Social distancing? Have a case of cabin fever? Are you or your children feeling down in the dumps? Here is a helpful guide with tips and family-friendly activities to stay busy at home.
"Social distancing" may sound like a relaxing stay-cation at first, but after a while being isolated from family, friends and co-workers can start to take a toll on your mental health. If you've been inside for days on end, you may be starting to feel a little stir-crazy as well as anxious and maybe even depressed.
A lack of enthusiasm and interest in activities is normal for both you and your children in times like these, and all it takes is a little will-power and discipline to amp up your energy and make the most of this extra time at home with family.
The first and most thing you can do is to set a daily routine and stick to it. This will help your child know what to expect each day, which enhances their sense of control and normalcy. You can include:
- wake up and bed times
- meal times
- a time for school work
- free time/activities/art/reading
- chore time
- physical activity/exercise time
Another important thing to remember is to keep busy! If you notice your child starting to act-out or feeling depressed, the best thing for you to do is to take their minds off what is hurting them and distract them with some fun activities.
Here are some family-friendly, home activities to keep you and your little ones busy:
- Get outside. If you are able to, head outside and take a walk or bike ride to get some fresh air.
- Arts and Crafts. Get your creative juices flowing! Color, paint, create, sculpt, build. Get messy and have fun with it!
- Dance party! Blast some tunes and get moving. Have a dance contest or play a memory dancing game to work your body and mind.
- Play an instrument. If you don't have one, find items around the house and make one. You and your family can make a band and have a concert for your pets or friends/family through video chat.
- Cook. Get creative in the kitchen and try new recipes with your little ones. You can even host your own cooking show.
- Learn something new. Take a virtual tour of a museum, practice a new language, learn a new dance or handshake. Keeping your mind stimulated is just as important as your body.
Instead of looking at this time as a time for "social distancing", we can look at it as time to focus on your family, your home and yourself. Use these fun activities to connect with friends and family while staying safe and healthy.