The closing of schools was a nightmare for a lot of parents who had to teach their kids new skills that often come with additional costs. Many schools still remain all virtual, hybrid, or somewhere in between. Besides that, social distancing to stay safe means way more time at home. In the past, signing our children up for classes came with prices that were above the family's budget, and there was not enough time or availability for them to learn anything online. However, things have changed, and one way to take make the best use of our kids' time at home, aside from keeping them busy, is to take advantage of all the wonderful activities the internet has to offer, including creative arts, music, drawing, and even tutorials on building awesome creations made out of Legos.
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In every crisis, there are opportunities to be found, and this is a great moment to give our kids activities to do that would be nearly impossible at a different time. In the process of teaching our kids, we might even learn that we have a new hidden talent waiting to be discovered! Parents might even find a new passion or skill that can allow for greater opportunities and dreams that we can add to our regular lives.
The importance of using this time to the best of our abilities is the key right now. That's why we are offering some suggestions that are practical for you and your family to get through this situation in the best way possible. In the midst of so much stress, it's always good to distract ourselves for some time with activities that are productive and that also keep our little ones entertained and safe at home.
Music is one of life's greatest pleasures.
Learning how to play an instrument is on a lot of people's bucket lists, so this is the best time for that. Part of that process is learning how to read music, which is a skill that is said to be helpful in gaining a better understanding of math and also good for our mental health. Who knows? After a few lessons, your kids might be able to surprise you with a living room concert.
There are painting classes online.
The best part is that there are classes for all ages, and some use items we already have at home like tea, coffee, and other foods to create different shades and colors. This is a great way to let our kids use their creativity while learning that if they try hard enough, anything can be turned into art.
There is so much that can be built with Legos.
Some kids are naturally good at coming up with creative setups to build from Legos without much need for instructions or ideas. This is a good way to keep them busy for hours on end while they create new piece after new piece. If they do run out of ideas, tutorial websites offer step-by-step instructions with different levels of difficulty for all ages.
A little Zumba can get the whole family up on their feet.
There's nothing wrong with resting on the couch for a while, but kids need to move around so they can use up all that pent-up energy they have inside of them–and also so they can remain healthy. This could turn into a big family dance party and a moment to share some good laughs together as everyone attempts to nail the sometimes complicated Zumba moves.
Everyone can learn yoga to help ease their minds.
Not only is this practice beneficial for our mental health, as it eases tensions that we often carry in our bodies from overworrying or stress, but it also helps us physically. It also improves flexibility and blood flow. There are plenty of yoga lessons for beginners to explore on YouTube.
Meditation is another practice everyone can benefit from.
It's good to teach your kids who are old enough to stay still on their own to relax and take a moment to themselves to calm their thoughts. Scientific studies show that meditation has benefits for children of all ages, especially the most restless and youngest ones.
There are fun ways to strengthen their fine motor skills.
There are activities that help younger kids and adults with drawing. The best thing is that you can learn to draw just about anything and with different levels of difficulty. They can start with something small and progress to something a bit more complex.
Get your kids involved in the fun world of robotics.
Robots are quickly becoming a part of our lives. Kids who know more about the robotics world, from designing to building them, will benefit in the future as the technology becomes a bigger presence in our lives. Give your kids an introduction to robotics now, and they might thank you in the future.
Teaching them how to sew might come in handy down the line.
This is a skill that will always be needed, no matter their age or gender. Whether your kids want to make clothes for their dolls and toys now or they want to redesign some of their own clothes, learning this skill will save them from paying tons of money to have a hem fixed when they are older.
Teaching your kids how to cook when they're young is a must.
This is the best time to introduce new foods into their diets and also a good moment to teach them how to prepare their favorite meals. Cooking is an experience that can bring families together, but it is also a skill that every person should possess, especially in times of need. Follow cooking videos with them on YouTube to show them how it's done.
TikTok used to be full of younger users.
We've been seeing more parents collaborating on fun videos with their kids on TikTok. From dancing videos to comedy skits, the social media platform has become a fountain of entertainment for adults and kids alike. Let your kids teach you how to navigate the application, and have fun together!
Learning about science at home might be better than in school.
Roll up your sleeves and start having some fun with some cool experiments that can be done right in your kitchen. There is so much to be learned from these science projects that can be found online, and they often use items and tools that we already have at home.
Not all schools teach kids about computer programs.
Coding is a skill that can be super beneficial for the future and a good possibility for a career or hobby for them to have when they are older. This is a good time for kids to learn, and by the end of this time, they might even be able to create their own website.
It's never too early to learn a little more about electronics.
Some schools offer courses that teach kids about working with electronics, but not all do, especially not for younger children. Kids love phones and tablets, so teaching them about what goes on behind the screens and how they are put together can give them an insight that will help them in case something stops working in the future.
Learning a new language is important.
Teaching your kids to read and write in Spanish could have great benefits for them in their futures, both in school and in their careers. It can open plenty of doors. If they already know how to, expose them to a new language like French or Italian that they can begin to learn. Knowing a new language is never a bad idea.
They can increase their reading levels.
This is a good time for them to catch up on their reading for school and for them to learn how to love reading recreationally. Download books for them on a tablet or e-reader so that they can begin to form a love for reading novels and stories that they can carry with them forever.
Social distancing can make them miss their friends and family.
Have them write letters or emails for their family and friends who are far away from them. This will strengthen their handwriting and communication skills. For the youngest ones, have them FaceTime or have video playdates with their little friends to keep up with their social interactions while keeping them safe.
Not everyone can learn how to sing, but they can try.
We might not all have the voice of an angel, but if you are able to sing, even if it is out of tune, it's already good enough. Learn the lyrics to your favorite songs together, do a family karaoke night, and sing at the top of your lungs. It's a good way to release stress while teaching them how to read and maybe even exposing them to some new music.
Kids might love learning how to build their own toys.
Keep your kids' hands busy by showing them videos that teach how to build their own toys. It could be a doll made of scraps of fabric or a toy made out of sticks. Let them get creative!
Gardening is a tool that might come in handy down the line.
Start small by teaching them how to take care of their own little plant that they can water and look after to learn a sense of responsibility for another living thing. Later on, you can show them how to plant flowers, vegetables, and anything else in the backyard.
