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How Young is Too Young for Social Media?

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My oldest son is almost 10.5 years old. He hasn’t yet asked about social media although he has asked when he can have a cell phone. I tell him that can happen in junior high. As far as my children having their own social media account? I want to wait on that. Facebook wants your kid to be thirteen but I know some parents make accounts for their kids at a younger age.

The big question is when should you let your child, pre-teen or teenager create a social media account on Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?

When I think about my child on social media, I think about what they would use it for. For friends, to connect with us and other family members, to be apart of that world. I am not sure I am ready for that kind of connectivity at the ages my kids are. My kids know about the Internet. They use it at home and at school. They know how to look up information about their favorite video games.

They are not really aware of social media even though they do know that there is a place to share photos with Grandma.

I know for myself I would like to use the guidelines Facebook puts out. No Facebook account until you are 13 years old. But with that will come a lot of moderation and rules. I don’t want them just talking to random people. I would want their friends list to be very small and I would need to have access to it. I wouldn’t want to be a spy but I also want to make sure that my children know I can read it at anytime.

I have some friends with teenagers and it seems to be that Instagram is the place to be these days. Facebook is for “old people.” I am not sure what will be popular when my oldest turns 13 but something about a photo-sharing site being where the kids are seems a little scary to me. It isn’t that I would worry about what they were sharing with their friends, I would worry about the outside world following and tracking them.

As a military family they will always have to be concerned about talking about their father’s job, where is he, if he is home or at training or if he is deployed. They would have to be old enough to know what they are allowed to share and what they are not. At 10 years old, I don’t think my son is ready for that yet. It is possible that some 10 year olds are but I would still caution parents on giving a child that age their own social media account.

When I was 16 my Dad got us the Internet for the first time and I found myself talking to strangers on there. The internet was very new and I don’t think my parents realized the danger in that. I think it is important that when you do allow your child their own social media accounts that they come with the understanding that they will follow a set of rules. Without that they could be put in danger. Even more so if they have a family member in the military.

How Young is Too Young for Social Media?

Does your child have an Instagram account? How do you monitor it?

So when should your child have their own social media account? When you as the parent feel they are ready, when your child truly understands what social media is and when they can agree to your rules about using it. I say 13 or junior high is a good age to start.

What do you think? At what age is it appropriate for a teen to have a social media account? How do you monitor their social media presence?

5 Things That Can Destroy a Military Marriage

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Marriage is work and done with the right attitude it’s fulfilling work.

5 Things That Can Destroy a Military Marriage

How does military life put a strain on your marriage?

Despite all the love you and your spouse have for each other, a marriage still challenges the dynamic between the two of you. It’s only natural to experience conflict, particularly with the one person that you are closest to in your life.

I’ve been taking notes from my parents’ marriage for the longest time– witnessing their good and bad times–and seeing that at the end of every struggle, they find resolution and remember the love they have for each other.

I’ve also witnessed and have firsthand experience with the particular obstacles military marriages encounter.

Sometimes I feel like the military is an unofficial third wheel in my relationship.

Based on what I’ve learned so far, there are certain instances that can strain your relationship, especially with your spouse in the military like:

  1. Never comprising. The military forces us to comprise at times (or another phrase I use is “adjust fire”). We have to adjust fire when we get thrown surprise orders or an unexpected duty. Military spouses need to have a flexible mindset or else, it will be a difficult life. Compromise allows you to find a common ground and can offer a sense of comfort. Make it something you both can stand behind.
  2. Lacking understanding. Understanding is another big factor that should take precedent in a military relationship because the type of compromise you want may be difficult to find. For example, my husband goes out of town for professional development a lot of times and asks that I give him space to study. It’s hard for me to leave him alone because I miss him, but instead of getting upset, I use that opportunity to work on my own personal goals.
  3. Thinking only about yourself. I’ve always been taught that a relationship is a two-way street and to expect as much back as you put forward. If it’s constantly about yourself or even your husband, it doesn’t make it fair to each other. As military spouses, we may have to actually consider our spouses’ career on a high level, but I’ve experienced that even your career can be a two-way street with adding a dash of compromise into the equation. Focusing strictly on one person doesn’t help the relationship as a whole because it could feel belittling to the other party.
  4. Forgetting why you fell in love. Deployments. TDYs. Field exercises. There are several factors that separate us from our loved one. During those times, we go on. We learn to live life in a way that keeps us fulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, my husband’s absence does make me feel crazy. When our spouses’ come back, it’s a whole reintegration period that each person experiences, so be patient and remember why you fell in love!
  5. Resenting the military. I admit that I have moments where I raise my fists in the air and ask “why?!” But, what good does that really do? Nothing. It’s just temporary relief. I can’t constantly harp on the military for everything bad. That isn’t resolving the situation. It’s adding stress and unnecessary tension on your spouses’ choice to join the military.

What obstacles do you think military couples face?

Stay tuned for our follow-up article in April, “5 Things You Can Do to Save Your Military Marriage.”

Frozen Heart? Photos and Quotes to Melt Away Frosty Feelings About Military Life

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Do you ever need a little military life pick-me-up?

Maybe you’re glued to the news about the Homeland Security budget negotiations or you’re frustrated with the proposals to cut military benefits. Your husband’s homecoming is delayed. Again. Your hairdresser is PCSing across country. Your friend asks how your children are  handling the deployment. When you tell her it’s a struggle, she suggests your husband “leave the service so you don’t have to deal with that anymore.”

Sigh.

Despite these real-life struggles, there are many moments to cherish being married to the military. Despite what you see on the national news, there are many happy military couples. Think of that retired service member and his wife who celebrated 40 years and 25 moves. They know their love is rock solid. Think of those newbie spouses who promise to love, honor and cherish and then say goodbye as their husband goes to Korea for a year unaccompanied. Every day apart is building that rock solid marriage. And for everyone in-between, they are using the tools of date nights and frequent communication to keep their spark alive.

Here are some of my favorite images and quotes that illustrate the love between a service member and their supportive spouse. Let it be your military life pick-me-up today, tomorrow or any day that you need it.

Photos and Quotes to Melt Away Frosty Feelings About Military Life

Photo Credit: Kelly Schwark

 Photos and Quotes to Melt Away Frosty Feelings About Military Life

“Why do I do it? Because nights alone aren’t permanent. Because missing him reminds me that I’m lucky to have someone to miss. Because I am not afraid to make sacrifices for true love.”

“It doesn’t get any easier…You just get stronger.”

“I started missing you the moment you said goodbye.”

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”

“Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.”

“I didn’t choose to fall in love with someone in the military. But I choose to love him daily.”

Photos and Quotes to Melt Away Frosty Feelings About Military Life

Photo Credit: Photo Art by Lu

“Love is when he gives you a piece of your soul, that you never knew was missing.”

“Tears last for a moment, but memories are forever.”

“You want to know the best thing about a long-distance relationship? Every kiss is like the first.”

You can’t have homecoming photos without those military brats. Little ones screaming, running and hugging their deployed parent always brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.

Photos and Quotes to Melt Away Frosty Feelings About Military Life

Does your military family have a favorite photo showing your love and sacrifice? Submit your photo to MilitaryShoppers’ monthly photo contest for a chance to win a $50 shopping spree.

How to Work Out Without a Gym Membership

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I recently joined a gym but it was the first time I have been in a place where I could do so. Up until now I have had to find ways to workout from home with my kids around. This was no easy task.

Whether it was because of where we lived, lack of childcare options with a deployed husband or lack of extra funds to pay for a gym membership, I had to figure out ways to do so on my own. I couldn’t rely on going to a gym a few times a week.

How to Work Out Without a Gym Membership

The first thing I did was invest in a few workout videos. I knew I could do these at home and work around my kid’s schedule. I found that once I got into a good habit of watching them I started to see success. There are a lot of different choices on videos and programs you can get for home.

You don’t have to always buy them either. A lot of libraries offer copies and some can even be found on Netflix. You might want to try a few different types of videos before you decide on one that really works for you.

Another way I was able to workout with kids around was by using my stroller. My older two boys are just over 2 years apart so when they were little I used a double stroller. I tried to take them out everyday for at least a half an hour but sometimes a lot longer than that. I found it easy for me to put them in the stroller and go, no matter what was going on. I could do it whether my husband was home or overseas and it didn’t depend on him, which was nice.

I have recently heard about a great program called Stroller Warriors. You can find this program at many different military bases. They host weekday morning runs as well as other physical activities you can take part in. You can always bring your children which is the best part. You don’t have to worry about childcare or what you will do with them when you are working out. Besides group exercise like this is also a great way to make some new friends. Both for you and your children. It is always nice to be able to make mom friends doing something that you enjoy. Stroller Warriors also does a lot of outreach and fundraising which is a great way to give back to your community. You can view a list of their chapters on their website.

How to Work Out Without a Gym Membership

When you first become a mom it can seem very overwhelming to try to balance the needs of your baby with your own needs. After a few weeks, most moms feel like they should get back to a workout schedule but it might be a bit of a challenge to do so.

My best advice would be to see what you have available to you and go from there. Most people have a living room or other area that they can work out in. Come up with a good schedule, find a workout buddy and get back to working out on a regular basis. You will be glad that you did.

What are your cost-saving exercise tips? Share them in the comments section.

9 Low-Cost Date Night Activities to Ignite Your Love

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One of the best pieces of advice my parents gave me when I started my marriage is to not sacrifice date night. They’ve been going out at least once a week for as long as I could remember! Now after 30+ years of marriage and a 20+ year military career, they still enjoy the time spent out exploring something new or visiting a familiar place.

Especially with unexpected separations that military couples endure, it’s important to set aside time dedicated to strengthening your relationship. Date night is a great way to rekindle your love and to continue learning from each other. So, taking my parent’s advice to heart, my husband and I are constantly looking for ways to keep the flame alive.

Another important piece of advice, date night doesn’t have to break the bank. My parents love to utilize dining deals from local restaurants (i.e., 2 for 1 pasta dishes or 2 taco dinners for $20). Check out your local eateries to see if anything like that is possible.

Aside from going out to dinner, I wanted to share with you 9 fun and (possibly) romantic date night activities that are easy on your wallet that my husband and I regularly practice.

  1. Cook dinner together: We’ve found this to be our go-to activity because we love the end result! It’s fun to pick a recipe and work together to create a delicious meal. Yum!9 Low-Cost Date Night Activities to Ignite Your Love
  2. Go to the movies: Check out your installation’s MWR for ticket vouchers and/or movie theaters to see if a movie that you’re interested in watching is playing. My husband and I have seen several movies on-post already and utilize the vouchers given out by our MWR. Also, big theater companies like AMC and Cinemark offer discounted rates for military. Call your nearby movie theater to see if they offer a military discount.
  3. Walk in a park: Early in our relationship, my husband and I took a lot of walks on the trails on and around Fort Drum. It was an opportunity for us to talk and soak in the beautiful sights– for free!
  4. Play a game: One evening my husband and I were completely stumped on what to do. Then, he suggested playing cards. We spent the evening teaching each other the card games we knew. That motivated us to purchase other board games like Scrabble and Monopoly to play on other evenings (they are under $20 on Amazon.com). A little competition doesn’t hurt in a marriage.
  5. Shop at a flea market or thrift store: To be honest, I might enjoy this activity more than my husband, but we both like the idea of finding unique items together. Since we’re still on the lookout for items to fill our home, this is a great way to find a bargain too.
  6. Visit the library: Sharing quiet moments together can also be powerful. Swing by your local library to pick out your next read and if it happens to be close to closing time, head to a coffee shop to continue your reading with a coffee or tea.9 Low-Cost Date Night Activities to Ignite Your Love
  7. Start an ongoing project: It’s going to sound silly when I say this out loud, but my husband and I build with Legos. We strategize and come up with ways to put together different structures. There are so many other things that you and your loved one can do. It can be an art project or maybe a home improvement venture. Whatever it is, it’s a great way for you and your spouse to work as a team.
  8. Learn something new together: This should be anything like going to a museum (which many have discounted military rates) or attend an evening class at a community center. My husband and I enjoy learning from our experiences together.
  9. Buy tickets on special military discount sites: For the nights that you want to splurge a little bit, check out GovX, Veteran Tickets or your local USO for discounted tickets to performances in your area.

What’s your go-to activity for a romantic and easy date night? Share your ideas in the comments section.

20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

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Despite the roller coaster of emotion that comes with being a military spouse, I believe there are many moments that are wonderful and touching. What better time than now to reflect and cherish all those moments that make us proud to be married to the military.

20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

Here are 20 military moments that take our breath away.

  1. Courthouse Weddings20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military
  2. Waiting for their Plane to Land

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Michaela Stuart Photography

  3. Homecoming Kisses

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Michaela Stuart Photography

  4. Homecoming Hugs

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Michaela Stuart Photography

  5. Slow Dancing at Birthday Balls
  6. Tears in Your Eyes During the National Anthem
  7. Watching Your Kids Put their Hands on their Hearts during the National Anthem
  8. Family Group Hugs
  9. Celebrating Promotion Ceremonies
  10. Growing Families

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

  11. Our Babies in Military Gear

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

  12. Exploring the World
  13. Dress Blues

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

  14. Proud Communities

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Michaela Stuart Photography

  15. When Strangers Thank Service Members in Uniform
  16. Conversations between WWII Veterans and Today’s Active Duty Service Members
  17. Crafting the Perfect Care Package for the Right Occasion
  18. Knowing that They Will Receive that Care Package 
  19. Receiving a Special Unexpected Letter
  20. Lastly, that Moment Following the Homecoming Kiss. Keeping them close till the next time duty calls.

    20 Moments to Cherish Being Married to the Military

    Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

Now it’s your turn: What do you love about military life? Tell us in the comments section.

6 Healthy Heart Practices

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As a military wife, I spend a lot of time worrying about my husband. I’m concerned for his safety and well-being when he’s at a FOB. I worry about attacks, but also about tragic accidents that take the lives of service members during training exercises.

At home, I worry about my small children. Are they eating a well-balanced diet? Do they need more physical activity during the day? How much is too much screen time?

But when it comes to my health, I don’t worry. My health, including daily exercise and eating leafy greens, tends to get pushed to the back burner. “I’m fine,” I tell myself. I’ll stop eating fast food and find time for yoga someday. Like I said, my mental back burner.

6 Healthy Heart Practices to Reduce Your Chances of a Heart Attack

Which healthy heart habits do you practice?

Then I read Angie Ricketts’ memoir “No Man’s War: Irreverent Confessions of an Infantry Wife.” This book opens with Ricketts driving herself to the emergency room because she was suffering an out-of-the-blue heart attack. Ricketts wasn’t a smoker, didn’t have a family history of heart problems and ran regularly.

I put down the book and thought to myself, if this Army wife suffered a heart attack, what’s preventing me from having one?

February is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. I always thought it was breast cancer. Turns out I was wrong. I was also wrong when I thought that there was nothing I could do to prevent heart disease. Turns out, those healthy habits I’m pushing on my daughters– I should be pushing on myself.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that researchers determined that three-quarters of heart attacks in young women could be prevented if women closely followed 6 healthy lifestyle practices. Women who adhered to all 6 healthy lifestyle practices had a 92 percent lower risk of heart attack and a 66 percent lower risk of developing a risk factor for heart disease.

Here are the 6 healthy habits to help prevent heart disease.

  1. No smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, now is the time to quit. Tobacco-cessation products are covered under Tricare.
  2. Maintain a normal body mass index. Is your body mass index normal? Or do you need to lose 10 pounds this year? Schedule an appointment with your PCM and ask those questions. Maybe 2015 is the year that you lose the extra weight you’ve been carrying.
  3. Exercise. The study found that a minimum of 2.5 hours of physical activity per week is the workout that your heart needs to keep beating properly. My PCM recommended that I walk at least 30 minutes daily to reduce stress, anxiety and reduce fatigue. When I do it, I always feel energized. When I don’t, I find myself binge watching on Netflix.
  4. Watch 7 or fewer hours of television per week. One hour per day. It’s the same restrictations that I apply to my children. It turns out the same applies to me.
  5. Drink one alcoholic beverage per day. As we know a glass of red wine is good for our hearts. A bottle of red wine, not so much.
  6. Eat a healthy diet. This month, I’m working to incorporate 1 vegetable and 1 fruit into all 3 meals. This means less time in the snack aisle of the commissary and more time selecting fresh produce. Again, it’s something I do for my children. Now I know that these healthy heart habits that I push on my children, I need to push on myself.

What is one healthy heart habit you can start this month?

5 Things Not to Do if You Want to Lose Weight

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I was overweight.

During a doctor’s visit years ago, I stepped onto a scale to discover shocking numbers. It was my first time seeing my then doctor, so after we recorded my vital signs we talked about my health and goals. She was trying to be kind, but when you tell someone that they’re overweight, it’s not something to take lightly.

I was a very active child and enjoyed sports and different outdoor activities. I would say my struggle really started after high school and left home. My weight would fluctuate a lot, but I noticed my clothing size get bigger and bigger. Honestly, I must have been in denial and dismissed everything entirely.

6 Tips to Lose Weight and Feel Healthy

That doctor’s visit gave me the push I needed because someone was brave enough to tell me the truth. My health habits haven’t been the best.

I left the office determined to be healthy and took it on myself to change my lifestyle. Finally, I had the means and drive to map out a plan.

Here are my 5 major “don’t’s” that helped me lose 60 pounds in 2 years:

  1. Don’t weigh yourself. I know I probably sound nuts, but I didn’t weigh myself once in the two years I lost weight. Well, besides the two times I visited my doctor for an annual visit and that’s when I actually learned how much weight I lost. My goal wasn’t to lose weight…it was to be and FEEL healthy. At least for myself, if I start fixating on a number, I might drive myself crazy. So, losing weight is the result of being healthy, I quickly found that out.
  2. Don’t stay inside. I would say this is the most important step I took in my journey. Instead of going straight home after work, I would go to the gym four days out of the week for 30 minutes. I utilized a New Year’s discounted gym membership plan, but there are lots of different ways to make the gym affordable for you. I also used groupon, livingsocial and lifebooker deals on cardio dance classes to add variety to my workouts. Check out your installation’s gym facility, they might even have that available like mine does here at Fort Belvoir. If you live near or on an installation, there are also gym facilities that you can use for free. The elliptical was my go-to machine and I would listen to my favorite music to pump me up. It really was hard for me not to go straight home after ten hours of working and commuting every day. No excuses became my motto.
  3. Don’t diet. I would never stop eating the foods I loved. Are you kidding me? My favorite dessert is cake and I don’t think punishment is the way to go. Instead, reward yourself after a good workout. Motivate and encourage yourself that at the end of an hour of Zumba, there is a delicious cupcake waiting for you. It doesn’t go without saying though that I changed my eating habits overall. I made sure I stopped eating when I was full and actually stopped drinking soda regularly. Water became me source of hydration and it made me feel better, so I naturally stopped craving soda. Eat what makes you happy, but be mindful of moderation and nutrition. I never counted calories either, only practice recipes that were “more healthy.”
  4. Don’t expect a change overnight. It really took a lot of self motivating to get through each year, but a lifestyle change doesn’t come quickly. That’s why I never did so well with dieting because if I did, I would see immediate results, but then, it would be twice as easy to gain it all back and then some. I had to constantly keep telling myself that as long as I maintain my goals, it will pay off eventually.
  5. Don’t do this alone. It’s a rough journey and having a good support system is key. Before my husband came along, my roommates and friends helped keep me on track and went to workouts with me. There were still there even after my husband and when he’s away! I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without them all. Now, my husband and I keep active by hiking, biking and going to the gym together. We keep each other in check and I’m happy to say enjoy exploring new places, while working out.6 Tips to Lose Weight and Feel Healthy

After lots of practice, it starts to become second nature. I’ve maintained my weight and activity level for two years after I lost it. Remember the goal is to be and feel healthy!

5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Care Package Ideas

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Ideas for Valentine's Day Care PackagesValentine’s Day is quickly approaching and if your love is deployed, sending a care package ahead of time will help them celebrate the day no matter where they are serving. Romantic holidays such as this can be a very emotional time and planning a sweet surprise can help turn the day into something special. Sending a well thought out care package is a fantastic way to let your service member know that they mean the world to you. Here are 5 ideas for sweet Valentine’s Day care packages.

Sweet Beginnings

Pictures and mementos from when you first met are always a great way to bring a smile to your loved one. Start this Valentine’s Day care package by decorating the box. You can make it quick and easy by just drawing hearts and xoxo’s or make it an elaborately decorated box with scrapbook paper, stickers and more.

Add sentimental items that will draw emotion such as a small stuffed animal your service member won for you at the fair, ticket stubs to a concert he/she surprised you with or something you kept from your first date.

Then add a sweet card followed by some actual sweets. Sweet tarts, chocolates (if you aren’t sending this care package to a hot climate), brownies and cookies are a few ideas.Ideas for Valentine's Day Care Packages

Never Ending Love

This care package would be ideal for a romantic person. Decorate the inside of the box and fill it with hearts. Add in romantic movies such as Love Actually, Sleepless in Seattle and Gone with the Wind. The Never Ending Story, while not romantic, goes with the theme and they might need a light-hearted classic after all. Write a love letter, a real love letter letting your significant other know your true emotions. Write about how you felt the first time they said “I love you” or when you knew you were in love. Put in a picture of the two of you from a romantic moment, maybe when they proposed or just watching the sunset together. Finish the box with sweets for him/her to snack on while reading your letter or watching a romantic movie. This could include Hershey Kisses (if you aren’t sending this to a very hot climate), Cherry Lovers Hearts, candy sweetheart roses, strawberry and cherry gummy hearts and sweet conversation hearts. You might even include a travel size Kleenex packet.

Ideas for Valentine's Day Care Package

Hot & Spicy

For the wild, hot and spicy couple this box is for you. Fill the box with spicy candy such as Red Hots, Fireballs, Big Red gum, cinnamon hearts and spiced tea. Check what customs allows for food to be sent and if it’s allowed, include a jar of hot peppers. You can put in a few heat wraps for sore muscles as a nice gesture. Decorate the box with chili peppers, zebra stripes or flaming hearts. Add a few hot pictures of yourself, nothing X-rated mind you. Make your own card with some of the same decorations and write about some of the wild nights you’ve shared together and the ones you’re looking forward to having after the homecoming.

Ideas for Valentine's Day Care PackagesYou Complete Me

This is a great Valentine’s Day care package for young love or young at heart. Include a few puzzles. You can create personalized puzzles with your own pictures on Shutterfly. Send ping pong paddles and balls with a note attached that says “You are the ping to my pong.” A few boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese with a note saying “You are the cheese to my mac” is also cute and funny, not to mention delicious. Movies are always welcome gifts and you can choose your favorite and add a note saying “You are the Harry to my Sally,” or the main characters in your favorite romantic movie. Make sure you put in a letter saying how you both complement each other. Fill the rest of the box with sweet treats that you can’t have just one of such as: Twix, KitKats, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, jelly beans and gummy bears.

Love in Photos

With the ability to take digital pictures and instantly post them to social media or send them directly to anyone, physical pictures have become scarce. There’s just nothing like having a physical picture to hold however. Go through old photos and new ones and have them printed. This could include pictures from when you first met, your wedding or special occasion, the birth of your child and family vacations. Decorate the box with photos of just the two of you at significant times in your life. Put in a few scrapbooks and make them as simple or elaborate as you want. Add a few personalized sweet treats to complete the care package. Did  you know you can put your own picture on M&M’s? You can also put a picture on candy tins and add your own sweet treats.

These are just a few ideas for Valentine’s Day care packages. What have you sent to your loved one in the past?

7 Indoor Activities to Wear Out Your Active Dog This Winter

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Poor Fido. It’s freezing outside. This time of year it seems like the entire nation is under Jack Frost’s finger. The bitter wind. The dropping temperatures. The snow and ice. During the entire month of January, I prefer to sit at home, cuddled under a blanket drinking tea and reading a book. I don’t go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.

Unfortunately for the active dogs in our families, the sedentary nature of winter doesn’t comply with most dogs’ must-be-outside-and-run desires.  Depending on the breed and the age, they need to burn off energy every day. Canine experts agree that pent-up energy can lead to destructive or nervous behaviors from our pets. Ideally we would take our dogs out for a walk for at least 20 minutes every day, even during the winter months. But with below freezing temperatures, you need to consider your pet’s safety and may need to reduce their outside time this month. Here are 7 ideas to keep your dog active inside when it’s too cold to play outside.

7 Indoor Activities to Wear Out Your Active Dog This Winter

Some days it is simply too cold to go outside and play. How do you keep your dog active when it’s stuck inside during the winter?

7 Indoor Activities to Wear Out Your Active Dog This Winter

  1. Build an Inside Obstacle Course. Dogs need to run or at least move quickly for a few minutes every day. Without buying special equipment, you can use household items to challenge your dog’s agility. Have your dog jump over a broom stick and run up and down the stairs. Drape a blanket over a set of chairs to make a “tunnel” for your dog to crawl through. Feel free to test out different challenges. Don’t make the obstacle course impossible for your dog, but you also don’t want it to be too easy. The key is for them to release energy and have fun. Always end the obstacle course on a positive note.
  2. Play Tug-O-War. For the well trained dog, good old fashioned tug-o-war can be a simple way to play together in the living room. I know my brother-in-law does this nightly with his Boxer while watching television.
  3. Schedule Puppy Play Dates. Saturday snowstorm? Invite a neighbor to come over with her dog. The stimulus of another dog (as long as you know that they will play well together) can be another way to release energy without a lot of physical activity. As an added bonus, you get to catch up on the neighborhood gossip over a mug of hot chocolate.
  4. Challenge Them with Puzzle Feeders. The Dane Dame has a wonderful post on ideas for inexpensive DIY puzzle feeders. This moderate level puzzle feeder uses tennis balls, a muffin tin and dog treats.
  5. Invite Children into Your Home. You know your dog best. If you don’t have children, but your dog is well behaved around little ones and enjoys their constant squeals, invite a neighbor and her 4-year-old over to play. After this play date, I guarantee your dog and her preschooler will both need a long winter’s nap. It’s also a good opportunity to teach children how to behave around other people’s pets.
  6. Play Sniff and Find.  This exercise is more mental than physical, but still your dog and her nose will love it. Instead of simply giving your dog a treat, hide their favorite treat under 1 of 3 containers. Don’t let your dog see you do this. Shuffle the containers around and then call your dog. Encourage your puppy to find it. Once they find it, they get to eat their prize– the treat! Once your dog gets the hang of this game, you can play the hide and seek game anywhere in the house. (Again, the stairs are your friend this January. Hide the treat upstairs while your dog is downstairs.) Just give the command “find it” to let your dog know when they can begin their search.
  7. Try Indoor Fetch. Intense indoor fetch with a tennis ball is the easiest way to burn off some energy with your dog. Try different types of balls to keep this activity interesting for your dog.

How do you keep your dog active on cold days?