Engaging Kids during the Pandemic

During this period of uncertainty, some of our kids may either under lockdown and lessons are still on going from school (remotely of course) or on holidays. In those situations, they are constantly engaged in both academic and non-academic subjects. In addition, for those on holidays, they may face long period of inactivity. As you have know, lack of activity not only slows down the growth of creativity but may lead to increase in waist size and weight.

Here are some suggestions that you might want to undertake with your children.

Physical Exercises and Physical Activities

While some children who are still in 'school' may have PE (Physical Education) lessons to keep their mind and body engaged, it is important for those on holidays are exposed to some form of physical exercises and/or physical activities. A simple physical exercise routine created by you (parents) and done with the family can be hours of fun and sweat. If you do have to take it outside, please continue to practise social distancing and wear a mask always. Consult the life guard on the availability of the swimming pool if you want to have a splashing time. A good walk around the neighbourhood with the whole family is a good way to pump those heart and clear those arteries for all in the family.

There is a different between physical exercises and physical activity Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. The kids are stuck at home. They can be a good source of help in maintaining the house clean and neat inside as well as outside. Simple tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cutting the veggies while preparing lunch or dinner, dusting are some physical activities that they can 'chip in.' Boys and girls can engage in these activities. In the long run, they can be independent and help them with their personal growth.

PLAY

Play is important for growth in kids. It helps to stimulate creativity, empathy and other values such as resilience and resourceful. Using simple materials at home, kids can create games that can involve everyone in the family. For example, using a rolled sock as a ball can lead to target games or improve their hand-eye coordination.

My suggestion would be not to be strict with the rules. Let the children set the rules and just have FUN.

Breed creativity

I had a friend whose nephew recently wrote a book about her experience during the lockdown. It was published and the kid wanted all the proceeds from the sale of her book be donated to purchase medical supplies to the front liners such as the doctors and nurses Such creativity and generosity does not happen of out the blue. It is nurtured and definitely takes years to mould.

Engaging the kids in Art and Craft activities or writing poetry are some ideas that you can undertake with your kids. Do not get mad with them if they colour their horses orange or their home is circle in shapes. In addition, they can do painting. One of cousin posted her daughters playing with the powder and poured it all over the floor. She then created some patterns. and drawings on it. My cousin took pictures of it and we all think it was good. Of course, as parents, you need to explain the clean up process after such activity.

Community service

I am sure all of us are in different situation during this period of uncertainty. That does not mean that we should stop caring for others. We can educate our kids in doing simple acts of giving to others. I saw in the news, that a young boy, aged 10. He had saved his pocket money while he was in school and when he saw that the medical supplies are depleting, he told his dad that he would like to donate his savings to help buy those supplies.

We can also bring them in our car to give food handouts to those who need it. My friend's daughter commented, 'I felt good, Mummy when I give them the food.' These experiences will[ help them in their empathy and of course it will help to increase mental strength for the parents.

Keeping in touch

The effective lockdown and social distancing measures helps to slowly flatten the curve in some countries. That does not mean that we cut off ties with our immediate family members. Encourage your kids to send grandma or grandpa emails or e-cards, have video calls or online meetings with the extended family once in a while will help to keep everyone in touch.

Under your supervision, they can post words of encouragement and/or wisdom to their friends and cousins. to their social media platforms.

There is no reason for kids not to have any activity during this period. The more engagement that you have will definitely help them to grown stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and have good social habits too.

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