Staying Home More? 7 Activities to Challenge Your Kid

Planning on spending more time at home than previously in the next coming weeks? Since The President declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, several people are following the CDC guidelines of social distancing (staying at least 6 feet in distance from the next person in public) and avoiding large gatherings.

This does not mean ALL gatherings are to be avoided, but in some areas the usual options are limited. For example, zoos, museums, schools, churches, and other areas are closing their doors until we have more information about the effect COVID-19 is going to have on the US.

One of the questions we are faced with is - how will the kiddos hold up for an extended period of time without driving themselves (and us) bonkers?

For stay-at-home parents and those that homeschool, this may be more familiar territory. However, for those of us that only encounter this dilemma during a blizzard or rainy day (not often in Oklahoma), it's good to review the options.

1. Building Fun

Challenge your kiddo to build something awesome! Use whatever you have - LEGOs, large blocks, popsicle sticks, etc. Can they make a village? robot? Who can build the tallest tower without it toppling? Can they make patterns?

2. Tape the Floor

Wait, TAPE the FLOOR? Yes, that's what I said. Of course, don't use packing tape on the floor. That's madness. I recommend painter's tape. It comes up easily and will not destroy the finish or carpet.

Use tape to outline a game of hopscotch or a large tic-tac-toe pattern. Or you can even make roads for your cars to race.

3. Crafts!

Paint, color, cut and poorly glue. Lots of kids love this! Warning though -- kids tend to tire of this category the quickest. I have no idea why, but it's very rare to see a child extend crafts beyond 15 minutes.

My recommendation is to save the coloring and painting for times the child needs to calm the body, like right before dinner, during the afternoon stretch, or right before bedtime.

Then, if you are looking for a longer attention-holding craft, have them create an item that can be used in a follow-up activity. We like sock puppets and masks.

4. Creative Bug

Encourage creativity by asking your kid to write you a story! (This beauty also takes most kids tons of time.) If they cannot write, ask them to draw you a series of pictures that tell a story, and you can help them staple it into a makeshift book to add to your family library.

5. Outdoor Fun

Weather permitting, get those kids outside! Whether it's adding chalk designs to the front porch, playing soldier on the balcony, or running like a maniac in the backyard -- give your little ones access to some rays.

Our backyard is a swamp after it rains, and sections of the yard are a permanent mud zone. Naturally, the boys have always loved this. No vacations right now? It's good, we are just going to pretend we are at a very muddy, small beach.

6. Active Screen Time

And I truly mean physically active. My boys love Cosmic Kids Yoga (you may download the app or view the videos on YouTube). The instructor takes them through a fun story while they learn kid-appropriate yoga moves. A great way to stretch out the wiggles.

When my kids have LOTS of energy and outside is absolutely not an option for whatever reason, we check out the Just Dance videos on YouTube. It's hilarious to watch them mimic the moves!

7. Make Screen Time Count

What does this even mean? We all independently make the decision of what is best for our child when it comes to screen time, so I am not here to soap box you. However, it can be easy under ANY circumstances -- not just the situation we find ourselves in now -- to find comfort in a TV-day. Just try to avoid this as the norm.

These days could turn into weeks. It's important to set a healthy pattern in the beginning for yourself and your kids. Avoid excessive screen time, and for the time your kiddos do watch, ask yourself: does it hold value for my family (religious, educational, positive bonding, etc.)?

The other day, we avoided screen time until right after dinner. We gathered in the living room for family movie night. I loved ending our day all cuddled on the couch together listening to the boys laugh at Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

PSA: Don't feel pressured to go through these activities or your own "rainy day reserves" all in one day. This article is *NOT* promoting the mentality that parents live to entertain their children. Because no we do not.

These are ideas for when you or your kid feel stuck. Independent play for kids is good! Encourage their growth, and let them figure out what to play or do next. And when they feel they have done it all, and the toys are not enough, hopefully this list will help you challenge them again.

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