It’s official here in Ontario! Schools will be closed for 2 weeks after March break due to a Coronavirus pandemic. As a parent, I secretly felt relieved about the decision to shut schools temporarily. But I know this will have a huge effect on my work and daily routine. Even though I work from home, I need the time to focus on writing, planning content, editing, and publishing. And I have clients who rely on me to push their marketing out. So regardless of what moms do during the day, we will feel the disruption.
It’s not a vacation
My girlfriends and I started chatting and exchanging messages wondering what to do with the kids over the next 3 weeks. The thing is, unlike usual school breaks, holidays and summer vacations, the closure is designed to minimize public exposure in an attempt to impede the spread of the COVID19 or Coronovirus. As loving moms and responsible citizens, we have to suck it in and accept the fact that kids will have to be INSIDE the house for 3 weeks. We might not be able to take them to museums, playgrounds, camps, etc. There’s also the possibility that their usual after-school programs might be suspended. So what should we do?
It’s time to get creative
Last night I went on a mission to pull together some creative ideas that will:
- Keep children active.
- Minimize screen time (the biggest culprit).
- Learn something new.
- Help minimize stress and mental breakdown.
The most important thing to maintain some normalcy is creating a healthy daily routine to give us moms the time we need to work from home, and keep the kids mentally stimulated and physically active.
Create a work schedule
This work schedule is for everyone in the house and is the first step we should establish. The schedule will define a daily routine of what they should do. It outlines the list of
- Must-do: such as homework and spending time doing revision exercises.
- Chores: cleaning their rooms, washing dishes and taking the garbage out.
- Sports: working out and staying active.
- Arts: dancing, painting, and drawing.
Spring cleaning
Well, speaking of Spring, why not play a “spring cleaning” game? Make a fun game out of cleaning their own closets each day. For example, today we will pull all our socks and find out who has the biggest pile of small socks and socks with holes. Ask them to sort out the socks and voila! Mission accomplished ladies. Tomorrow, we will pull out all T-shirts and play dress up.
Teach them something new
There are so many things the kids can learn at home like cooking, gardening, photography and even HTML coding. These are original skills they don’t get a chance to learn every day. Check out these easy to read skills books for kids.
Prayer and meditation
Whether you believe in God or not, meditation and prayers give a sense of comfort and tranquility for the mind and body. These are tough times and there’s so much anxiety and stress even children can feel and experience. This chaotic period is affecting our mental health and it’s good to spend quite half-an-hour a day to practice relaxation and realignment of body and mind.
Connect with nature
We might hesitate to take them to playgrounds, but that doesn’t mean they can’t go out and enjoy nature. Walk or drive to a nearby forest to explore the beauty of spring. Let them look at the trees and ground to observe the budding leaves and listen to the sound of melting snow.
Explore the universe
Kids are already asking questions about the meaning of COVID19, Coronavirus and viral pandemic. It’s the best time to help them learn and explore the mysteries of this universe. Why not encourage them to explore the moon (telescope), understand microbes (microscopes) and discover new interesting places on a world map.
Toys, games, and books to keep kids busy during school closure due to Coronavirus COVID19
This list was approved by my 10-year-old child!
World Map
Time to discover new countries, learn world capitals, flags, and explore cultures.
Jumping Ropes
A cheap and effective tool to keep them active indoors.
Board Games (Monopoly)
Hours and hours of competitive play with the kids. As well as, it helps them to learn the value of money and the importance of investment.
Yoga Dice
A great way to teach kids yoga with thousands of possibilities.
Lunar Telescope
They get to see the craters of the moon and probably the big asteroid that will pass Earth!
Punching Bag
A fun and unique way to release their energy and frustration.
Cookbook
This best-selling book is full of recipe ideas for kids. Something unique to keep them busy and productive so you don’t have to cook (wishful thinking)
HTML coding for kids
I thought this would appeal to many children because it teaches them to create their own digital game/s. Such a cool idea to teach HTML coding.
Pool game
The good old billiard game that brings everyone together for a fun competitive time.
Learn photography
Photography is a wonderful skill that is in demand. Plus, kids love to take photos so why not help them learn simple tricks to improve their photography skills.
The science of microbes
They will be so curious to learn about diseases, viruses, and bacteria now more so than ever. The best thing about it is they can collect samples from the backyard and put them under the microscope to explore.
Lego
Big lego sets will keep the kids occupied for DAYS! They will want to finish building a set just so they can play with it. This one is my son’s favourite lego toy.
Puzzles
Constructing a 3D puzzle is an amazing way to pass time. It took me 2 weeks to finish a 3D of Paris puzzle and it was a great learning experience.
Laughter is the best medicine
Spreading joy and laughter are a good way to distress and maintain a positive perspective on things. Here are some funny jokes for kids.
Outdoor experiments
Take them to the forest to collect sticks and stones and discover how to build things with nature.
Mindfulness
This book is filled with great games to help clear their minds and create a sense of balance.
I hope this will help you find some inspiring ideas to keep your children busy, active and happy over the next few weeks. I also pray everyone will be safe, healthy and hopeful during this Coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to share ideas in the comments section and share this article with other moms.
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1 comment
Love this! Great list of ideas to do with the kiddos.