Indoor Fun with Twins/Multiples: Get Moving

Does winter weather make you and your multiples feel stir crazy? Or are you lethargic and slow-moving, not wanting to move from your warm spot on the couch? Well, get moving! Being confined to the house during harsh winter weather makes everyone feel a little bit out of sorts. Both parents and kids are denied the opportunity to walk to the park, soak up the sunshine and fresh air, and burn off some energy.

Well, don't be a seasonal sloth -- get moving! There are lots of fun ways to get moving indoors. Here are some ways that you and your twins/multiples can get moving together

Gotta Dance

Dancing is a great way to release some energy and dismiss the winter blues. You can't help but feel better after a dance binge. Your kids might think that you're crazy at first, but when they see how much fun it is, they will join right in. Put on some upbeat music -- even the radio will do if it is the right song. Then let loose and dance for about 15 minutes or so. If you have pre-walking multiples, pick them up (one at a time!) in your arms and swing them around with you as you dance. If your multiples are old enough to stand and dance with you, hold their hands and waltz them around the room.

If you have older twins or multiples that are reticent to join you in your dance fest, invite them to choose the music or to teach you some moves.

Exercise Videos

With the plethora of exercise videos on the market, it doesn't much matter if snow or ice covers the road to the gym. You can still fit in a workout! Even moms with very young multiples can manage a short workout via video. Make the children part of the action. There are several tapes and DVDs that incorporate a baby into the routine (Steppin' Babies and ACOG's Postnatal Exercise Workout are two that are available). There are also videos aimed at children such as Exercise Fun with Buddy Bird and Hip Hop Animal Rock Workout. But with any video workout, you can encourage your kids to try the routine along with you. It won't result in a distraction-free highly effective workout, but you and the kids will have fun and get a little exercise. (For more information on exercies videos, consult Before You Buy An Exercise Videofrom About's Guide to Exercise.

Team Time

One of the nice benefits of having multiples is that you automatically have a crowd! So -- whatever their age -- you have a built-in team for fun indoor games. Yes, for the most part, I discourage roughousing and rowdiness in the house, but sometimes you have to take extreme measures. Gather up the kids and organize an age-appropriate active game: London Bridge; Duck, Duck, Goose; Balloon Badminton; Musical Chairs; Indoor Bowling; Hot Potato; or even, Tag. Younger children can roll a ball back and fort. Play indoor sledding with babies by moving them gently around on a quilt or blanket. Anything that gets you and the kids moving will accomplish your goal: to burn energy and lift your spirits. After fifteen minutes or so, restore a calm tone by organizing a snack or a quiet activity; otherwise your twins may escalate their active behavior and remain rambunctious and out of control.

Ten Second Tidy

Here's an idea that not only gets you up and moving, it also helps you straighten the house. Even toddlers can help participate, as long as they are mobile and can understand their assignment. In our house, we call it a "Ten Second Tidy" -- everyone tackles a room and spends "ten seconds" (that's a relative term; Mom usually extends it to a minute or so, or as long as the kids will go before losing focus.) straightening up. You can provide specific assignments based on the childrens' age and ability level, like "Put away as many clothes off the bed as you can." or "Put away twenty Legos before the time goes off." Make the assignments specific but comfortably challenging, then provide a reward after each short burst of activity. The point is to get the kids -- and yourself -- moving quickly and productively for a small amount of time.

No matter how you motivate yourself to get moving in the winter months, you'll benefit from expending energy. Always create a specific opportunity for the children to wind down after the activity so things don't get out of control.

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