Moving Their Bodies, Moving Their Minds

My son really wants to work out. He talks about getting stronger and losing weight, but I can tell the idea of a “workout” feels boring to him - especially since we don’t have a gym at home.

So, I started looking at it differently.
Instead of weights and routines, I focus on movement that feels fun. After school, I’ll plan playdates at the park with a couple of friends. They’ll run for over an hour - laughing, playing tag, floor is lava, and racing from one end of the playground to the other.

By the time we leave, they’re out of breath and smiling. I’ll tell them, “That was your workout. You did it. Mission complete.” And they light up - because they realize working out doesn’t have to feel like work.

Then winter hits.
And that’s when it gets hard. The cold sets in, the days are shorter, and we can’t stop at the park after school. I notice we all feel a little heavier, a little quieter. So we find new ways to move together.

That’s when we get creative:

• Try indoor sports like basketball or soccer.

• Pick up new hobbies - jujitsu, ice skating, sewing, or learning an instrument.

• Visit local spots - the children’s museum, the library for crafts, or indoor play centers.

There are so many ways to move both body and mind. We may love our park days, but it’s in those quiet, cozy months that we often find the most unique hobbies - the ones that calm and center us in ways we didn’t expect.

Because movement isn’t just about fitness. It’s about connection, confidence, and showing our kids that there’s strength in every season.