Don't let the winter weather chill your spirits. Marneta Viegas, founder of Relax Kids, shares her top tips on how to keep the whole family happy and entertained

• Good mood food
  Try and cut down on sugary snacks that meddle with the blood sugar and can affect mood patterns. Bananas are a great mood enhancer and can give your child lots of mental energy. They contain serotonin, a mood lifting substance, and Dopamine, which can help maintain an emotional balance. A wholesome fresh vegetable soup, packed with vitamins and fibre, will bring winter cheer to your family table. Boost your energy with food.
• Snuggle up
  There is nothing better on a winter's day, than snuggling up and having a cuddle. Lots of hugs and cuddles will remind your child that he or she is loved. Just feeling loved and safe can improve a child's behaviour. Try some gentle massage strokes on your child's back, forehead or arms. Better still, see if they will give you a massage back!
• Water everywhere!
  It might be rainy outside, but it's important to watch your own water intake. You might remember to drink plenty of water in hot weather, but it's easily forgotten in winter. Keep a jug of water in the fridge as people prefer cool drinks. Water will help flush out toxins and helps the nervous system work better, so improving your child's mood and brain power.
• Outdoor fun
  When the weather's dull, the last thing you feel like doing is taking the children outside. But taking the kids out to have fun and exercise in the open air will boost their energy. Running and jumping in puddles will increase their heart rate and give them a 'feel great' factor!
• Lets dance
  Music is a great mood enhancer. Pop on some fun and lively music and get the family dancing in the living room. You'll feel so much better after a good dance than you would after watching television or playing computer games.

• Stay light
  We can often feel low in winter, as we are taking in less sunlight, and many adults and some children are affected by Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD). Even though the sun may not be streaming through your windows, it's important to make sure the children get enough natural daylight, so make sure you get out everyday.
• Laugh
  Make sure your family has lots of laughs together. Children are great at this. Children love making up jokes or you could dig out an old joke book or swap jokes on our message board. You could have family stand-up nights where each member entertains the rest of the family. Or rent a fun family favourite DVD. Swap jokes on iVillage's Mums of Children Aged 5-12 message board.
• Do a good deed
  There is nothing better than doing something good for someone else. It would be a treat for the whole family to work together and do something lovely for someone that needs it. Watch everyone's mood change as you see the happy face of the recipient.
• Smiley faces
  If you do nothing else on this list, but smile, you will be on your way to beating the winter blues. Ask your family to try to smile but have really sad thoughts. Try and make a really sad face while having happy thoughts. It is amazing that it is practically impossible. The more we smile, the better we will feel about ourselves.

Relax Kids is a series of relaxation classes for kids designed to build their self-esteem and also help them learn how to relax by using their imagination through play. www.relaxkids.com.

Share your tips for keeping the kids entertained over winter on iVillage's Mums of Children Aged 5-12 message board.