Why Kids Need to Stay Active During the Holidays

Helping kids stay healthy, balanced, and happy during school breaks

The holiday season is a time kids look forward to — no school, more free time, and plenty of festive excitement. But for many families, holiday breaks also come with a familiar challenge: more screen time and less movement.

When routines disappear, kids often spend longer hours sitting, scrolling, gaming, or watching shows. While some screen time is completely normal, long periods of inactivity can impact kids’ physical health, emotional regulation, sleep, and social development.

That’s why staying active during the holidays isn’t just helpful. It’s essential!

Holiday Break Often Means Less Movement

During school weeks, kids naturally get movement through:

• walking between classes

• recess and PE

• structured routines

Once school is out, those built-in activity moments disappear.

Holiday breaks often lead to:

• More screen time

• Less outdoor play

• Longer sitting periods

As movement becomes harder to fit in, it also becomes more important than ever.

Why Movement Matters for Kids

Regular physical activity plays a critical role in children’s development — especially during extended breaks from school.

Movement helps kids:

• Keep their bodies strong and resilient

• Support focus, attention, and learning

• Boost mood and confidence

• Sleep better and fall asleep more easily

Even short, consistent activity sessions can help regulate kids’ energy levels and improve overall well-being during the busy holiday season.

Movement Helps Regulate Emotions

Holidays are exciting! But they can also be overwhelming.

Changes in routine, family gatherings, travel, and overstimulation can create emotional ups and downs for kids. Physical activity helps regulate the nervous system by releasing built-up stress and excess energy.

Active play helps kids:

• reduce stress and anxiety

• feel calmer and more balanced

• improve emotional regulation

• release tension in healthy ways

Movement isn’t just about fitness. It’s a powerful tool for emotional health, especially during high-stimulus seasons like the holidays.

Kids Need Social Time Too

When school is out, kids lose daily interaction with:

• classmates

• teammates

• teachers

Without regular social engagement, some children may feel isolated or disconnected.

Structured, active programs provide:

• opportunities to make friends

• teamwork and cooperation

• communication and confidence building

• positive peer interaction

Staying socially connected through movement-based activities supports kids’ mental health just as much as physical activity does.

It’s About Balance — Not Zero Screen Time

Screens are part of modern life, and the goal isn’t to eliminate them completely.

The key is balance.

Helpful strategies include:

• short activity breaks between screen sessions

• fun movement games at home

• outdoor play when possible

• structured programs that offer consistency

These small resets help restore focus, regulate energy, and prevent screen fatigue — without creating power struggles around technology.

How Form & Function Winter Kids Camps Support Healthy Balance

At Form & Function, our Winter Kids Camps are designed to support kids during the holiday break by combining movement, social connection, and fun.

Our camps focus on:

• fun fitness games

• teamwork and cooperative play

• creative movement and skill development

• confidence building in a supportive environment

Kids stay active, engaged, and connected — all while having fun and burning off holiday energy in a healthy way.



Ready to keep your child active, connected, and moving this holiday season?
👉 Sign up for our Winter Kids Camps at Form & Function today — spots are limited.