If you are reading this post and are a parent, chances are, you’re at home. And your kids are home. And you may have no idea when your kids will no longer be at home.
Yes, the coronavirus is spreading. Companies have instituted work-from-home policies. Schools have closed. Daycares have closed. No one knows exactly what is coming next.
Whether you are expected to continue your paid employment working from home, or are simply working to keep you and your little people alive and not tear your hair out, these are stressful times.
And many of us are turning to screens for help.
Whether it’s Netflix, Disney+ (thank you for releasing “Frozen 2” early!), or apps, there are so many electronic ways to keep our kids occupied. Regardless of your usual stance about screen time, you may be relying on devices a little bit (or a lot) more over the next while.
You may be wondering just how much “Peppa Pig” you can take, or maybe you’re wondering how you can expand your children’s screen repertoire. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to up your children’s screen time game during this COVID-19-induced break from school. Here are a few we recommend:
Take a trip around the world
For those looking to travel without breaking quarantine, take a tour of Iceland. You can also virtually travel to Venice’s ornate opera house, La Fenice, and watch a string quartet play Beethoven. Take this time to explore the Louvre, the Guggenheim, or the National Gallery of Art without leaving your house. You can also get really classy and watch opera at the Metropolitan Opera.
Get moving
If you’re looking to keep your kids moving, make sure to check out Go Noodle, which combines movement and education. Also, make sure to try Cosmic Kids Yoga. Your kids will embrace their inner yogi and will hopefully namaste out of your way. Personally, I’m hoping to do this one with my girls.
Keep up with the academics
For those looking for more traditional online education resources, Brainpop and Khan Academy Kids are giving free access to their entire websites during school closures due to COVID-19. There are also many more sites offering resources, too.
Entertain your preschooler
If you are parenting the preschool set and are missing your weekly circle time or music class, be sure to check out Circle Time Fun or Stacy Peasley’s YouTube page for new daily YouTube singalong videos created exclusively for this period of no school. Stacy Peasley is a Natick mom and musician who is putting up this content for free; she suggests you consider making a donation to Natick Service Council, an organization that helps people facing economic uncertainty and will likely see an increase in traffic over the upcoming weeks.
Note: If you are finding the price of internet to be a burden, please check out Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which provides low-cost, and currently no-cost, internet services to those who qualify.
What about you? How are you getting through the pandemic? What are your screen tips and tricks?
Thank you for sharing, Lindsay!!