Normally, this time of the year marks the summer break for everyone. It may not matter as much to us adults — as we would just go about our work routines — but it’s a time our kids look forward to since they can relax and have fun. It may seem like a big challenge to keep them preoccupied during this lockdown. Thankfully, we live in the age of the internet. 

My son Sloan has been playing games on his laptop, and that’s alright. He plays a game that allows him to learn about codes and other functions of the keyboard. But we also make sure that he exposes himself to a variety of activities to balance his routine. 

Here are some resources you can check out to keep your kids active while staying at home, and a few other things to keep them busy with.

 

Learn with Lego

Lego has repurposed its existing video content to become educational tools for kids who have to be home-schooled while in a lockdown. This is particularly helpful to those who respond better to visuals when having things explained to them.

 

Go on Virtual Tours
It’s important for everyone to still feel connected to the outside world. One way to address this is by utilizing the virtual tours being offered by different sites. Take your kid on a tour of the Taj Mahal or the Buckingham Palace. Get a real-time view of the New York skyline through the Empire State Building’s vantage point. Explore the halls of our very own National Museum. 

Work Out from Home

Your kid needs to keep fit and active, regardless of the quarantine being imposed upon us. Schedule a time within the day wherein you can work out alongside them. This helps in establishing a routine for them. You can simply search for workout videos for kids on YouTube and you’re all set. Alternate this with short walks around the block for a dose of variety, but be mindful of the ordinances being imposed in your area. 

Feel the Thrill of Virtual Rides 

We realize nothing beats the real thing, but we’ll definitely take what we can get! There are a lot of videos on YouTube that can take you on a virtual ride on any theme park around the world. This also gives us something to look forward to. Cap off the experience by viewing the fireworks at Disneyland in Florida. 

 

Pass on Practical Skills
This would also be a good time to involve your kid in house chores. Let them wash their own dishes after eating, fix the bed after sleeping, or have them sweep the floors every morning. So far we’ve taught our son how to cook rice, wash the dishes, and have been encouraging him to peel and slice vegetables—with supervision, of course. Your kid will surely benefit from all the practical skills you can pass on, so why not start now?

Enjoying activities with your children can also lead to another benefit: it helps you understand them better. Think about this as time well-spent, an opportunity to be close to your children which you would not have otherwise.

 

In addition to all these, it is also important that you talk to your kids about what’s happening. You have to be mindful of how they are processing current events and let them know that it’s okay to talk about how they feel. Are they scared or restless? What do they miss in their old routines? Make them feel heard, help them cope, and reassure them that no matter what happens, you will always be there for them.