Keeping Kids Entertained Amidst The Impacts Of COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives in a massive way. However, it’s even harder for youngsters who have seen their worlds turned upside down and don’t quite understand why it has happened. As a parent, overcoming the new obstacles to ensure that the kids remain entertained and sociable is one of your biggest tests right now.
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Identifying the sources of potential problems, and knowing how to respond in style will serve you well. Here’s all you need to know.
Holidays
Family vacations provide some of the greatest highlights in any child’s life. The travel limits and quarantine regulations upon returning mean that holidaying abroad aren’t on the cards. In truth, even if it were possible, a fortnight spent in a busy hotel with hundreds of people would leave you feeling uneasy anyway.
There are alternative options out there, though. Camping is a particularly great option right now, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors and try new adventures. Better still, you can do this without travelling too far from your home. When added to the increased affordability, it’s an ideal option for all the family in these unprecedented times.
After so many stressful moments in recent times, the value of time away from the repetitive home life is greater than ever. Not least for the kids who can talk about those adventures for weeks to come.
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Birthdays
When the lockdown first started, it seemed a short-term thing. Only a small percentage of families would’ve thought that their son or daughter’s birthday would be spent in a restricted way. The reality of the situation is that virtually every child will have to endure one birthday that is somewhat burdened by the fallout of COVID-19. After all, the repercussions will last long into 2021.
Parents face an uphill battle to keep spirits high. However, these lockdown birthday party ideas will ensure that they still feel loved on their special day. If the party itself is a little subdued compared to usual, you can supplement this with a day out. Alternatively, this could be the year that you go the extra mile to get the big gift they’d love.
Other parents are in a similar boat. So, if nothing else, you could create a network so that each of your children receives a lot of cards on their birthday. It’s not quite the same, but it will make them smile.
Around The Home
Kids are spending more time at home than ever before. Even if you are working extra hard to get your son or daughter out to local parks, woods, and attractions, boredom at home is a real threat. While there’s nothing wrong with a little TV time or online gaming with friends, you do not want them to get addicted to screens.
Therefore, creating alternative hobbies and activities is pivotal. The garden is an excellent setting to do this, and these backyard games will keep kids occupied and allow them to let off some steam. Creative ideas for inside the home are particularly important for rainy days. Arts and crafts, music, and soft play toys are all good options.
When children are able to express themselves and use their imagination in a variety of ways, success is virtually assured. Achieving success at home is truly a major breakthrough at this difficult time.
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Schooling
Most children will be in a position to return to school in September. Not everyone will be covered, though. Aside from potential issues with schools themselves, there’s also the risks posed to kids with known health conditions. Regardless of those situations, every child deserves a solid education. Continued homeschooling may be the answer.
Juggling the dual roles of parent and teach isn’t easy. However, these engaging interactive learning tools will help. Given the circumstances, it’s vital that children have the chance to develop social skills and motor skills too. While academia plays a central role, it’s not the only ingredient in the recipe for success. Do not forget it.
A thorough approach to learning may also include the idea of working with other parents that are homeschooling their kids. Socially distanced meetups, along with shared teachings, are ideal.
The Final Word
This is unfamiliar territory for us all, and there is no single right or wrong solution. However, all kids deserve to be kept entertained while developing key life skills. Even if a little trial and error is required, you must find a way to facilitate this goal throughout this period and beyond. You’ve got this!