What to do with your children at home

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Your kids are home from school and odds are, they’re already starting to feel cooped up. So, how do you keep them (and you) from going stir crazy, while also keeping learning on track? We have a few ideas:

Limit the News.
There’s no doubt it’s an anxious and chaotic time. But, for the sake of you and your children’s mental health, it’s best to limit your intake of news. Of course, it’s important to stay informed, but constantly checking the latest COVID-19 updates will only heighten fear for the entire family.

Discover New Media Resources.
YouTube and podcasts aren’t just for teenagers and adults. Your kids can get in on the action too! Lessen your kids’ screen time by checking out this list of The 25 Best Podcasts for Kids that’s chock-full of bedtime stories, age-appropriate scientific exploration, news and more. Or get your kids moving with kid-friendly workouts on YouTube Kids.

Get Your Kids in the Kitchen.
Now’s the perfect time for your chefs-in-training to test out new or family-favorite recipes. Whether they assist you in cooking dinner or take the reins on tonight’s dessert, there’s no doubt they’ll revel in the chance to lend a hand. This is also a great way to teach your children about science and math!

Take a Virtual Tour.
Did you know that many renowned museums and institutions are offering virtual tours? Travel the world from the comfort of your home with Google Arts and Culture, which has partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to offer tours of their collections and spaces.

Celebrate Shabbat at Home.
Take a break from all the commotion and gather with your family for the start of Shabbat. Light candles, bless the wine, challah and your kids, and usher in the Sabbath. Get the kids involved in making fresh challah: we like this recipe found here.

Bring Back Board Games & Coloring Books.
Remember when board games and coloring books were the go-to source of entertainment for kids? Dust off your Monopoly and have a family game night or find inspiration with free coloring pages from Crayola.

And so on—the list is never-ending. During these trying times, we hope you’re staying safe and keeping busy. We hope to see you back on campus soon!