Quarantine! 5 Things To Keep You And The Kids Occupied During Lockdown

For several weeks now, we have been living in crazy, unprecedented times. And while most of us are getting to grips with the way things are, adapting to video conferencing with the boss in your sitting room while trying to keep the kids out of the way, queuing up for grocery stores and keeping the required social distance away from strangers and people on the street – it really does not stop things becoming a little boring, especially if you have young kids to keep amused at home.

Spending more time at home means you need plenty of tricks up your sleeve to keep the kids occupied and entertained. However, after several weeks, even the best set out plans and ideas can get get a little dull and boring. Here, we look at five activities that will keep you all occupied and happy.  

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Coloring

It is very rare to find someone that doesn’t love a few quiet minutes of coloring. It is relaxing, peaceful and creative, which is why people of all ages enjoy it. Gone are the days where you are limited to kids coloring books - these days, you can buy books for all themes and all ages, including some rather rude adult ones! You can also if you have access to a printer, print some from the internet. There are some really intricate mindfulness ones that encourage you to relax.

Gaming

Gaming is not just a geeky teenage activity. It is something that the whole family can enjoy, whether on their own or as a family. Dig out the console and some old school multiplayer games or wait until the kids are in bed and try your luck at some Lucky 7 slots.

Write letters and postcards

In an age where almost all communication is digital, a personalized piece of mail can be very well received and appreciated. After all, most of us only ever get bills and junk mail through the mailbox! Why not draw some pictures or send a ‘wish you were here’ postcard from your sitting room to a family member or a friend? You could even draw or paint some pictures and mail them to a local senior care center - many have stopped visitors and the residents would be cheered up by receiving something lovely in the mail!

Grow your own vegetables

If you have some outdoor space, maybe a plot in the yard, an allotment or even a window box, use this time to plant and start growing your own vegetables or herbs. They don’t take a great deal of upkeep, but it is good for children to see how and where their food comes from.

Create a family newspaper

Keep your family up to date and create a record of this rather unusual time by making a family newspaper. Include pictures, dates and a breakdown of what you have been doing. Send them digitally or by mail to your loved ones, and don’t forget to print off a copy for your quarantine scrapbook!