By Sara Martinez
With the schools closed and socializing with friends off-limits, how do you keep children and teenagers entertained while they're stuck at home? Just because you cannot send your children out into the world to find their own sources of amusement, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to keep them entertained closer to home. Keeping hyperactive toddlers and grumpy teenagers busy for weeks on end may seem like a trial, but the right ideas can be both productive and enjoyable.
Here are some ways to keep your kids entertained and educated during the coronavirus lockdown.
Education
The schools being closed doesn't mean your children's education has to be on hold. This is a perfect time to shine as a parent and take their learning into your hands. Don't forget, you have the world's number one educational tool at your disposal—the internet. No matter what age or learning level your kids are at, you can find a wealth of resources online to help them further their education while out of school. Whether your child needs help with their multiplication tables or wants to learn more about the SCl2 Lewis structure, there are tons of interactive resources online to help them learn in an engaging, informative way. Find study guides, quizzes, practice tests, as well as practical assignments children can do at home.
Hobbies
With so much time at home on the horizon, it's essential to limit the time your kids spend staring at phone, TV and computer screens. And that goes for you parents too! Find some activities to use up your abundance of free time at home. What better time to start a hobby as a family than now, when all your other commitments and activities are on pause? Make the effort to spend some time away from screens together and get stuck into a hobby you can all enjoy. Why not start a one-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle or bake a homemade cake from scratch? You could even learn to stargaze or delve into your family tree. Whatever it is, focusing on something creative will help take your family’s minds off the news headlines and onto something more mentally nourishing.
Stuck for ideas? Find some inspiration here.
Fitness
The suspension of school PE lessons and sports clubs could easily have a major impact on the health of millions of children, but there are ways to ensure your kids stay fit and healthy during the lockdown. One good outcome of the lockdown is the massive uptake in home exercise. Confinement to the house seems like a recipe for a sedentary lifestyle, but a vast number of people are taking advantage of the time to get fit at home. Several gyms, personal trainers, and other fitness industry professionals have stepped in to provide free online workouts you can perform in your own living room. No specialist equipment is required, and you can find workouts for adults and children of all ages. Exercising is a great way to bond as a family and work together towards shared fitness goals.
