Passing The Time

If you are trying to figure out ways to stay sane or to keep your child or younger sibling entertained during this coronavirus crisis, check out this post.

I was really surprised when I began to see reports of parents freaking out about their children being home and not knowing what to do with them. I will admit I did get a little judgmental about that because this was the least of my concerns. As a single, homeschooling mother, I have not relied on the school system to teach or entertain my children for a number of years now. I did have to repent for this rash judgment and then I was compelled to offer some guidance and suggestions to others concerning how they can pass the time (and not lose their minds while trying to do so).

Above all, be intentional with the extra time that you now have to spend with your loved ones...

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this too shall pass. It will not last forever and one day, sooner or later, we will get out from under this fog of fear and quarantine brought on by the Coronavirus. I tend to believe that God is up to something big and we are all about to bear witness to a major demonstration of the King. There is still light at the end of this tunnel and soon we will see it.

When deciding what to do to keep yourself or a younger sibling or child entertained, remember that you must take into account the age, development level, and interests of this child. Some things will work for some and not work for others. For instance, if you live in an apartment you may need to rethink how you get exercise or fresh air since you don't have a backyard to use for this. This is not an exhaustive list and you can feel free to put your own twist on any of these ideas.

1. Have a bible study

2. Pray

3. Visit virtual museums online

4. Make a new family tradition

5. Have a talent show and discover the many gifts that your family has been blessed with

6. Draw, color or paint

7. Do crafts

8. Play in your backyard

9. Cook a meal

10. Bake cookies, Rice Krispie treats or whatever else your heart desires

11. Listen to music

12. Read a book

13. Have a family dance party

14. Put a puzzle together

15. Have a family game night (board games, video games, etc)

16. Exercise together

17. Start a garden or do yard work together

18. Clean/organize your house (and make it fun for little kids by turning it into a game)

19. Scavenger hunt

20. Play hide and seek

21. Have a conversation about something important to you

22. Stream live t.v.

23. Do a science project

24. Make playdough

25. Have a movie night

26. Learn a new skill or language

27. Teach someone something that you know a lot about

28. Have a spa day

29. Arm wrestle

30. Video chat family & friends

31. Go for a walk

32. Catch up on schoolwork or other work that you may have put off

33. Play with blocks or legos

34. Write a song or poem

35. Start a blog

36. Do each other's hair

37. Try a new restaurant and have the food delivered

38. Build something or assemble a piece of furniture together

These are trying times for many people in the world. While we are learning to navigate this pandemic, be sure to remember that young children are just as confused and overwhelmed by everything that is changing in their world. Keep yours and their mental health in mind even as you are being extra mindful of their personal hygiene and physical health. If we all work together, we will get through this and come out stronger in the end.