7 Smart Ways to Keep Kids Occupied During A Pandemic

Even for adults, a pandemic and lockdown can take its toll on your mental and physical health. So, with all these restrictions in place, how will your kids cope? With schools, churches, and many other public places closed down, things are no longer the same for your children since their daily routines have been disrupted. Therefore, it is essential to ease your children’s minds into the new normal by keeping them very well occupied. Here are eight smart ways to do that during these uncertain times.

1. Enroll them in online learning classes

One way to keep your little ones’ minds active is to enroll them in an online learning class that corresponds with their syllabus. This way, they will not have to be behind in their studies. Their schools may organize online courses they can participate in, but before that, there are other online learning platforms you can enroll them in. Assignments and class exercises given to them will keep your kids on their toes. Moreover, you can monitor their level of interest in their studies and their concentration level in class.

2. Introduce them to educational and entertaining games

Children love games, be it fun or academic, and it helps them stay lively, so do not be scared to let them play a little. You can try traditional games such as scrabble, monopoly, hopscotch, treasure hunts, hide and seek, and puzzle games. You can also use the innovative route and introduce your kids to online games. Although there are several arguments concerning children using technology, it will be an excellent opportunity to teach your kids the right way to use it.

You will find many educational and fun games for your kids on the internet, and you can monitor and choose which ones they play. You can even use the numerous safety apps available to schedule screen time etc. so that your kids do not overdo it. Games will keep the minds of your kids well occupied and, at the same time, entertain them. It tends to catch their attention and also engage their thinking ability. Playing games will also improve their memory.

3. Engage them in sports

Sports are significant to physical and mental wellness. You can allow your children to engage in sporting activities, whether toddler gym classes, football, or karate, to keep them busy and active at any time of the day. It is a well-known principle that practice makes perfect. Who knows, your child may end up showing great potential for a particular sport. Learning a sport will increase their self-esteem, make them competitive, build their character, and motivate them. Allowing your kids to learn a sport will also foster tolerance and teach them endurance. Overall, they will gain specific life skills from learning a sport.

4. Enforce reading sessions

Reading is an activity that exercises the brain, and it is no wonder that schools keep reading sessions on their timetables. Enforcing the habit of reading for at least an hour a day is also another way to keep them engaged. It will improve their vocabulary and their knowledge on various topics. Reading will also enhance their communicating and writing skills and expand and develop their imagination. Generally, children who read do well in their academic work.

5. Assign them house chores

Assigning your kids chores is a way to teach them to be responsible and accountable, and you can start with appropriate duties based on their ages. For example, you can assign the younger ones the task of folding their laundry and teach the older ones how to use the dishwasher or do their laundry with the machine. Though parents have different views on assigning chores to kids, there are positive benefits to it. Giving little tasks to your children will make them feel trusted and needed. It will encourage teamwork in them and also impart life skills. They will also learn how to manage their time.

6. Make exercising a part of their routine

Exercise is essential, especially during a pandemic, and it is recommended due to its various benefits, including preventing obesity. Although your children do things during the day that count as physical activity, you can consciously add exercise to the daily routine. This can range from early morning stretches to running, jumping, and squats. It is essential that you motivate them to keep exercising, and also educate them on the benefits of exercise to make them consistent at it. Exercise will keep your kids fit, improve their ability to focus, boost their confidence, and prevent obesity. It will also improve their brain function and academic progress.

Walking is a form of exercise, and something as little as taking a walk around the neighborhood with your kids in the evening helps keep them active. During a lockdown, most of the time spent at home may be passed sitting or lying down. This is not advisable as it comes with consequences. So, consider taking out time to go for family walks for a minimum of thirty minutes in a day. Apart from the benefits they will get from keeping fit, it also serves as bonding time for the family.

7. Encourage them to learn an instrument

Learning a musical instrument will develop your child’s brain and add a skill to their abilities. They will also have fun while learning. Although they may disturb the house during their lesson, it is a worthy investment for kids, and it will keep them occupied during a pandemic. It is believed that nine years is the right age to introduce a child to a musical instrument. However, this does not mean your child cannot start early.

A pandemic brings with it many effects on the economy, education, and health. It also brings a wave of fear in the minds of many. In such times children require a lot of attention and protection, and these tips should help. For maximum effectiveness, you will need to plan a daily routine for your kids and make a conscious effort to enforce it.