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Written by Early Childhood Development
Have you noticed the children seem more active when they have to be inside? Tempers are shorter and children squabble. Space seems to be less and they are under your feet more. Have you noticed that if there is nothing happening children can be counted on to make something happen?
Children are active and interactive in their environment. Even in bad weather children have the same need to be active and on the go. Sitting for long times in a car seat, in front of television or being kept quiet because you are all inside just ensures a hyped up time sooner or later.
Being active is good for all of us. Our bodies function better after activity, we think more clearly and are less fatigued. The enjoyment of activity gives emotional as well as physical satisfaction. Muscles need activity to grow and develop. Physical activity helps coordination of legs and arms that are getting longer and stronger. Allowing the child to experience being in, on, under, near, fast, slow, in charge of, and most of all, being physically and mentally competent.
How can we provide for children’s activity on those wet days? After a burst of activity, children are likely to settle to quieter activity so some physical activity early in the day, followed by a quiet time, followed by another busy time will help. Put on the gumboots and stomp through the puddles to the shop rather than getting the car out because it is wet. If there are two children it is a good idea to share, with one person taking the older children outside.
Having a place in the house where some rough and tumble can happen is a must. Large cushions in the hall, covers to go over a table or some chairs. Large cardboard boxes that can be thrown away when they are destroyed provide chances for children to shape their own environment. Wine boxes covered in contact make very strong safe blocks. Use soft balls, knitted or made of foam rubber, for throwing at a target or for ball games. A favourite music tape with a variety of sounds will encourage dancing, jumping, imaginative actions or quietening down. Try some of these and you will have more peaceful wet weather times.
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