Ideas on How to Keep the Kids busy during LOCKDOWN

So Boris has given his direction that we are all to stay at home unless we absolutely need to go out. Shopping for necessities is permitted. Also permitted is one run/cycle/walk a day with a member of your household.

Yikes!

This means so many different things for so many families. Each and every situation alone a challenge to say the least. We are all worrying about finances, our health and the health of others’, our sanity. More than anything we are worrying for our children.

Good Intentions

As a family we started the week with all good intentions. PE with Joe Wicks at 9am, followed by designing a timetable for my big kid that would aim to keep him busy. 2 hours into the day it was all tits up and we promised to start again properly the next day….

…it’s now Wednesday and we haven’t yet got back on track. Tomorrow is another day though. We will get back there.

I haven’t got a million answers on how we should all be coping during this time, nor have I got any idea on what things will look like on the other side. What I am certain of though is that there are simple things that we can all do to look after our mental and emotional well-being during this time.

Keeping the kids entertained during lockdown

Two Helpful Tips

Exercise is key! Even if just for 20 minutes a day. This will help both you and your family mentally and physically.

Another tip….turn your phone off!

It is great to stay in touch and we are obviously so blessed to have the technology that will allow us to talk with family instantly no matter where in the world they may be. However, if like me the constant WhatsApp pinging and social media updates are literally ‘doing your head in’ then the simple action of switching your device off will give you peace of mind. Don’t get me wrong….my friends have kept me sane in recent days. Funny videos and messages of support have been a lifeline but my children are here and need me to be present with them…and being on my mobile device is having negative impact on us all.

Back to the purpose of this blog…How to Keep the Kids entertained during LOCKDOWN????!!!

How to Keep the Kids entertained during LOCKDOWN

There have been so many wonderful things going on online. Lots of celebrities and local businesses have really upped their game and have gone above and beyond to help give those of us at home a boost and a purpose to our day. There are some ideas and links below to lots of things going on. This list is by no means exhaustive so please feel free to comment below with other useful resources to help another parent in their hour of need!

9am-PE with Joe Wicks https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

10am-Maths with Carol Vorderman https://www.themathsfactor.com

11am- English with David Williams https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/

12pm- Lunch (cooking with Jamie Oliver) https://www.jamieoliver.com/features/category/get-kids-cooking/

1pm- Music with Mylene Klass https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ

1.30pm-Dance with Darcey Bussell https://twitter.com/diversedancemix/status/1241098264373592065

2pm-History with Dan Snow (free for 30 days) https://tv.historyhit.com/signup/package

4pm-Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Fri) https://www.instagram.com/theocooks/

Non-daily Events:

Science with Professor Brian Cox, Robin Ince&Guests https://cosmicshambles.com/stayathome/upcoming-schedule

For Older Kids 50 FREE Revision resources for 11+, GCSE’s and A-Levels: http://www.eparenting.co.uk/education/50_free_revision_resources_for_gcse_a_level_11_plus_and_sats.php

Try not to worry about making sure your child is getting an education during this time. Think about normal household activities that are important not only for the smooth running of your home, but also a life-skill for our little ones to learn.