While all 50 states are beginning to look toward reopening, the reality is that COVID-19 remains a serious danger. Nearly 100,000 Americans—and likely thousands more not included in official statistics—have died from the virus over the past several months, and it will continue to pose a threat until a vaccine is found.
Given the risk of contracting coronavirus, parents should be doing everything possible to avoid exposing their children to the disease. That said, it can be difficult to keep kids engaged when they’re spending most of their time at home. These three tips will help you stay active with your family while staying at home.
Spend Some Time Outside
While some activities are unavailable during quarantine, that doesn’t mean you can’t spend any time outside with your kids. Cleaning up and improving your yard is a great way to get some fresh air, and there are some tasks children can help out with. While adults can use cordless lawn mowers for better yard care, kids can help out by potting plants or pulling weeds.
Keep in mind that you can still walk with your kids as long as you’re able to maintain social distance. Along with other benefits, sunlight is also a vital source of vitamin D, which may be connected to better COVID-19 outcomes for you and your family.
Set a Schedule
Just as our lives are often structured by work and other obligations, children are used to a daily and weekly routine that includes school, extracurricular activities, and more. Without a reliable schedule, it will be easy for your child to spend most of the day online, playing video games, or watching TV.
Instead, you should try to develop a schedule for yourself and your kids. This is especially crucial for children who tend to stay up late and sleep into the late morning or early afternoon. A consistent sleep schedule is critical for both physical and mental health.
Make Time for Yourself
While it’s important to prioritize your children during this time, you can only be an effective parent when you’re also able to focus on your health. Living in close quarters can be tough for everyone, so try to maintain your own social and personal life while quarantining.
Of course, spending more time at home can also be a good thing in some ways. This is a great chance to reconnect with your family and focus on things that are truly important to you.
COVID-19 is posing unprecedented challenges for all of us, and families need to stay strong together in order to stay physically and mentally healthy. These are three of the simplest ways to adjust your family’s quarantine routine.