There's a reason the term "Cabin Fever" was coined since the onset of Covid 19. After nearly two years of social distancing, economic crisis, distance learning and a complete shift to the world as we new it, no wonder the coffee mugs are piling up, your kids (and you?) are bouncing off the walls and tension is at an all time high.
1. SHAKE IT OFF!
It sounds much easier than it is to put into practice but in a world where we're bombarded with negativity, crisis and problems, laughter can often be the best medicine.
"Learning to laugh at yourself takes some of the pressure off, and it will allow you to be more authentic and vulnerable (both of which are desirable character traits). Here are two ways learn how to laugh at yourself:
Give yourself and your kids permission to be silly. At the right moment, being silly is a plus.
Look for the funny side of things. When you’re upset over something, ask yourself: “How is this situation funny”? Humor is a great way to deal with adversity and can even turn a negative into a positive."
BUSY BOX
One of the most simple activities you can make for (and/or with) your child to keep them away from the screen is a busy box. With a little prep work, you can captivate your young children and keep them playing independently while you relax, make dinner, answer your emails or tackle that growing To-Do list.
Depending on the age of your child, you can have them get involved in creating their own busy box. Think about items like scrapbooks, coin collecting, journals, legos, art materials and more.
They may not be thrilled with the idea at first but stick with the plan and watch it catch on. Replace "I'm bored." With "I'm going to find something to do."
3. FAMILY FUN
If you're like most parents, the time you get to spend with your children seems rare. What better way to make use of current restrictions then by getting to know each other as a family?
Start by:
Instituting a meal time rule. It's also the perfect time to teach table manners! Get accustomed to talking at the dinner table or, better yet, institute a no-phone zone during meal times. If it seems awkward at first, these prompts are a perfect way to ease yourself in.
4. JOIN THE READING CLUB
Just do a quick Google search to find a shortlist of reasons to read to and with your child. And if you're thinking, as we do, "How can I possibly squeeze time in my busy schedule to read with my child and make sure they go to bed on time?"
Awesome Act: Audio Books
Our teachers make a point of reading aloud to their students, focusing on the content of the book and adding special effects to make them personal. The DK Schoolhouse Community page and an age appropriate StoryTime Playlist on DK Schoolhouse's Youtube Channel give you a jump start into cute, funny, silly, educational and heartwarming tales.
"WANT A PERSONALIZED STORY FOR YOUR LITTLE LEARNER? HIT THE SUBSCRIPTION BUTTON BELOW AND GIVE US YOUR CHILD'S AGE AND GENRE FOR YOUR VERY OWN STORYBOOK!"
5. KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Yes it's messy, but worth it. Children love cooking (licking the batter...) and enjoy the glee of getting covered in cooking ingredients. Teach your child a few simple no-bake recipes to start off with, like this fancy looking Mermaid Ice Cream , a healthy Banana Smoothie or some Chocolate Oatmeal Balls where you can slip in all kinds of healthy seeds, raisins, nuts and oats.
Bonus? Fine Motor, Measuring and Math can all be worked in to this family friendly activity.
Once your child clearly understands the importance of kitchen safety, you can move along to some basic cooking recipes like Eggs in A Basket, Eggless chocolate cake, pancakes and eggs.
I mean, who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?
