What makes productivity for kids in this pandemic?
Parents are always prepared for the annual summer, autumn and winter break but this unexpected long break has come with a twist. It comes at a time when exams are done and kids are usually itching to go out with their friends to the mall, watch the cinema, and go for play dates, night outs, sleep-overs or a family holiday. However, the recent Coronavirus scare has forced us to stay home for our own safety and those around us. Keeping them productively engaged can be a huge challenge for parents. To ensure that neither the parents nor the kids get on each other nerves, we need to think of some effective measures.
Here are some tips to ensure that your kids spend this time more productively:
1) Play board games
Yes, as parents belonging to Gen X or Gen Y, we have all grown up playing board games with friends and family. This time play again but with your kids. Board games can be extremely fun and interesting. Some can easily go on for a 2-3 hours thus, utilizing some part of the day productively.
2) Books/Kindle
If you can't go out to buy new books, there is always the option of eBooks. The internet has an unlimited collection of eBooks for all age groups.
3) Upcycle household items
Working with paper, scissor, cutter, glue, tools, old boxes, clothes etc. can be extremely cathartic for some people —which is why we have the arts and crafts class in school! Pull out some junk from the cupboard and let the kids use their imagination and creativity to invent something out of it.
4) Paint furniture, bedroom walls, etc.
Get some paint and brush and pick a wall of the room or a wooden chair or table that you don't mind being used as a canvas. Choose a theme and work on drawing and painting it together with your kids.
5) YouTube channels / TV
If your kids are more of the digital/internet type, subscribe to shows on science fiction, discovery, animal kingdom, geopolitics, world history and culture that are not only interesting but will also help them in gaining more knowledge.
6) Fitness activities:
Do a Zumba or a salsa class at home with your kids. You will find a ton of them online! Indulge your children in some fitness activity to make their time at home more productive.
7) Kitchen Responsibility (Cooking/Helping with chores)
Give age-appropriate responsibilities to the kids to execute the same. This can be a great way to get everyone going from washing veggies, to cleaning, chopping, baking, laying the table, dressing up in the evening and finally sitting together on the table to enjoy the meal. Doesn't it feel like this list can be endless? Remember, all that matters at the end is the way we look back at these trying times. To empower our children, it is important to be involved especially during this lockdown situation. We should be able to give children enough memories and encouragement that can last them a lifetime. It’s most important for children to be happy, healthy, creative and well-protected during crises.
The true lessons in life are caught not taught.
-By Geeta Mulchandani
Pre-Primary Educator