While the news may have talked about how cold it was going to be today, were you hoping that it wouldn’t get that cold and your kids would still have school? Are you wondering how to keep your children entertained today at home? Are you working from home today or do you have the day off? This day off might be a little trickier since you can’t have them go outside for how cold it is, but here are some tips of how to have today be a little less chaotic.
Most children are probably excited to not have school today, but depending on what you have to get done today, especially if you are working, this could be harder. It is important to try to find a balance with the idea of independent play and have family time along with trying to find more active things to do and more relaxing activities. Think about what your child needs and think about what this balance will look like. For all children, having both will be important, how much of each is needed will vary by children. This can also differ between your own children.
Trying to have more active things for your child to do can be a little harder today as they are recommending that people do not go outside today unless necessary and even when they do, just for a few minutes at a time. Many people come up with active things by going outside, but you will have to be more creative today. These activities could be playing freeze dance, creating an indoor obstacle course, or using apps such as GoNoodle or Cosmic Yoga Kids. Are there other ways that they can be more active at your house?
Some parents are still trying to work today, hopefully from home due to the weather. This means that you are trying to get work accomplished while also keeping your children entertained. The older your children are, the easier it may be to be more independent, just be aware of how much screen time they receive. While some children may immediately think about how they can stay busy with screens, it is important to try to make this not be the whole day. What other activities can children do independently? They can spend time reading or looking at books, coloring or other arts and crafts, puzzles, or Legos. Having them play independently can help you accomplish other activities during the day and give you some time as well.
Spending time together as a family for some activities could also help with today. This can be considered unexpected family time so how can you use it? Some of this time could be with some of the more relaxing activities such as reading or arts and crafts. With reading, if children see you participating in it, then they will see it as something valued in the house. Your family could also do some of the more active time together as well. How does your child want to participate?
If you are trying to get work accomplished and have meetings, it can be helpful to have some of these activities already prepared. It can also help to make sure to have some easy to grab snacks ready so that they can independently grab them. This could be cut up fruit or vegetables, cheese and crackers, or other healthy options. When children feel that they can be independent, this makes it easier for everyone. What else can help with this?
Today may not be the day home you were expecting, but try to make the most of it. Having children be independent for some of the day may help, but also see if there are way that you can spend time together as a family. These times may be mixed together and switch during the day, but this variety may be helpful for everyone. How are you going to spend your day inside at home? If you need some ideas, feel free to reach out or check out my membership program for more ideas.
