It doesn’t matter what age your child is, coping during these uncertain times has been difficult. Kids are getting an early lesson in “Life is not always fair,” during the global pandemic due to the coronavirus. Human beings are naturally social creatures and need to connect with others, but COVID-19 has swiftly changed the landscape and forced everyone to take better precautions by wearing face masks, thoroughly washing their hands, and practicing social distancing. It isn’t easy trying to adapt to the new normal, but our experts have some great recommendations for entertaining your kids while still keeping the proper distance.
Head Outdoors
According to the CDC or Centers for Disease Control here in the United States, social distancing is something we’re all trying to do right and teaching our children to do the same. It consists of staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms-length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Okay, so how do we have fun like this?
Be creative, and you will see that your kids can still feel socially connected even when they are physically apart.
For example, if you have a private back yard or access to empty outdoor spaces, then you can do plenty. Children of all ages want to let loose, and fresh air and moving the body is healthy for them.
Kids can read a book out in the sunshine, play games, practice a sport they enjoy, learn gardening, etc.
Start A Hobby
Every child has unique interests and helping their young minds explore these talents is a wonderful aspect of their development. Maybe they want to knit, collect toy trains, or begin adding to their coin album.
Whether it’s numismatics (coin collecting), violin playing, painting, woodworking, rock collecting, or anything else, a hobby allows your child’s personality to shine through. It gives kids independence, confidence, and an outlet to spike their creativity and interests. A hobby can be done alone or with another member of the family and can be shared with others online.
Create A Social Media Page
Children, teens, and young adults all enjoy being on the internet because it is the technology they have been introduced to at an early age. They can socially distance while at their computers and still achieve a sense of normalcy while communicating with friends.
Helping your child develop their own social media account is fun, useful, and educational, and many modern families have a blast on social media.
Above all, you want to keep your kids safe, so be careful how you navigate the system, and only allow close family and friends to visit your child’s Instagram page.
Your kid will enjoy posting photos, catching up with friends, and sharing communication.
Go To An Event, Virtually
Granted, there are some long days ahead when social distancing has to be practiced, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world from right where you sit. In fact, if you head over to Google Arts & Culture, you will find a wonderful variety of cultural happenings, especially concerning art.
Or take a virtual field trip to places like the San Diego Zoo, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Wall of China, and many more. Some website pages offer amazing games, tours, and puzzles for kids.
Social distancing is our new normal for the moment, but your children can still have fun, learn new things, and still maintain their incredible curiosity. Try a few of our tips above, and remember that kids can still feel socially connected even when they’re physically apart.