South Africans are entering the last two weeks of lockdown and working from home and chatty little ones can be a big challenge for most of us.
While we are all staying home, washing our hands, and trying to flatten the COVID-19 curve, cabin fever may kick in. Although we find ourselves in strange and uncertain times, we need to stay positive and keep our minds busy.
If you are feeling bored during the lockdown, there are a few things you can do to keep everyone (including yourself) occupied.
Some of our lockdown tips include:
- Stick to your daily routine as much as possible. We are all creatures of habit and feel safe and secure with a structure in our lives. Spending the day in jammies is not a good idea! The whole household needs to adhere to fixed mealtimes and routine bedtimes.
“Experts agree that creating a routine for your children is one of the best things you can do during a self-quarantine to maintain a measure of normalcy and it also allows you to limit their screen time,” says Chris Cilliers, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
- Ask your kids for help setting up a chore chart. Everyone should clean and tidy up every day. The difference in dust, mess, and general grottiness between a family at work and school every day, and one at home all the time, is more than a weekly blitz can cope with. Pro tip: Nothing maintains good habits quite like sticker rewards. Make it fun, set a timer and challenge them to better their time every day. Or, reward “work” with pocket money to be put in a visible jar. Once lockdown is over, take them to spend their hard-earned money on something special.
- Stay creative – Try think of fun activities to do that don’t necessarily involve the television or computer. Remain creative within your immediate environment.
- Eat healthy food and do regular exercise. When trying to eat healthily, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Use the ingredients in your pantry first before you buy more groceries. Do home workouts every day as they will strengthen your immune system, improve your mental health, and give you that perfect body.
If you’re not sure what other activities to do with the family, Fedhealth is throwing you a lifeline.
We’ve put together a 76-page bumper activity book for your little ones that should keep them entertained for days. We’ve even thrown in some “bigger pictures” that are perfect for mom and dad to join in the fun. From word games to mazes, 3D models to mandalas and colouring to a creative challenge – it’s packed full of fun from cover to cover.
Simply download it below, print it and let the fun and games begin:
As an added bonus, the Baby Brunch team gives us the Ultimate Lockdown Crash Course on Children’s Activities & Home-Schooling where experts like Liz Senior, occupational therapist and founder of Clamber Club, and Janet Kieswetter, home-schooling mom of 5, answer your burning questions.
We’re in this together and this is just our way of showing that we’re thinking of you and your little ones during these uncertain times.
Have fun and stay safe!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
