BOREDOM BUSTERS
BIG FUN THAT KEEPS KIDS FIT
“I’m bored!”
kitchen floor. Although it may seem like a simple task, it goes a long way toward keeping your child active as they use their muscles to maintain balance and stability. If you’d rather have your child play in a less slippery environment, encourage them to join you in a game of indoor volleyball, with balloons replacing the traditional ball. By having them try to keep the “ball” in the air, they will work on their reaction time, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
If you’ve ever raised a young child or are currently parenting a little one, you’ve likely heard the above words more than once … especially on rainy days when everyone’s cooped up inside the house. Here are three suggestions for fun indoor activities that will fill your kids’ time while also helping them stay physically and mentally fit.
ENCOURAGE PLAYTIME EXERCISE. When considering ways to keep young kids active at home, it’s best to look for activities that challenge both their minds and bodies. For example, fort building has more benefits than you may realize, as it inspires inventiveness and physical movement simultaneously. Additionally, playing with LEGO toys is a tried-and-true way for them to use their brains when boredom creeps in. SKATE A RINK BY YOUR SINK. This activity requires close adult supervision, but it can be a fun way for your young child to work their abdominal muscles, back, and legs. Have your child use paper plates as “skates” to cruise along a smooth surface, such as your
‘SIMON’ MAKES IT SIMPLE. Of course, not every activity needs to be highly inventive, especially when a classic will suffice. In addition to providing a nice opportunity for interactive gameplay,
Simon Says can do wonders for your child’s mind and muscles. Having them touch their toes, spin around, hop in place with one foot raised off the ground, and engage in other playful tasks will challenge and strengthen their coordination. Additionally, urging them to follow these instructions only when “Simon says” will help them develop greater concentration.
TAKE A BREAK
Korean Ground Beef
INGREDIENTS Sauce •
Stir Fry •
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar-free sweetener
2 tbsp avocado oil
•
• • •
1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced
• •
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Finishing Touches •
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
•
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired). Inspired by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com
916-927-1333 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator