While the world continues to shelter in place to maintain safety from the wrath of COVID-19, it’s important to note that it can be challenging to stay indoors as well. Many people are managing children, jobs and a host of other responsibilities. No matter what, it’s important to do all you can to maintain a positive atmosphere in your home. It’s a lot easier to deal with a global pandemic when your home feels safe, happy and peaceful. In order to occupy your children and maintain a happy home, consider five of the best family activities you all can do during this quarantine period.
1. Artwork
One of the most beautiful things about art is that you can’t judge it. Creativity and expression are personal experiences. Create an art night experience where everyone chooses their medium of choice to express artwork. Whether they decide to use clay, watercolor paint or recycled cans, it’s their choice. Set out coloring books, crayons and easels for painting as well. Use whatever you have in your home. To contain the process, you can leave a ton of materials on one table. Contain everyone in one room to allow them to be together. Put on some music that encourages creativity, work in silence or make room for everyone to have conversations with one another.
2. Cooking
Depending on how many family members you have under one roof, a cooking project might sound like a chaotic experience. Truthfully, it can be a lot of fun to create an amazing cooking experience. Make it festive and fun by allowing everyone to create their own custom gourmet pizzas. Give each family member dough to roll out. Then, arrange a ton of toppings, sauces and spices for everyone to use as they please. Don’t just stick to tomato sauce. Include options like pesto sauce, infused oils and spiced butter. As everyone places their various pizzas in the oven, they can take pictures, clean up and entertain one another.
3. Movie Night
When you go to the movie theater, it’s a full experience with snacks, drinks and great company. Once everyone agrees on the movie they’d like to see, set up the family room for maximum comfort. Everyone can grab their blankets, wear fun family pajamas and more. Set up a table that has an array of snacks and food. Prepare a huge bowl of popcorn, the best candy options and some other savory or sweet goodies.
There are so many people who are concerned with whether family members and friends will contract this scary virus. There are concerns surrounding food scarcity, the political atmosphere and job security. Even with all of those concerns, it’s still possible to maintain a good pulse on the atmosphere of your home. By actively having fun and choosing to be happy, you can make this situation more positive and manageable during this time of quarantine. Remember that it won’t last forever. However, the memories you create with your family will.
4. STEM Projects
When you’re stuck inside, it’s tempting to let the children play with a ton of video games as their brains turn to mush. While it’s okay to allow time for video games and other mindless sources of entertainment, maintain a balance. Head over to a site like Pinterest in order to try different science experiments. Learn about the science behind horticulture as more people are growing food from home during the quarantine. Take time to learn more about river models, and build one. As your children work on different STEM projects, they’ll learn to become more curious. They’ll also learn more about how to solve problems.
5. Physical Exercise
When most adults think about physical exercise, they think about working out in order to lose or maintain weight. While physical exercise is useful in that way, there’s a lot more to exercise than most people realize. Physical movement can do wonders for mental health. During this time where people don’t know what to expect from day to day, it’s nice to get a boost of endorphins. Make it fun when you’re with your family by trying something new. Everyone can get on their bikes to go for a ride around the neighborhood. If you have trampolines in your backyard, put on some music to let everyone rock out. Other great physical activities for the family include a game of basketball (with each other only), roller skating or a Wii dance party.
