Do you often find yourself, wanting to spend time and bond with your children, but just can’t find the time for it?
COVID-19 has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions for all of us, but the one silver lining that comes with it, is the extra time we get to spend with our families.
That being said, working from home is hard. It can get more challenging when you have a child around. Having to keep your kids entertained on normal days is hard enough. It’s even harder when you’re stuck between having to take a zoom call in 5 minutes while your toddler is ransacking the house because he/she isn’t allowed to go out to play.
And we know, this can get exhausting too, and that’s completely okay. During stressful times, families need to alter their lifestyles to accommodate the new changes. It’s about figuring out a new method of functioning that suits everybody – A way to build the bond with your child by just involving them in what you do.
Keep your children involved and yourself sane with these fun and easy activities.
One quick fix is to include your children in the activities that you normally do, as you go about your day.
“Two birds with one stone”
1) Cooking
Cooking with children could be a very engaging activity. Not only does it allow you to bond with your child but could also be very beneficial for your child’s growth. They learn and develop their motor skills while understanding measurements and ratios. They learn to follow instructions and a step-by-step procedure to completion. It provides an excellent opportunity for your child to practice sharing and cooperation. It is an all-round sensory experience for your child to perceive taste, smell and use their creativity. This could foster a passion for culinary interests in the future too! Who wouldn’t want their child to be the next junior Masterchef? Would definitely make your work a lot easier.
Here are some easy recipes you can start with to keep your toddler engaged.
2) USE YOUR DIGITAL TIME TO EMBRACE THE TIKTOK TRENDS
Many of us have started using various new digital platforms and applications to keep ourselves entertained – the most famous one being TikTok. This application has a bunch of options to try, you can record and create short dances, practice some lip-syncing, enact a small comedy sketch or create your own unique videos. Join in on the fun, get your child along with you and try out some of the cool new trends. You can dance with them, ask them questions, sing along to songs and even let them stay in the frame while you do your own thing!
Here are some cool trends you can try with your kids.
3) EXERCISE
All of us being cooped up in our homes, leaves us and our children with a lot of pent up energy. Exercise is a great way to release some of that stress and also, release those good endorphins to brighten up your day. Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or running in the park. You can keep it simple and try and involve your kids in it too. It could even be a game of catch, some football, watching and recreating dance videos, doing some yoga at home, jump rope etc. It’s a great way to bond with your children and also keeps you healthy: Win-Win!
4) CLEANING
Another chore that you could leverage into playtime is cleaning! Yes, you read that right. There are many ways in which you can get your kid to help you out with cleaning. As long as you make it fun for them, they are into it. This not only helps reduce your tasks for the day but also keeps the children occupied and develops their sense of responsibility.
Here is a list of chores for each child based on their age.
People say that the best way to get your child to clean up after themselves is to incentivise them, or bribe them into doing something. With a little more effort you could create a fun activity for both you and your child while getting things done. Create games for your kids based on the chore.
Click here for some ideas to make cleaning fun!
5) PICK UP A HOBBY WITH YOUR CHILD
Spending all this time at home gives you a great opportunity to pick some new hobbies and pastimes. Having a hobby is a great way to keep your child engaged and improve their skills. They learn to grasp new concepts quicker, understand the value of things, learn responsibility and also keeps them away from those gadgets! Finding a new tradition for you and your child can really help build a bond. The best part about a hobby is that you can literally pick up anything under the sun. You can be as extravagant as collecting coins or magic or you can keep it as simple as gardening, reading together or just dancing!
A hidden bonus to having a hobby is that it is also a great party trick. Time for you and your child to shine!
Here are some hobby ideas that you can create with your kids.
So there it is,
5 simple, easy ways to keep your children entertained while doing your daily tasks. It can be really difficult to set aside time to conduct activities and do things sometimes, and that is completely understandable. One way to overcome this lack of time, is to keep your children involved in whatever it is that you do. Find a fun and interesting way to include them and they will want nothing more. Creating traditions with your child is something that will stay with them forever.
"Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise"
Need some help with child care during lockdown?
If you want a simple solution that allows your child to be cared for in the comfort of your own home, your answer is In Home Care.
The best part?
The government is now providing subsidies for childcare to eligible families. See if you’re eligible now!
Head to Peachie Kids to find out more!