As schools and day cares in areas most affected by the coronavirus outbreak close, parents are suddenly faced with the challenge of keeping their kids occupied at home. Juggling kids of all ages while trying to work from home can get a little chaotic without activity planning and daily scheduling. Parents can do a number of activities with their kids that facilitate engaged learning while keeping them entertained. Whether equipped with a curriculum or not, there are some real-life skills you can teach your kids that don’t require a textbook. Get inspired by some of our favorite ideas below (tested and loved by our team of working mamas), and feel free to share your creative ideas with us!
Photo: Amy Frances Photography
Implement a daily schedule
Start the day by making a daily schedule / to-do list together, and make sure everyone in the family is on the same page. It can include things that you need to do as well as things your kids want to do (ask for some feedback so that your kids can join part of the planning). Use this as a guideline to go through the day, but don’t worry about not being able to hit everything on the schedule perfectly. Use stickers or crayons to check things off throughout the day; this way everyone can go to bed feeling productive and fulfilled.
Photo: Nola Fontanez Photography
Real-life lessons you can teach or do with your kids
- Organize household objects and toys
- Cleaning – laundry, dish washing, house cleaning
- Bake and cook together
- Basic first aid
- Budgeting money
- Learn about tools and basic repair
- Small talk for social interaction
- Time management
Photo / Design: Twinkle Twinkle Little Party
Virtual learning & activities
Here are some free creative resources to keep kids busy and learning while allowing you to get your productivity on:
- Test Kitchen – Online cooking school for kids
- Creative Bug – Arts and crafts classes for kids of every age
- The Dad Lab – Science experiments and creative activities
- Busy Toddler – Fun home DIY activities for younger kids
- ABCya – Fun educational learning games to keep all ages entertained
- BrainPOP – Make any room a classroom
Photo / Design: Twinkle Twinkle Little Party
Virtual Parties
Here are some resources to make sure your kids get to have some fun “out there”:
- Virtual Field Trips – Go to iconic places around the world
- Netflix Parties – Virtual family movie nights
- Zoo Party – Live cams of different animals at the San Diego Zoo
- Aquarium Party – Experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are
- Virtual Disney Tour – Visit Disney World virtually at home
Photo: Alison Moore Photography
While we all have our own challenges to overcome and are all trying to figure out the best ways to cope with the current situation, remember that you are not alone, and together we can get through this.
