Family Fun Tips

Family Fun Tips

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

During this unusual time of being quarantined, you may find yourselves wondering what in the world you are going to do at home with the children day in and day out.  I have some suggestions to keep mom and dad sane and your sons and daughters occupied, learning and making memories.  

1. Routine:  As a homeschool mom,  I remember being tempted to sleep in and let the kiddos wear their pj’s all day.  Not a good plan.  Everyone feels better and more productive when they get up at a set time, get dressed and sit down for breakfast.  A prayer and a simple bible verse at the same time every morning is also a great way to fill up spiritually.  Those bible verses can lead to great discussions.  Eat lunch together.  We used to listen to Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey during lunch.  It was a nice diversion.  Try to end your day around the same time.  If your children know there is a set time to finish with something fun to look forward to, they will be more apt to work diligently.  Then be ready when school is done.  Have a snack, game or a little time set aside to let off some steam. 
2. Stay connected:  While isolated, social connections are very challenging.  It’s time to think outside the box and use technology to our advantage.  Set up Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime for you and your family so you can connect with loved ones.  Some tech games can be very beneficial in helping your children connect with friends, such as Minecraft.  Have your children draw a picture of a great memory they have had with their grandparents.  Text the picture to them.
3. Physical activity:  It’s time to think of new ways to get the blood flowing.  Work together with your family to set up an obstacle course.  If you have space outside, go for it!  If you don’t, set it up in your house.  Move the furniture around to make tunnels, slides, foam ball targets and hurdles.  Or create a dance playlist and have a dance party.  Form a human train and everyone does what the leader is doing as you follow a set path around your house.  After a couple minutes, change leaders.  For older children who want more traditional exercise, find fitness workouts online.  Fitnessblender is a great resource with a variety of workouts that you can do in your home with or without weights.  Or dust off the treadmill or stationary bike sitting in the corner and put it to use!
4. Positive Distractions:  We are constantly being inundated with dire news.  Try to keep it to an age-appropriate level so that your children don’t become overly anxious or depressed.  Think of things your children love to do and really delve into those interests.  For instance, if you have a baker, get some inspiration by watching “The Great British Baking Show” or go on instagram #cake decorating and spend as much time as you like watching.  Then have your child use their imagination to bake and decorate a masterpiece.  Or watch some Foodnetwork “Chopped” episodes and then have your own “Chopped” competition.
5. House projects:  Now is a great time to check off items on your to-do list.  Get the children involved.  It will get done faster and everyone will feel a great sense of accomplishment.  For instance, your 12 year old son has been asking to change out the dinosaur wallpaper for a neutral coat of paint.  Here’s your chance to tackle that project with him.  And if you have Audible, play a classic book series that you both enjoy, such as The Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.
6. Set the Tone:  Parents, it’s important for us to lead by example.  Take your anxious thoughts to God and pray blessings on your children.  Use this as a time to grow stronger as a family, despite the challenging situations you may be facing. 

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” Genesis 50:20.