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Everybody is running around jacked up on sugar with no structure!!!
Please no! You’re already exhausted from Zoom-schooling your children and now you have them for 2+ weeks without any structure. How can this be? Hasn’t 2020 given us enough already?!
We get it. You’re exhausted and you need simple ways to keep your child busy while you work, wrap their gifts and make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. BrainLeap has a few creative ways to create structure in your child’s schedule when they’re not in school.
Create a reading and learning environment.
Getting your child to actually sit down and read can be challenging. However, if you allow them to have a choice in their reading material, you might be surprised how many kids will sit still and actually read.
If they’re not completely on a level that they can read a full book on their own, sit down with them to read for a certain amount of time each day. Graphic novels of classic books like A Wrinkle in Time are a great way to introduce younger children to great literature and give you both something to discuss at that dinner you’ve been cooking.
Try out the Attention Arcade.
The Attention Arcade can be a great way to allow your children to have some screen time while they develop their attention skills! The Attention Arcade is designed to improve attention skills not only within the games but in life outside of school. These gaze-driven video games are easy and fun for your child. Many kids say that they like playing them so much, if they didn’t know they were training a skill, they’d still want to play!
When children improve their attention skills, they improve reading, math, executive function, and life outcomes. You can feel good about your child playing video games as you work knowing that they are training skills that will improve working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
Have them help around the house, in a fun way!
Making chores fun might be the most contradictory suggestion we’ve ever made, but we believe you can actually make chores interesting for kids. For younger kids in 1st and 2nd grade, you can make a game out of their chores.
For older children, it might be better to give them a chance to help in the kitchen, or with more exciting ‘chores’. Many parents are working from home – teaching your teen to use Photoshop, Excel or another software you work with every day is a great way to connect, have them learn a skill, and, if you’re lucky, maybe get some free labor out of the deal!
If technology’s not on the table, the kitchen is a great place to learn responsibility, math, and time management skills. Being in the kitchen together – when you can – not only keeps kids engaged and occupied, but also creates memories that can last a lifetime.
Organize family activities you can all do together.
The holiday season means family time and a lot of it. When you organize a group outing to the park, or a family game of badminton, you encourage family bonding, while also allowing your children to expend some of their seemingly endless energy.
If you’re in a colder, snowier climate, outdoor activities might seem daunting. When you’re done with chilly hikes, opt for a mad game of family Charades, Exploding Kittens, or Pictionary.
Allow them to exercise in whatever way they choose.
DANCE PARTY! Children have a lot of energy, but I’m sure we don’t have to tell you that. They are also very particular about their likes and dislikes.
When you give your kids the option to choose their exercise, they not only choose something that aligns with their interests, but they also release that pent up energy. While you’re at it, join in the fun. We suggest the 80’s but, you know, that’s just us.
