During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was a necessary precaution that schools close, so students do not contract or spread the disease. Although, no one was able to prepare parents about how to entertain their children during this time. Parents don’t have the opportunity as they do in the summer to sign their children up for summer camps. Most families are juggling working and keeping their high energy kids preoccupied. Not to worry, here are five ways to keep your children entertained during COVID-19 Outbreak.
Crafts
Children love to use their hands for creative opportunities, and thanks to the internet, you can sit them down in front of a computer as they watch a tutorial on how to make snowflakes. Crafts are a simple way to allow children to keep busy as they learn how to make creative and safe crafts. You can have them finger paint or draw Disney characters. When planning crafts, try to pick out several videos that can play in a row while you have time to prepare lunch or work. Depending on their age, children love to learn through themes. Instead of choosing random crafts to try to plan out a day with a theme, for example, you can make them mickey mouse pancakes, then they can learn how to draw their favorite characters, and then you can set them down in front of a Disney movie.
Baking
Beyond keeping your children entertained, you may be wondering what to do to keep yourself entertained as well. Cooking is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your family and keep busy at the same time. You ask your children if they want to help you bake cookies, or brownies, or even a cake. Odds are their answer will probably be yes because who wants to miss out on licking the batter from the spoon? Children love treats, and if you want to bake, but are concerned about sugar intake, there are many healthier options. It is possible to create delicious healthy sweets that your family will devour, and possibly not even notice the difference. Coconut, semi-sweet chocolate and dates are just some of the delicious ingredients I love to mix around into different goods. Just scouring the internet will give you tons of ideas.
Play Pretend
A universal way to keep children of any gender entertained. You can play pirates or princesses with your children. Better yet, if you have another child or free family member in the household, recruit them to play instead. Odds are you have a box of costumes put them to use by acting out a scenario with your child to keep them entertained. Children are incredibly creative, and they will likely take on the role of the director to direct what is going to happen in this scenario. You can play along and join them in their adventure to Neverland. Luckily this is something they will want to put a lot of effort into, so there’s a high probability that they will be looking for a nap after this.
Exercise
- Your child is most likely looking for any way to exert energy. The best way for them to do this is to invest in some exercise activities. While COVID-19 experts advise the public to refrain from going to any public gatherings, this does not include hiking or walking on unpopular trails. Enjoying the outdoors is a simple way to ease stress and keep your mental health in check. When out on the trail, depending on where you live, look out for venomous snakes or other dangerous wildlife. Wildlife stays away from crowds of humans, but if you are your children are social distancing on a trail that makes you an easy target. Not all snakes are venomous or harmful, but if you encounter one, you may wonder if it is poisonous. Assume that it is, back away if you can, and allow it space. Be patient and watch to make sure that it slithers away from you.
Toys and Games - Toys and games offer a delightful bonding experience for you and your children. If you have another member of your family, recruit them to play with them so that you can continue your work. Fun games that are great for exerting energy include, bop it, hullabaloo, and twister. You can play board games as well, maybe after your children’s nap. Remember, the point is to invest in energy-consuming activities to keep them entertained best. Toys that may exert energy are a small trampoline, jumping rope, chalk, or scootering. Not everyone lives in an area where children can roam free outside without being fearful of encountering another person less than six feet away or a busy street. If you do live in that area, then make sure you take advantage, if you do not live there you might want to steer clear of scootering and opt for chalk or jumping rope. Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas on how to keep your family safe and entertained during this outbreak. Remember to abide by social distancing rules whenever going outside, wash your hands, and stay healthy and happy.
