Covid-19 has changed the way we live our lives completely. During the lockdown periods, our whole world started to revolve within the walls of our home. Everything happens online and internet connectivity has become the most wanted commodity.
Work from home is yet another challenge especially when you have kids at home. They need your attention and it is up to you to find a way to balance both work and family. Spending all their time at home away from friends, school and regular physical activities can make them cranky and demanding at times.
How does this withdrawal from the outdoors affect our kids? Have you noticed the look on your kid’s face when you say they cannot go outside and play? The visits to the park, playgrounds and entertainment areas have reduced considerably. While they may enjoy their online time, the question most parents face is how to keep the youngsters engaged at home.
Today let me take you through a few tips that can work out well for you. We will also have another session where we can discuss some activities for each age group. For now, let me remind you that all parents are undergoing the same issue and you need to relax. Remember that seeing you happy influences your kids too. Without much delay, let’s take a look at how to put things in place and keep our precious ones safe as well as happy.
Delegate chores to them
Yes, it may sound mundane. But it’s a super fun way to keep your kiddos active. Ask them nicely to help you with the household chores. They would be seeing you run around with all your work. So when you tell them that their efforts could make a big difference, of course, they will help. Make a chart of the chores they can help with and give them points for extra motivation. Don’t forget to rotate the chores weekly to avoid boredom. The daily chores can also give them a sense of responsibility as they begin to learn that life is a mixture of work and play.
Find engaging routines
Routines keep children focused. They would also be confused with the disruption of their normal routine. While it is ok to let go and relax for a few days, in the long run, this may make them inactive. Find a routine that gives them a proper time to complete the activities required for their mental, intellectual and physical growth. Sit with them and make time for study, fun, exercise, online games etc. When you discuss the routine with them, they feel involved and will try to honour the routine.
Introduce family activities
Being at home with kids and spending time with them are two different things. You may be present at home, however, when you are piled up with work, the kids may not get the attention they deserve. This may be disappointing, especially to small kids. To solve this, all you have to do is fix an hour for family time every day. Include their favourite games, lots of music and dance, small competitions and other activities which the whole family can participate in. Your family bonds grow stronger just like when you have team building games at the office.
Unleash their creativity
Give your children the space to get bored. This is when they try to explore their creativity. Let them try out new talents. You will be surprised at the new venues they discover. Your Lil ones can turn out to be wonderful artists, singers, magicians and whatnot. Just give them the chance to think out of the box. Don’t work too hard to keep them company Alone, they find out what they are made of. All you should do is provide guidance. Let them know the rules and boundaries. Then see them fly.
Ensure rest and breaks
Keeping kids engaged is hard work. But equally important is allowing the liberty of taking breaks. Getting adequate sleep and rest time improves their power to focus on the rest of the day. Kids need a minimum of 8 – 10 hours of sleep. When they are spending so much time online doing their school activities and indulging in games as well, it is important to give the brain adequate rest. Excessive use of screen time calls for proper rest. So let them have a good night’s sleep and wonderful breaks in between their days.
Winding up…
I’ll be back soon with another article on activities you can introduce to keep your kids active at home. Consider their time at home as a blessing and enjoy your moments with them. Stay safe, healthy and happy! See you soon!
Love your life 