For those of us consuming Coronavirus information updates every 30 seconds, it’s hard to keep up, let alone decipher what it all means. To inspire our readers, Detroitisit is taking an informative stance to help keep you best aware of what’s going on, and what steps can help make the COVID-19 that much smoother for us.
It’s going to be tough out there if you’re looking to activate your “social distancing” with society due to the escalating COVID-19 concerns, or because of the fact that many schools are closing down to protect children and staff.
I took the time to connect with my parenting friends to see what works best for them and what tips they had to offer.
Here are some great ideas to keep your kids busy, safe, and stress-free during this difficult time.
GO OUTDOORS
PHOTO SKITTERPHOTO / PEXELS
If you’ve got a backyard, it’s time to play outside in it. Especially if you’re a lucky employee that can work from home, set up a work station near a window or in a lawn chair, hunker down, and work while the kids play. Until the event of a ban on being outdoors, this will help kids run off their excess energy, and make it easier for everyone at bedtime, the tikes will tire out!
KEEP A SCHEDULE
School closings abound, so create a daily schedule for your kids incorporating learning activities and time restrictions so that your child can maintain a sense of normalcy even after spending hours at home.
FUN, VIRTUALLY
Virtual Reality was made for this time! Hook a laptop up to the TV (or just use your computer) and visit some spots on these lists! It will be educational, but also, excitedly distracting for those kiddos getting stir crazy inside the house.
- Here’s 33 National Park Tours You Can Take Virtually From the Comfort of Your Home
- Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video)
- Libraries are live streaming content that you can check out here.
- The Art Institute of Chicago Puts 44,000+ Works of Art Online: View Them in High Resolution
EDUCATION COMPANIES ARE SHARING THEIR CURRICULUM
PHOTO PIXABAY
With schools closed, parents still would like their kids to learn. Luckily, there’s a handy dandy list of groups that are kindly releasing their education materials at this time so kids can still hit the books while at home.
- Here’s the Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings
- 100 Activities To Do At Home During School Closures
- Learn In Color (Facebook Post)
- Livonia Public Schools releases a full list of resources based on grade:
SCREENS AND BOOKS
PHOTO ANDREA PIACQUADIO / PEXELS
Seemingly a cop-out response, but it’s tried and true. In order to create some escapism, create the escape. With Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Disney+, there’s tons of content your kid could be watching, and it will help them pass the time. And books! Introduce them to Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Bella Swan, maybe even Anna Karenina! And for the younger kiddos, read to them to give them a time to imagine new worlds.
TEACH THEM A NEW SKILL
PHOTO DARIA OBYMAHA / PEXELS
Maybe your kid is just old enough to do their own laundry, or at least help you with folding. Teach them how to make a recipe that’s been passed down from generations. Teach them how to make a blanket fort and watch a movie with them. Start showing them Yoga moves. The key part of all of this? Hanging out and passing the time faster for them by treating everyday day like it’s a special day. Oh and maybe you build a few cool new memorials along the way.
What tip do you have for keeping your kiddos entertained and engaged? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook Page!
[…] exercise, eating healthy, and particularly important for children and young adults out of school, keeping a schedule. This helps to stave off uncertainty and create stability and rhythm for worried young […]