SANITY SAVERS: KIDS EDITION!

Tips, tricks and simple hacks for keeping kids occupied during the lockdown

BY JESSICA SANTOS

AS PARENTS, ONE of the greatest challenges we face is limiting the amount of time our children spend using electronic devices. With so many children now having their schooling online or with parents trying to work from home, the hours spent staring at a screen are way over what we would wish.

Filling their spare time with engaging activities can be a struggle normally, but when faced with doing so whilst confined to home, the need to come up with new and entertaining ideas has never been greater.

With limited or no access to shops or online shopping, getting creative with what you already have at home is the only way to go. We have selected six activities guaranteed to make them forget about their tablets. Even if you have little outside space, these ideas will keep your children busy whilst using their creativity.

Reusing everyday objects at home is a great opportunity for children to learn about sustainability and also the positive environmental impact of this lockdown on our planet.

Create a lockdown time capsule

Help your child collect items and draw pictures to capture their impressions of their time in lockdown. You may be surprised by the items they want to include. It is also a good way to get them to express their feelings about their lockdown experience through drawing and writing. Go to https:// kidsactivitiesblog.com/137490/ printable-helps-your-kids-makea-quarantine-time-capsule/ to download printables to colour and fill in.

Toilet roll crafts

Make good use of all that toilet paper you stocked up on and use the leftover cardboard rolls to create something fun using craft materials that you already have at home. From superheroes to teacups, fish and “binoculars”, the possibilities are endless.

Make a birdhouse

A leftover milk or juice carton can make the best birdhouse. Even if you don’t have a tree to hang it on, a birdhouse can be left on a window ledge or hung on a balcony. Put some leftover scraps of food or fruit out for the birds and see who comes to visit.

Things around the house can turn into new creations with a little creativity!

Cards Against Humanity (Family Edition)

The makers of this outrageously hilarious card game have come out with a family edition that is free to download and print at home. Click on the following link to get your copy and start playing. It is a game that will have both teenagers and parents howling with laughter. www.cardsagainsthumanityfamilyedition.com

Homemade bubble solution

Children love bubbles! This bubble mixture recipe uses ingredients that you will find in your kitchen cupboard and is quick to mix up when you find yourself in need of an immediate distraction.

Mix together & enjoy:

2 Cups water

1 / 4 Cup dish soap

1 TBS light corn syrup

Recycling old materials to make something fresh and green is a fun way to pass some time during the day. Kids will like checking in on their new creations!

Make a mini greenhouse

Kids love watching things grow. It is also a really good way to mark the passing of time during a lockdown with no fixed routine. Leftover plastic cups or bottles from the recycling can easily be converted into a mini greenhouse.

Even the youngest members of your family can enjoy tending their greenhouse each day and getting the satisfaction of seeing their seeds come to life. https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/ plastic-cup-mini-greenhouses ■