Engaging Your Children When COVID-19 Keeps Them Inside
Nature’s Baby Organics cares about the health of your family, so enjoy this article for some helpful information that can help yours thrive!
Engaging Your Children When COVID-19 Keeps Them Inside
With my kids frequently stuck inside during the pandemic, we all started to get a case of cabin fever. But then I realized that by channeling their energy and giving them productive things to do, we’re all happier. I’d like to share with you some of the resources I found for those stir-crazy days, including turning screen time into a learning experience, as well as making your own science experiment. They might just come in handy when you’re trying to keep your kids entertained and engaged during lockdown.
Foster Educational Screen Time
Of course, kids want to turn to electronics when they’re cooped up indoors. But why not make screen time educational for them? Instead of running Netflix on my tablet, I downloaded a few fun apps that let my kids learn something new—even my infant! And I’m a penny pincher, so I was relieved to discover various new tablets can easily run apps smoothly and for long periods of time, and with seasonal sales you can really stretch your dollars.
Plus, you can find an array of educational apps for learning languages, diving into history, composing music, and other subjects. There are even apps that feature augmented reality for a more immersive learning experience. Of course, it’s unavoidable that your kids are going to spend some time playing their video game consoles as well, but you can find age-appropriate games without violence and bad language.
Get Them Moving
When your kids can’t seem to sit still and you can’t send them outside to play, give them an opportunity to dance off that energy. They can get some much-needed exercise while building coordination, and they will be more relaxed and focused. You can find an almost overwhelming collection of dance videos for children online, and you might even want to join in the fun!
TechMama reviewed several selections, and I really like the choices offered on the “Pancake Manor” channel for light, entertaining, educational lessons. Also, I found a key way to getting the kids engaged is playing the videos on our entertainment system. Enjoying them on the big screen of our television and with surround sound was far superior to my laptop. And if you want to give them a little treat while you’re at it, microwave popcorn is always a good healthy choice, and it’s quick and easy to make!
Snapping Photos
Do you have a shutterbug in the family? I do, and I found a reviewer who recommends some great websites to help my child develop her interest. Try the YouTube course called “Photography for Kids - Online Photography Course” through Video School Online. The course is inexpensive and oriented toward children, and the lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes and teach not only techniques but also the history of photography. I also like that you can contact the instructor if you have any questions or concerns.
Choose Creativity
My children love to do things that are creative. The web offers a ton of art lessons for your youngsters, and Artists Helping Children suggests tutorials at HowToDraw.com. There are step-by-step instructions for everything from portraits to cartoon characters to realistic animals. Kids can also explore different media, including pencil drawing, pen and ink, charcoal, markers and pastels. There are lessons on how to create depth, shading, and perspective.
Math and Science
According to some studies, learning math and science are vital to a child’s development. However, kids don’t always warm up to it well if it’s presented in a dry, boring, textbook method. For instance, when you’re cooking, you can show them how fractions work by measuring with quarter cups and half cups. Or, you can give them a fun science experiment, like making rock candy from ingredients you probably have on hand. This edible concoction will encourage your kids to learn about precipitation and evaporation.
With COVID-19 keeping many of us cooped up in the house, find productive ways for your youngsters to channel their energy. There are plenty of opportunities to use the time inside for engaging and educational activities. Cabin fever will quickly give way to fun and learning!
Connect with Nature’s Baby Organics for more ideas and inspirations, as well as for gentle and healthful skin and hair care products for your littlest family members!
Image courtesy of Pixabay