A guide for fun during isolation and social distancing

It’s two weeks into social distancing. You’ve run out of child-friendly content on whatever streaming service you use. If you don’t come up with something to entertain them soon, it will be a full-on Lord of the Flies situation. Don’t panic! We have some great ideas to keep you and your kids busy and maybe even get some booties shaking.

Dance party—remember those dances they made you learn in Phys Ed class? They finally have a purpose. Find the music on YouTube and teach your kids the Electric Slide, Macarena and Boot Scootin Boogie! Then let your kids teach you the Floss, Orange Justice and the Dab.

Scavenger hunt—this an oldy but goody. Just make a list of things they must find. For example, six things that start with “M”. If the weather is nice, take it outside. It’s also a good way to get the kids to hunt for those sunglasses or keys you misplaced.

Spring clean—chances are you and your kids have items in your closet that you don’t wear or don’t fit anymore. Sort through, wash and iron so when this is over, you can donate or sell them to earn some extra cash to spend at the mall (because it’s safe again and you deserve it).

Learn a life skill—there is no better time to teach your kids some important life skills by getting them involved. Get them cooking—the Internet has some great kid-friendly recipes. Let them experiment with new flavour combinations. You might just find a new family favourite. Also, we find vacuuming is great exercise for the little ones.

Explore together—why not try a new hobby together? Many craft supply stores will now deliver right to your door, so you can order online from the safety of your computer. Try crocheting, felting, painting, or even an online drawing class! Your kids will enjoy learning together and with any luck, they won’t make your own efforts look bad.

Make a mask—you’ve probably heard the debate over wearing a mask. However, in her latest message Dr. Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, stated wearing a non-medical face mask “may provide added benefit.” If you have some scraps of cloth and a few simple supplies, you can start production. There are numerous instruction videos online that you can use. Make a fashion statement and stay safe at the same time.

Got some ideas? Why not share them with us in the comments.

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