7 Creative Ideas to Survive a Quarantined Winter with Kids
Once a runaway thought driven by anxiety, parents across the globe are now facing an endless winter locked away in quarantine. And, like cabin fever on steroids, this is enough to make most of them feel more than a little anxious. However, we all are truly in this together, and there is no reason to fear. In this article, we’re bringing you 7 of the best creative ideas to survive the holidays, and all of winter, quarantined with your young kids.
The Holidays Can be Difficult for Families in Quarantine
Usually a time of hustle, bustle, and family fun, the holidays are looking a little different this year due to life during a pandemic and in quarantine. This can add additional stress on the backs of parents, which can trickle down and lead to behavioral outbursts in little ones. And, because many people are struggling with job security and financial stability, keeping kids occupied and entertained can be tough during this time.
Ideas for Surviving a Winter Alone with the Kids
The good news for you is that keeping kids happy at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, with just a little time, patience, and attention, the days with your little ones home could go smoother than the days where you wrestle them out of the house.
To help make this happen, I’ve compiled a list of 7 inventive, fun, and inexpensive activities you can try with your young kids to keep them occupied and happy, even in quarantine.
1. Build a Fort
The excellent thing about small kids is that it doesn’t take much to impress them or keep them occupied. Why not take it back to your childhood and enjoy an afternoon with your kids in a living room fort? Simply gather all the blankets, sheets, and pillows, and get building together! You can even employ cardboard boxes and silky fabric to take your fort to the next level.
2. Dress Up as Your Favorite Characters
Another wonderful way to tap into your childhood and connect with your kids in their worlds is to play dress-up. This type of pretending is also surprisingly beneficial for toddlers and children, aiding in their problem-solving skills and boosting the development of empathy. Dress-Up doesn’t require anything fancy either; everyday items like sports jerseys, aprons, and toolbelts can be implemented into the imaginative play to make it even more engaging and fun.
3. Go “Grocery Shopping” at Home
Shopping in a real grocery store can be a little scary these days. A great way to play pretend with your kids, and teach them about more “normal” occurrences, is to create a mini grocery store in your house. Set up a few small shelves for your children to shop from, and print off pretend money for them to purchase items. You can even begin introducing money and math concepts through play.
4. Take a Virtual Tour
One of the best aspects of our quarantined world is that we’re able to connect, learn, and grow with the Internet. Life without it would be unimaginable. Another awesome privilege this access provides us with is the ability to take a virtual tour. The American Museum of Natural History, Farm Food 360, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are just a few places that offer free virtual tours and live streams. This is an awesome chance for kids to get an up-close and personal view at all sorts of educational material.
5. Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Climbing, jumping, and crawling isn’t only for outdoor play. After all, it’s important to burn that energy off somehow! Building an indoor obstacle course is the perfect opportunity for young kids to get excited and have some fun, quarantine style. Start your indoor obstacle course by stretching a string on the floor between two chair legs, lining chairs up to crawl underneath, and stacking couch cushions for climbing over.
6. Make a Sensory Bin
Sensory bins and bottles are surprisingly effective at occupying toddlers and young kids for hours on end, and they are quite easy to make. Filled with materials designed to stimulate the senses, sensory play creations are so beneficial for helping toddlers understand the world around them. The base for sensory bins and bottles can be made from rice, water balls, and even pom-poms. Then, just add from there!
7. Thread Pasta Jewelry Together
Another terrific way to stimulate your child’s senses and hone in on their fine motor skills is to thread pasta jewelry together. All you need to do is toss some dried pasta into a baggie with food coloring, let it dry, and then get to threading! Penne pasta, elbows, and wheels are perfect for stringing onto adorable custom jewelry. You can even paint them to make your homemade jewelry fancier.
With Some Fun and Magic, You Will Make it Through Quarantine
Though it seems like the easiest thing, getting your kids through the boredom and isolation that comes with a months-long pandemic can make its way to the top of your priority list, and quickly. You are not alone in this though, and there are millions of parents out there with even more ideas for keeping your little ones happy and thriving. So, don’t be afraid to tap into your inner child, and call upon your fellow parents when the going gets tough. Even simple suggestions, solidarity, and a virtual hug can be enough to keep you motivated. Remember, it takes a village, even during social distancing.