HOW TO KEEP SANE DURING SELF-QUARANTINE – WITH KIDS!
by Alana Dunsmore
For many of us our worst nightmare has come true! Being cooped up with your kids in a limited space all day. Ok, I’m joking – but only half joking! The next few weeks will be a challenge. Trying to find a balance between doing our own work and entertaining the kids, while keeping everyone sane.
Apart from keeping our families entertained, we will be providing English updates on thingstodoingeneva.ch about the Coronavirus, as well as sharing helpful ideas for keeping our kids learning, entertained and out of our hair!
ALSO read our other articles for tips on self-isolation in Geneva:
Corona Virus – How to Manage your Fear and Anxiety
Is Home Working with the Kids unraveling Fast? Stay with These & 7 Tips
Netflix movies and series worth bingeing on
Family things to do in Self-quarantine: Week 2
Things to do in Geneva during self-quarantine
Helpful Resources, websites and Tips during Self-isolation in Geneva
9 Things to Love about Self – Isolation
Best movies and shows to watch on Disney +
How we celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday in self – isolation
1. KEEPING A SCHEDULE: Create a new normal
Start by creating a schedule. Our son is a huge routine guy. He likes to know what is happening and when.
Together we sat down and discussed what the new schedule would be for Monday-Friday, when he would be usually at school. Negotiating a balance of learning activities with fun activities. For us that meant some screen time but to please everyone that meant some fun screen time with some learning screen time.
Also read our other article on Things to do in Geneva for more THINGS TO DO DURING SELF-ISOLATION. CLICK HERE
2. WHAT IS COVID-19? How to explain this to our little ones
Some children often are prone to anxiety in unknown situations, including our son. This situation seems to be the perfect opportunity to test the boundaries of my son’s anxiety, and reassure him where appropriate. We are also testing our ability to properly explain things without making matters worse. For this reason I was very excited to find a workbook explaining the COVID-19 in language children can understand. For more help handling your kids anxiety or fears read our tips from two registered therapists. CLICK HERE.
3. HAVING FUN INDOORS
For a variety of ideas for indoor activities check out kidsactivitiesblog. Here you will find everything from crafts, colouring pages and recipes for all ages. There is a large variety and most seem to be free!
4. SCHOLASTIC LEARN AT HOME
Scholastic has created a free resource for families during this time. Here you will find exciting articles and stories, videos and fun learning challenges for all ages.
CLICK HERE for Scholastic learn at home
5. BRING A LITTLE CULTURE INTO YOUR HOME
I love this idea. Although it may be better suited for family time it’s a great way to create a balance of culture, education and fun. Some museums around the world are offering virtual tours. Definitely will be taking a virtual tour of one of these museums for this afternoon family time. It will be going up on the big screen!
CLICK HERE to see the list
6. WHAT ABOUT FRENCH?
If you’re brave enough to try to make up for the French your kids will be missing since they’re staying at home all day in an English household, here is a great reference to check out. Some have English descriptions if, like me, you are weaker at French than your six year old!. There are also youtube channel recommendations and games as well as educational materials.
CLICK HERE for more info.
7. BRINGING WILDLIFE INTO THE HOUSE
Keeping with the idea of providing a wide range of themes for my son’s activities I was over the moon to find this link. National Geographic website provides a variety of fun, educational and safe activities for your kids to explore a variety of subjects. If your kids love animals, this is the place to be!
National Geographic website here
8. GREEN EGGS AND HAM ANYONE?
I LOVE this. Not only is my son a big fan of Dr. Seuss, but so are my husband and I. The people of Seussville are available to play games, read and hang out on their website.
Visit with the citzens of Seussville here.
9. TEACHER WORKSHEETS
On this site, you’ll find a variety of worksheets – some for free and some at a fee. Not sure if people in Switzerland can become members but there are lots of free options, so you don’t necessarily have to pay for a membership. My son loved creating his own word puzzles based on his favourite books and games!
10. DO YOUR KIDS LOVE LEGO?
One of the Local Bricks4Kids branches will be announcing an exciting LEGO building competition for kids which will take place on their facebook and instagram accounts – so make sure you sign up for their newsletter so you don’t miss details on this virtual activity and any other future announcements.
You can also follow them on Facebook for more info.
CLICK HERE to register for their newsletter
We will continue to share ideas to keep the little ones occupied during this tricky time.
CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss any future articles.
The best approach appears to be to stay positive and busy!
If you have any suggestions, please share them with us and others by putting your ideas in the COMMENT field below.
These ideas are brilliant!
I think drawing and painting are also amazing activities for children during insulation. Drawing, improves kids’ creativity.
YouTube can be a good source of drawing lessons for kids.
This channel teaches some drawings for kids:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDLEray-qrSGDFMPj6fNFZw
Thank you alireza – it’s a great one too!