It doesn’t matter what state or country you are in, chances are you have been affected by the current COVID-19 epidemic. Most parents and kids lives have been turned upside down as they are continuing out the remainder of the school year at home. Here are a few tips for parents to help entertain and keep everyone from having horrible cabin fever.

1.  WALKS. One of the most inexpensive things you can do (if allowed in your community) is to go on nature walks.  Walks have been proven to reduce stress, increase energy, all while soaking in much needed vitamin d (a vitamin most people are deficient in).

2. BACKYARD FUN. There’s a saying “good fences build good neighbors” and it’s true, especially now when we need boundaries of 6ft or more.  If your children are bouncing off the walls taking them in that backyard is always a great release of energy. Whether it is a slip-n-slide, jumping on a trampoline, jumping through a sprinkler, making a mud pie, or just running around like wild Indians it will wear them out and make naptime and bedtime so much easier.

3. BLOCKS. Building with blocks and legos is a great way to get kiddos to use their imaginations and be productive with their hands. My sons love to see who can build the TALLEST tower and then knock it down with a big crash.

4. PUZZLES.  America’s favorite past time and another way to use critical thinking to find those matching borders and pieces.

5. BUILD A TENT. No one is coming over anyway so who cares if your house is a little messy. Bring out those blankets and quilts that have been hiding in the closet and throw them over your table, chairs, and couches to make a huge tent. Let your kid’s camp out in the living room/dining room and even take a nap.

6. SLIME. Recipe here (https://www.familiesfirstindiana.org/fun-easy-projects-to-make-with-stuff-around-the-house)

7. GRILL OUT. Spring is here and the weather is beautiful. Grill out hamburgers, hot dogs, fajitas in your back yard and have a picnic with your family.

8. SCAVENGER HUNT. Parents put on your creative hats, get a piece of paper/cardboard and map a map of clues. Send your kids throughout the house and yard to find a prize.

9. BAKE. Bake sweet treats with your family.

10. AUDIO BOOKS. Parents if you haven’t discovered audio books, THEY ARE A LIFE SAVER. I have books on in the background all the time for my kids and myself something other than TV or video games to entertain.

11. COLORING BOOKS. Break out the colors, paints, etc and let those creative minds go crazy.

12. SNOW BALL FIGHT. Get white balloons, wad up some paper you are throwing away anyways and have a blast throwing “snow balls” at eat other. J

13. FACETIME. Isolation isn’t easy.  With businesses, schools, churches, etc closed we’ve never needed a community more. Facetime, Skype, and zoom are awesome apps to allow families and friends to see each other’s faces.  

14. TIE DYE. Bring back the tie dye with DIY shirts. If you are feeling really crazy make a whole tie dye outfit.

15. TIME CAPSULE. What better way for your kids to remember the absolute craziness of this new decade then by creating a time capsule.

I hope these ideas are fun and helpful. Remember to stay safe and if you are struggling with depression please e-mail Ashley@womanofvalordoula.com and I can share resources with you.

XO,

Ashley