy for brain development. If your kids spend a lot of time using electronics, you should introduce family game nights. These activities can teach your kids invaluable skills and lessons from a young age. What’s more engaging for the brain than a challenging game of Clue?
Try rotating through different kid-friendly board games each week. You might find that your children enjoy them more than using their tablets or phones. You can also try card games like Uno or word games like Scrabble.
Read One Book Per Week
You should never underestimate the power of a good book. Keeping up with frequent reading even when your kids are on winter break is an effective way to engage their minds. Reading also boosts abstract thinking abilities, so it’s a win-win.
This opportunity can also be a way to explore new genres and authors. There’s never harm in trying different things. Therefore, you should make an effort to read all types of books during winter break. Go beyond their school assignments to create a beneficial learning experience.
Do a Family Puzzle
The occasional puzzle can positively impact the brain. It takes concentration, analysis and logic to solve anything from a jigsaw to a crossword. Introducing your children to related activities can help them develop skills that exercise their minds.
If you have younger kids, you should start with something designed for their age groups. A larger jigsaw puzzle can be a great goal to accomplish as a family. You’ll be able to work together to see the activity through to the end.
Choose Something to Paint
Painting is another activity your kids can do to support their brain health. This experience takes great skill, as you’re effectively using your mind to recreate something from the past or present. Analyzing that art afterward impacts the decision-making process in a positive way.
Don’t put pressure on yourselves to create masterpieces. Instead, you should focus on making whatever you want. If you need guidance, you can choose a collective theme, like an outdoor winter landscape. Then, you’ll be able to display your artwork throughout your house.
Explore Languages and Cultures
Becoming bilingual isn’t easy. That said, it’s a valuable skill. The brain has to use different abilities to conceptualize one language — let alone multiple. Therefore, you and your kids can boost your brainpower by venturing into language lessons.
If you don’t want to commit to learning a language, you can always incorporate culture into your lives in other ways. Try watching foreign films with your family. You can even take a trip to a cultural district in your city. In any case, you’ll keep your brains engaged as a result.
Discover New Musical Artists
Music has tremendous effects on the brain. You and your kids will enjoy various advantages when you dive into the world of music, as it impacts each part of the brain in a meaningful way. These perks include everything from improving your thinking skills to helping you manage emotions.
Use this winter to explore new genres you’ve never listened to before. Try playing more classical music if you’re used to hearing pop, for example. Expanding your horizons is a fantastic way to keep everyone’s brains active.
If your kids play musical instruments, you should encourage them to tackle new music. Look for free sheet music online that you can print. They can experiment with different sounds and styles, and you could even have a family concert.
Use These Ideas to Keep Your Children’s Brains Active This Winter
You can never do too many brain activities. From reading to painting, you and your kids can enjoy hours of experiences that are both fun and beneficial. Use these suggestions to fill your winter with learning experiences and unforgettable memories.
