If you are a parent who NEVER planned to homeschool or be a stay at home parent, everything has changed with Covid 19 (the Corona Virus.)  But you know that already!

I have seen co-workers scrambling to get childcare or trying to figure out how to effectively work from home.

I wanted to help everyone in some small way as we are facing a new world. 

So, I consulted my grandkids for their ideas. I did some research and this is what I came up with. I sincerely hope you find it helpful…

For the littles, I’d start with this fun recipe for flub, AKA slime! My kids made it way back in preschool.          

1. Put cornstarch into mixing bowl.

2. Begin adding water slowly.

3. Optional: Mix in glitter for a colorful craft.

4. Mix with hands until the mixture is smooth.

5. Continue adding water until you have achieved your desired consistency.

6. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container.

Another great idea, which my kids always loved doing, was building forts in the living room.  Give them all the sheets and blankets you can find and enjoy their creativity. You can give them a deck of cards or age appropriate board games.  Older kids can read to younger siblings inside the forts with flashlights.

Some other ideas for them:  Play Simon Says or I Spy; write letters to grandparents or other relatives; play dress-up;  make a sock puppet;  make-up new rules to an existing game or make up their own;  bake something; help make meals; or have fun making dessert for dinner. My mother would occasionally make strawberry shortcake for Sunday supper.

If cabin fever can’t be avoided, it’s OK to go outside. So take a hike; make sandcastles at the beach (6 feet away from one another); take a road trip with food inside the car; lay down on the ground and watch the clouds; walk the neighborhood; watch birds; have a backyard picnic; grow something;  ride a bike (without getting too close to friends); blow bubbles; paint rocks; wash cars; have a water gun fight; or as a twist, offer to walk a neighbor’s dog!    

Whatever you end up doing, take advantage of this opportunity to get to know your kids better and just enjoy each other.

To avoid boredom in your teens, there are so many things that you might even have fun doing too. Once they have finished their online homework, then go ahead and give them unlimited access to their electronic devices.  I’m the first one to emphasize discipline, but these are extraordinary times!

My granddaughter suggested Snap Chat which is great for making funny faces to share. Tik Tok allows them to make videos. If they are very social Houseparty Face Time works for sharing with up to 8 friends. They might already know about these, but if not you can become their hero!

My grandsons love to play Fortnight and my son gets involved in it too.  Though it can be addictive, we have to make allowances, since we really have no idea how long this season will last. Though we are all going to need to recover from being extra close to our families, I’d like to think that this will bring our families closer together too.

I hope I’ve helped at least some of you that everyone stays healthy with safe sanitary practices and this difficult season is over soon.