Social distancing can be really rough for most kids, especially those who are extroverted or social. I mean, what do you do when a cute little face is looking up at you with tears in their eyes, wondering why they can’t go play at their friend’s house? Here are a couple of ideas to help your children get through these unprecedented times.
Help Them Understand
The first best thing to help your child get through social distancing is to help them understand why it’s important to social distance.Try teaching your child about COVID in a more interactive way by taking marbles and arranging them in the center of a container.
Then, have your child push an extra marble into the center, letting it ricochet off the other marbles, sending all of them rolling around the container. Explain to your child that viruses work similarly—if people don’t social distance, they act like the single marble that sends the rest of the marbles rolling. They get everyone else sick. And nobody wants that, especially when COVID can be life-threatening.
Let Them Play Outside Safely
Just because you have to social distance doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside. Especially as the weather starts warming up, it will be essential to get your kids out in the yard. However, you will want to avoid playground equipment, as this can be one way the virus spreads.
When the weather is nasty, take the fun indoors. There are also plenty of indoor activities you can do with kids to help them pass the time. For example, start a board game tournament where you and your children play multiple games and keep score for a final prize.
Take Advantage of Online Learning
There are so many other online activities for children other than video games or binge-watching TV. Encourage your children to participate in educational online programs. There are plenty of apps for kids that help teach them languages, improve their math or reading skills with fun games, provide engaging videos or documentaries, and instruct them in art or easy baking. Who knows, maybe your child will find a new hobby thanks to social distancing!
Social distancing is rough. Nobody wants to be locked up in their house all day with the same people 24/7—especially kids. However, applying these ideas to your every day schedule will encourage your children to enjoy this time away from school and friends rather than hate it.
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