Quarantining and social distancing are hard enough for adults; for kids, they’re even more challenging. Imagine not being able to go to school, play with your friends, go to the playground, attend your soccer or baseball practice, go to your skating lessons, or even leave your yard—all while not really understanding why this is happening. We know that adults are struggling as well, with many people laid off from their jobs and others trying to figure out how to work from home while teaching their kids to use digital learning platforms. It’s a lot to handle, which is why it’s so important to make quality time with family a priority.
You may be thinking, “Haven’t we had more than enough family time lately?” and you’re not wrong. But there’s a difference between existing in the same space and actually spending time together. The latter may help you all de-stress, and teach you to handle these unique daily challenges as a stronger team.
Fun Social Distancing Activities for Families
Go outside.
It’s amazing how quickly cabin fever can set in when the whole family is home all the time. If you have your own yard (and your kids are old enough to follow the rules and stay in it), go outside and soak up some sunshine! A little vitamin D is good for you, and everyone can stretch their legs and get some energy out. Play a game of catch, hopscotch, or jump rope. Draw with sidewalk chalk and leave a message for your neighbors. Plant that herb garden you’ve been meaning to get around to, or spread out a picnic blanket and read books together.
Connect online.
Just because you’re social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social. Schedule family chats with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, family friends, your church group or your child’s scout troop. There are lots of ways to do this, from Google Hangouts and Zoom to FaceTime and Skype.
Get creative.
Novelty is your friend when trying to keep kids occupied. Try some of these ideas to use spaces in your home in unexpected ways.
- Take all of the pillows off the sofa and create a comfy, cushy “screening room” on the floor. Hold a family film festival in which everyone gets to choose a movie, and don’t forget to make popcorn. For added fun, everyone can take turns giving their own made up Oscars speech or telling what their favorite thing was about each movie.
- Set up dining chairs in a square, backs facing each other, and throw a sheet or blanket over the top to form a tent. Add a blanket and some pillows and tell stories while you “camp.” If you have the supplies, make some s’mores!
- Help your child create a reading nook in their room or somewhere in the house.
- Move your living room furniture against the walls and have a dance party, or do yoga.
- Eat breakfast on the front porch and say hello to any neighbors you see.
We can’t wait until this is over and we can see all of your shining faces at the skating rink, but until then, we hope these ideas keep you and yours entertained. Remember:
The wheels never stop turning, so we must remember to pick up our feet and skate forward—always!
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