How to Entertain Your Kids During Coronavirus Quarantine?
The news about the quarantine took many parents off guard. Though our children may be looking forward to the three weeks of extra holidays, during which they will have plenty of time to watch YouTube and upgrade all the characters in games on their smartphones and consoles, adults are less happy and optimistic.
It’s not that parents have to ask their boss for a chance to organize a working day at home (which is a pleasure if they have children!). It’s completely uncertain what their children should do not to howl from boredom after a week’s time.
We offer a few ideas about what you can do with your kid during the quarantine.
Grow a plant
Spring is the time for seedlings. If you do not have a kitchen garden, you can grow tomatoes in pots! There is enough time for a mandarin or lemon seed to sprout, and this is a fascinating experiment in botany. You can choose very exotic plants as well: mango, avocado.
If you want the result as soon as possible – sprout beans!
Sort out the photos on a smartphone and make an album
Every modern parent has millions of photos piled up in a smartphone: the kid smiles, goes to school or makes a funny face. Together, you can choose the best pictures and print a photo album.
Make a crown and arrange a photo shoot
The coronavirus made us stay at home, so find some cardboard, scissors, glue and make crowns for everyone. Then you can take a picture of them. In any case, joint creative activity is fun.
Master a new hobby together
There are millions of videos on YouTube with master classes, crafts, and detailed instructions. Choose something that neither you nor your children are strong at, and then see who was the best to cope! Yoga (there is also yoga for kids), crochet, baking cookies – whatever you like!
Cook a dish using your child’s recipe
Let your child choose the menu. Let him find the right recipe. Of course, quarantine is not the best time for shopping, but do not suffer from hunger! In addition, many people have already turned their dwelling into a storehouse.
Watch a movie together and then discuss it
Watching films together is valuable not only from the viewpoint of 2-3 hours of leisure time, but also as an occasion to discuss topics that have been postponed for a long time.
Arrange a puppet theater
In our childhood, before any smartphones (and even before television), people often staged performances using soft toys or figures. Take your child’s favorite book as the basis of the script and play the scenes with funny remarks!
Listen to audio performances
If it seems to you that the child is getting enough screens, turn to audio performances. Remember how fascinated we were, when we listened to records in childhood? Much has become more accessible since then.
Compose a family tree of memories
It’s time to draw the children’s attention to older relatives. If you have already compiled the family tree, it’s time to “revive” it, ask the grandparents what they remember about their parents, grandparents, and add short stories with their memories to the tree. Both communication and attention are guaranteed!
Go for a walk
Quarantine at school does not mean that you need to stay at home. Of course, quarantine measures suggest that students will not visit each other. However, no one forbids walking in the park. Just remember that, when communicating, the distance should be more than 1 meter, and be sure to wash your hands and change clothes after you return from the street. Outdoors, you can skate, play badminton, and fly a kite.
Play with homemade soap bubbles
Of course, soap bubbles can be bought. But you seem to run out of this product at the most inopportune moment. Besides, the kids will be interested in preparing the solution on their own. So, you will need a three-liter glass jar, a glass of dishwashing liquid and a tablespoon of glycerin (it is sold at any pharmacy). Pour the detergent into the jar, add glycerin, and fill it with two liters of water. Now you can blow soap bubbles forever!
Make a bird feeder
If the weather is still cold enough, you will find this activity not only interesting, but also useful! You can make a feeding trough from anything, the simplest option being a milk package. Hang a feeder outside the window, and the child will be happy to watch the birds treating themselves to the gifts. However, you need to find out in advance what the local birds can be given harmlessly.
Play fishing
You surely have a set in the form of a fishing rod with a magnet and a dozen fish. If you buy another fishing kit, you can place the fish in a bathtub filled with water and arrange a competition: who catches more fish will receive a prize!
Make a garage for cars
You will need a cardboard box, scissors and tape. Display a little imagination and your child’s fleet will finally be stored in one place rather than throughout the apartment. The kid will appreciate your efforts!
Make flowers from paper
This is not origami – it is too difficult for a kid to practice. Succulents are flowers glued from several elements. You will need thin cardboard, scissors and glue. Cut the petals, glue and plant the flowers on the windowsill or on a shelf. It turns out to be very beautiful.
Make a slime
If your child loves slimes, invite him to make a toy on his own. It’s simple: take a glass of PVA glue and add a few drops of sodium tetraborate, purchased in the pharmacy beforehand. Knead well – and your slime is ready! If you want, you can add sparkles, beads or just dye to the finished slime (food colors and plain watercolors are also suitable). The child will be busy for a long time!
Stay strong, dear parents, be healthy and remember that sooner or later the children will return to kindergartens and schools! Use this time with gratitude – especially if you are healthy. After all, when will you have so many opportunities to play, have fun and engage with your child?!
