To say that these last few days have been strange is a complete understatement. Every time I check the news it seems there is a new procedure or recommendation in place. Things are literally changing by the hour which is why over the last couple days, I’ve avoided telling my kids anything about the coming days because plans we had could very well change. Typically, when I’m at work my son is in school and my daughter is at a sitter so they are entertained. But this week is different for everyone. Some of you may be in the same boat as me, used to working or having your kids in school and now are trying to entertain them without setting them in front of the television or electronic device. So what do we do with the kids when going to public places is not advised?
Here are some ideas I plan to implement over the next couple weeks:
My son’s teacher sent home a full packet of lessons and activities, but due to a change in policy since Friday, they no longer need to complete these; however, I will still be making my son complete his packet since his teacher went through a lot of work putting them all together!
I’ve seen many teacher friends and schools post “e-learning” links and resources on their websites and Facebook pages. Our local library also has a list of resources available online through them. In addition, some of the larger zoos and museums are providing the opportunity to do an e-tour of exhibits. I encourage you to check out the places mentioned above to see what they have to offer.
Some other ideas include:
- Bake cookies. My kids love to help in the kitchen. While it can get a little messy, I believe kids need to know how to cook and bake, plus it can be turned into a math lesson!
- Go camping or have a picnic in your living room.
- Go on a treasure hunt.
- Make paper airplanes and see who can make the best flying one.
- Go on a nature hike in your backyard. This time of year this can be hard, but you can still look for birds, squirrels, bugs, plants that maybe starting to sprout.
- Make play dough or slime
- Have the kids help you clean or organize their closets or drawers (again, a good life skill to have).
- Play “the floor is lava.” My 5 year-old, loves this game!
- Have a spa day. You can do facials, manicures, and pedicures.
- Make cards for a neighbor or family member.
- Make a time capsule. We are literally in the middle of a historic event, what better time to do this.
- Build an indoor obstacle course.
- Play with sidewalk chalk or bubbles outside.
- Make a challenge board. This is another favorite in our house. You can use cardboard or poster board and then put silly dares are challenges on it. In our house we shoot Nerf darts at the board to see what challenge we have to do, but you can throw a ball or use a blind fold to just point at an item.
- Snuggle up on the couch for a movie day.
One of the networks I lead is the Grundy Partnership for Children. Typically, we put out information on healthy child development. Because I know so many reading this are like me, home with young kids and not knowing what to really do with them, I will be using GPC’s Facebook page to push out information on entertaining our kids while still teaching them. You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/GrundyPartnershipForChildren/.
From one parent to another, you got this! Stay safe, stay healthy!