How to Survive Quarantine
I can vividly remember being a kid and not wanting to go outside because it was hot, or I wanted to watch tv instead- and then it would rain and there was absolutely nothing more that I wanted to do than go outside. It was in those moments there was no tv show, no toy, no books, no anything that would provide me something sufficient to do. This was also the struggle during hurricane season when storms would come through. It was like murder. Although all the opportunities I had prior to those moments I didn’t want. It’s the funny thing about the way people tend to think.
For a couple years now there’s been this push of seeing people in person and being involved in “real life” because everyone is so caught up in the online world and social media. The minute though that it is suggested we distance ourselves socially, suddenly no one can take it and they need to be in the biggest, closest social gatherings they can find.
Enter one of the (sometimes many) reasons that adulting sucks. It’s our job to be responsible and lead our kids through this time. That isn’t fun or easy. They recently closed schools in our area for an additional week (I’m hoping that will be all but who knows). I’m smart, I have a Masters Degree and am a big believer in continuous learning but that being said, I’m not a teacher. It is not my expertise and it’s not a role you can just walk into. That doesn’t mean we don’t do our best to keep kids’ minds sharp but I hope that it helps everyone to see just how much value our schools and teachers provide. It’s also a balance in helping our kids not freak out and become scared over everything and keeping our own sanity at the same time. All that we can do is our best. Whatever that is at the moment. Sometimes that will be reading books together or finding fun learning activities. Other times that will be watching Netflix or playing games on the iPad. It’s ok. There’s no rule book for this and in our lifetime nothing like this has happened before so don’t let anyone tell you that you’re doing it wrong. I will say that over the past two days I’ve found that my “out of routine” approach hasn’t helped. I thought I’ll let them stay up a little later- and by that, I mean like 8:30-9:00 at the latest which wasn’t the most brilliant idea for a person whose children thrive on routine. Oh well. Lesson learned and now I start this week trying to figure out balancing routine, the unknown and trying to keep my sanity in the process. It will not be perfect and there will be meltdowns but that’s just life, it really doesn’t have anything to do directly with the Corona Virus or quarantine.
Ideas to Survive Quarantine:
Just the word quarantine let alone survive quarantine sounds dreadful and scary, doesn’t it? Here are some ideas on how to get through it and keep your sanity and wit in the process.
1. Lego Competitions
Legos are educational and fun. Get creative and have your very own lego competitions right at home! Little Bins for Little Hands has a cool Printable Lego Challange Calendar!
2. Dance Party
Music makes us happy, dancing is a physical activity and gets us moving. It’s the perfect time to put together your favorite playlist and have a little fun. It reminds me of our Hulk Smash Dance Party that we did for my son, just on a “household” scale. Get some lights or glow sticks from Amazon to add to the fun!
3. Facetime Party with Friends/Cousins
That’s right, GROUP FACETIME! Virtual parties! Seriously, it’s a great way to entertain and socialize with friends and family during this social distancing/quarantine.
4. Coloring
Coloring can be fun, creative and even therapeutic for kids and adults.
5. Keep a Journal
This is a great idea to help on so many levels. Get feelings out, keep track of the day, talk about what is going on. It can help process things while practicing skills like writing, drawing, fluency. It will also be something that will be interesting to look back on later!
6. Start a Penpal Relationship
I get that maybe snail mail isn’t the best suggestion during this specific time but if you are using envelopes that are self-seal it could work. There’s also the email option that can still make this safe and fun.
7. Fun with Patterns
ABC Mouse Blog had these suggestions on patterns
Visual Patterns
- Small, large, small, large
- Red, red, blue, red, red, blue
- Circle, square, triangle, circle, square, triangle
Sound Patterns
- Snap, snap, clap, snap, snap, clap
- Long sound, short sound, long sound, short sound
Motion Patterns
- Sit, stand, sit, stand
- Arms up, arms out, arms down, arms up, arms out, arms down
8. Scholastic
The Scholastic site has great resources for at-home learning during school closures.
9. Breakout EDU
Breakout EDU has put together some games for kids suddenly stuck at home due to school closures. They are a company that brings the excitement of escape rooms to learning.
10. Kids Discover Online
This resource from Kids Discover Online has some great science and social study resources. There are some free resources, such as interesting infographics and articles (see How Crayons Were Invented) to check out!
11. Prodigy
Prodigy is an online math game that ties in math to a fun adventure. My kids LOVE this game and play it on a regular basis. The same math they will complain about during homework they tend to do with ease while playing in a game environment which in turn helps them at school.
12. Tynker
Tynker is another online learning resource offering access to those whose children’s school is suddenly closed. They are a school computer coding resource.
13. Workout/Physical Activity
It’s so important to get up and get moving during this time, it’s proven to help us emotionally, mentally and physically. Some great FREE resources to help you out.
Fit as a Mama Bear YouTube Channel has some great at home, equipment-free workouts
Erin Kendall Mommy and Me Dinosaur Workout
14. Netflix/Amazon/Disney+
There’s a time for everything…. including sitting back and checking out Netflix, Amazon Video and Disney+! Some of our favorites
Dino Dana
Nailed It!
Tangled the series
Jessie
Bunk’d
Phineas and Ferb
More suggestions of Great TV for Kids from Vulture
15. Make It Up As You Go
Sometimes, the most creative, adventurous fun you can have is that which is made up as you go. Whether creating a new game, making a scavenger hunt, or looking for Hidden Mickeys there is fun to be had. When it gets stressful, take a step back and remember that everyone is feeling it. We’ll get through this!
What are your suggestions for activities to survive quarantine? I’d love to hear them!
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