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How to Keep Kids Occupied & and Your Sanity during Self Quarantine
With school closures and social distancing, parents are tasked with being around their kids more than ever, especially for those used to working during the week, and going from activity to activity over the weekend. The question becomes, how do we keep our kids occupied during this time, and how do we keep our sanity?
My wife and I with our infant and two-year-old had this to practice over the weekend and were able to maintain our sanity largely through separating when needed. Our two-year-old is extremely hyper-active so when he was getting antsy, he and I would run races from one end of the house to the other, or would go downstairs to our play/motor room in the basement and play basketball on his toy hoop, taking turns dunking and then yelling "DUNK!" afterwards, in efforts to try to release that energy that gets built up while being cooped up with nowhere to go. Meanwhile my wife would take care of the infant and if our two-year-old was calm and wanted to read than maybe we would sit together as a family and read some books. It worked for us extremely well over the weekend. Hopefully as the weather warms we can go outside to our pretty good-sized backyard with some natural boundaries where we can run around and get energy out that way, while still practicing social distancing.
I for one would be extremely happy for additional ideas, as the next two weekends my wife will have to work her shifts as a nurse over the weekend giving me solo duty for half the weekend with running errands not an option.
What are some other ideas you have found successful or have wanted to try? All ideas appreciated and welcome!
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@windwalker Or for the younger ones, there is always PlayDoh or homemade salt clay. My grandson must have played with his for an hour yesterday. I reminded my daughter about how much she and her sister loved their blanket tents - our grandson always wants one at our house. She is going to try it today when he gets bored.
Sue
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1 ReactionSomeone posted a video yesterday on Facebook where they made an obstacle course for their kids using pillows, chairs, etc., and with painter's tape to show how to run it. They put arrows on the floor and cushions and so forth, using blue painter's tape. It was really cute and the kid that was running the course in the video seemed to be having a great time. Just one more option for those parents whose kids are starting to get a little stir crazy in the house.
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3 ReactionsAnother kid idea: Bowl drawings: ea. one chooses topic: charades: movie, animal, cartoon...etc; or a play activity for break; google search for "question of the day? safe to flush kleenex down toilets? or other smiles I have a stash of "stored seeds" will send some easy-to-sprouts like radishes, Swiss Chard, marigolds, zennias...etc
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1 ReactionHi @rosemarya he is! He wasn't able to focus on it as well this weekend as the previous, but we busted out his new cozy coup from his "Ya-ya" (my wife's mom) and that entertained him for a long time on Sunday. We were able to move things around in the basement so he could ride it around down there since the weather wasn't very good.
I also, love the ideas everyone has been sharing! Would be great to hear from others!
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1 ReactionToday's science lesson was to learn about a habitat and make a drawing. My creative son took the lesson outside as it is in mid 70's here today.
He also informed me that they are chalk bombing the sidewalks in front of neighbors houses!
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1 ReactionHello parents who are feeling overwhelmed right now, I would like to share what I received today.
This is from my niece during her second week of shelter at home - she is a single parent to 2 teens and a tween who receives little child support, and is a full-time teacher with an additional part-time job. We were just checking in with one another, and she wrote "I'm actually loving this little blessing. After 5 months of running 6 days a week, a little home time with my family is not such a curse, we've been hiking, bike riding and playing outside...Just loving life as much as possible. Have 2 days of online school under our belts..."
I love the positive attitude, even though I know her life didn't work out quite as planned... (she is teaching remotely during this as well.)
I know it's hard to see the good in this situation, but if you get a few more precious minutes with your children in all of this, please seize them.
Sue
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6 ReactionsLeVar Burton Reads. Here is the information that my son sent to me today. I have not utilized this link. But my boys used to love LeVar on Reading Rainbow.
– Starting this Friday, April 3rd, another way to listen to LeVar… Tune in for his livestream series! He'll begin with a story by Neil Gaiman this Friday. Find him at http://www.twitter.com/levarburton.
LeVar Burton Reads
Twitter Livestream
@LeVarBurton
Mondays for children: 9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET
http://www.levarburtonpodcast.com/Wednesdays for YA: 3:00pm PT / 6:00pm ET
Fridays for adults: 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET
It's been quiet here. I would love to hear how all of you parents and your children are doing. Anybody want to share what they have learned from their kids this week?
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1 ReactionThanks for sharing this LeVar Burton Reads info. with us, Rosemary. I've ff'd the links to my daughter.
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2 ReactionsBuilt with pre-quarantined boxes. A daddy and daughter project to lure Butterscotch and Opal (Manx cats) away from mommy’s work at home area!
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3 ReactionsI've made these before and the cats love them. It's also easy for kids to make along with mom or dad. DIY Cat Toys - How to Make a Cat Tent - YouTube: https://youtu.be/kPlrvDF7-oU