Keeping the kids occupied during the holidays can be challenging enough but this year, thanks to the Covid 19 lockdown, it is even more difficult. But don't panic, here is a list of activities to keep the family busy over the next few weeks.
Treasure Hunt = so you might not be able to go on your usual Easter egg hunt this year but that's OK just do one in your own house! Whether you want to make it educational and hide sums, spelling words, pictures relating to a topic they have been learning about around the house or hide little chocolate eggs (if you are lucky enough to have them!) the kids will love it! This week we did a Cluedo Treasure Hunt. We took out one card from each section - person, place and weapon from the board game and hid the rest around the house. Once the kids found them, they scored them off the form. The 3 that were left on the form, were the answers. We spent ages playing this and it kept the kids active and engaged.
Playing Board Games = now is an ideal time to have quality time as a family. No matter the age of your kids you will be able to play games together. We continue to love Monolopy, Jenga, Quirkle, Family Trivia Pursuit and a new one for us is Exploding Kittens which we are now hooked on. Unfortunately I still haven't won a game of this yet!
Technology = don't be worried about your kids spending time on devices. There are so many varied things they can do on it from watching live videocams at Zoos. At Edinburgh Zoo you can see what pandas, penguins and tigers as well as other animals are up to (https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams) You can also watch daily science experiments (https://www.techniquest.org/daily-demos/) Listen to amazing stories by David Walliams (https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/) Kids can also chat and see their friends whilst staying safely in their homes. We have set up family games of Bingo and Beetle Drive via Zoom which has provided lots of entertainment for all of us!
Keeping Active = This is so important, regardless of the weather. If you are like us and have been following Joe Wicks each morning, it is a great start to your day! We have also gone out daily for our family walk, exploring the local area and appreciating where we live. We have also set up football challenges in the garden. How many toe taps, shuttle runs, step ups etc can you do in a minute. Recording the scores and then seeing next day if we can improve on the previous scores. When I say "we" I actually mean the kids. I am the official scorer!
Baking = No matter the age, kids and adults love baking! From chocolate crispies to scones to cheesecake you can always give them a job to help you make something. Baking also has so many educational skills too (yes my teacher hat is back on!) Kids are reading recipes, weighing items, learning about personal hygiene, how to use knives safely etc The benefits are endless.
So the next 2 weeks might not be as you planned but we are getting the opportunity to spend some real quality time with our children and make memories that will last forever.
No matter what you decide to do. STAY SAFE AND STAY AT HOME!