It is a crazy and bad time. Many people all around the world are sick with Coronavirus. Those who aren’t are being encouraged to stay home, away from public spaces. Schools, museums, movie theaters, bars, restaurants: all closed. So, what can you do to entertain your young children during this quarantine?

Let’s be honest. It is almost inevitable that your kids’ screen time will increase while in quarantine. It’s fine and understandable, it doesn’t mean you are a bad parent. However, if they are going to spend more time in front of the screen, you must make sure they are watching appropriate content. So, search online for some recommended shows and movies to show your children, so you’ll have some peace of mind.

Another thing I recommend is creating a schedule. Structure a week for your kids that replicates or simulates a school week. The timetable should include a start and end time and some breaks in between. Map out the learning they should be doing, all the material they have to go over.

As mentioned above, over usage of screens during this time is pretty much inevitable. So, you have to make sure to present your kids with an alternative. Encourage literacy; encourage your kids to read every day. After the reading, discuss with your kids what they have read and have them write a summary of it. This way, you make sure there isn’t a decrease in their literacy in reading and writing over this unexpected break.

Lastly, set up expectations. It is extremely important to stick to a routine that means they don’t sleep in and they don’t go late to bed. Set some ground rules early on about your expectations regarding schoolwork and playtime. This is a great opportunity to get to know your kids and see their expectations.

While the reasoning behind this quarantine is sad and less than ideal, use this time at home to spend more time with your children. Read with them, cook with them, play with them, etc.. Appreciate this time to be together, because it doesn’t happen very often.