Things to do when you can’t go out

With schools and work places closing due to the COVID 19 pandemic we are all spending more time at home. This likely means we are also trying to think of things we can do as a family or ways to keep our children busy. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Outdoors:

• Go for a hike, bike ride, walk or run.
• Teach your child games you played as a child (SPUD, freeze tag, kick the can, double Dutch)
• Go to the beach
• Do yard work, wash/vacuum the car

Indoors:

• Read, color, draw
• Do puzzles or crafts
• Play board games or card games
• Bake or cook
• Teach your child a skill (sewing, calligraphy)
• Do yoga
• Organize, spring clean, redecorate
• Start your garden
• Have a dance party
• Take videos of singing together or playing musical instruments

Be sure to take photos of your family doing these fun things together. Then you can create a book or album together using the photos to commemorate the time spent together during these most unusual times.

As a parent you need to take good care of yourself too. Try to stay positive, being at home and not socializing in the way we are used to can feel isolating. Reach out to friends via phone or Face Time/Skype. Be sure to do something for your own mental health each day. Play more – it’s good for all of us.

Click on the link below for some more play ideas from TRUCE – Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment

http://www.truceteachers.org/family-play-plans.html

For some guidance on what to watch, visit Common Sense Media at the link below

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/what-to-watch-read-and-play-while-your-kids-are-stuck-indoors

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