Thrive in a Pandemic with Kids! You’ve got this!

Below are a few Amazon affiliate links that we used to make these activities extra special!

How are you?

No really! You are living through a Pandemic, its bewildering, and to be honest my emotions are ever changing.  As a teenager I slightly remember Ebola, H1N1, and The Bird Flu. Notice… I said slightly!! My parents did a great job of keeping me aware, and not fixated in the fear of the uncertain times ahead. On the other hand COVID-19 has affected our lives in a profound way. There are more deaths, more fear, more media, and financial burdens. The perfect recipe for stress! Taking my anxiety to a peaceful state normally requires some deep breaths, big hugs and some profound conversation with Jesus!

My attention is keen on keeping my boys mind off COVID-19 by maintaining normal life!

My attention is keen on keeping my boys mind off COVID-19 by maintaining normal life! We are going on more walks, bike rides, and cooking their favorite meals! We play lots of games and watch their favorite movies! Honestly, the homeschooling part is where I am most confident; having them home 24/7 it is what I prefer. I thought I might share a few easy activities for parents who are feeling overwhelmed. Even with all of the intentional distractions sooner or later they are going to say it! “Mom, I’m Bored”! Relax, that is totally ok, creativity manifests when the mind is bored! 

Who would have known you can do so much with chalk!

Who would have known you can do so much with chalk! Grab some side walk chalk at Target or Amazon and let your children write encouraging notes all over the drive way and sidewalks. The community will love reading the inspirational notes while walking, jogging or biking each night. As a bonus your children are being creative, thoughtful and practicing their writing skills! I know you have seen the chalk murals all over social media! They are beautiful right? Hand your kids some painters tape and let them go to town! My boys were so amazed after pulling off their tape!

You see, learning doesn’t have to happen at a table, it can happen anywhere!

Did you know you can go on a bear hunt in a subdivision? Through our neighborhood Facebook page we invited everyone to put out their favorite stuffed animals in their front windows. Everyone seemed to enjoy getting out and hunting for those adorable friendly bears. To take the learning a step further the boys and I spoke about the natural habitats of these Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Afterwards, the boys became meteorologist and studied the current weather, they predicted the next days forecast in a science journal and recorded their inferences. You see, learning doesn’t have to happen at a table, it can happen anywhere! Having a neighborhood bear hunt was a great social distancing activity that still created a sense of community. 

Learning disguised as play is simply the only way! 

Water guns never seem to survive at my house! So we ordered a new set from Amazon and had them the next day. The boys wrote their sight words on the concrete and did some simple addition and subtraction sentences, it was a race to finish before the equations disappeared. Watching water evaporate always impresses kids, and hello thats a science lesson all in itself! Learning disguised as play is simply the only way! The boys laughed and played for hours in our backyard which lead to an early bedtime. Win-Win for Mom!

Surprise! Cooking is MATH…

I am no Gusteau by any means; so know you won’t have to work hard when I say “cook” something fun! If you are an amazing chef take off your hat and hand it to your kids! They will love learning how to make Mac and Cheese, Rice Crispy Treats, Brownies, S’mores, and Cookies! Surprise! Cooking is Math. If your child is young focus on counting, sorting and telling time. If your children are a little older throw in some measurement, fractions and volume! Children love when they get to apply boring math to actual real world experiences! 

For this child I have prayed 1 Samuel 1:27

Now that we aren’t rushing to get the kids into bed, out of bed and out the door for school we have the opportunity to slow down. This forced home time is something we all wish for when our world is in full swing. Now is a great time to organically begin cultivating a meaningful relationship with your children and their God. Help your child create a prayer journal, or a prayer wall. It can be as simple as a notebook and a few sticky notes to get your children reading and writing about Gods word. 

Fika- (fee-ka) – a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life

One day we will go back to normal, we as a society will endure and recover from Covid-19 and the toilet paper shortage. Until then let’s keep inspiring each other. I would love to see all of the ways you guys have found to keep your children engaged. Comment below to tell me things you have been doing!

-Sierra Dawne

P.S.

Above are a few Amazon affiliate links that we used to make these activities extra special! I hope they make it just as fun for you guys!