Isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for children who spend the entire time home rather than in kindergarten, school, playground, or pretty much anywhere else. Children are energetic and need to channel their energy somewhere which is why it may seem like they’re going ballistic during isolation. To help you out we’re bringing some useful ideas to keep children busy during the isolation period amid this novel coronavirus pandemic.

Create a schedule clock

Just because school is over it doesn’t mean the daily routine is gone as well. Sure, during COVID-19 your daily routine should look different because there’s no school. An easy way to keep kids busy during isolation is to create a schedule clock. All you need is a cardboard from which you will make a clock and use different colors for different times of the day. Then, add pieces of the routine the kids should stick to during the isolation. For example, the morning part could include: teeth brushing, breakfast, straightening their sheets, etc, depending on the age of the children. Add what children can do during noon, afternoon, and evening until bedtime. 

Add some surprises to your daily routine

While a well-structured routine is important during isolation you should also add some surprises here and there. The importance of routine is that it allows children to channel their energy into something productive, and it gives them a sense of structure so they can easily go back to school once everything is over. Without a routine, there would be too many changes in daily life that they can’t handle the right way. On the flip side, throwing some surprises from time to time can spice things up and make it more fun for kids to stay home during the day. The best thing to do is to rotate toys or activities the kids haven’t seen or done in a while. It’s also useful to rotate busy and quiet activities such as doing a household chore followed by reading.
Young happy boy busy doing his art activity indoors

Take a virtual trip to a museum

Keeping children busy during the COVID-19 isolation isn’t just about playing fun games, this is also the time when children should learn. Museums such as the British Museum in London, Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and others offer virtual tours for free. The virtual museum tours will keep children entertained, but at the same time, they will get to learn about the history and the world around them.
Dinosaur skeletons in the Museum

Use technology to learn and connect

Most kids use tablets and other devices to play games and technology can help make isolation a lot easier. But, make sure kids are playing interactive and educational games that will help develop and strengthen their cognitive abilities. Use the power of technology to make sure the children learn through fun and stay connected with their friends and cousins. Keep in mind that isolation doesn’t mean endless use of the internet or TV, you still need to limit their screen time so kids can focus on other things as well. 

Conclusion

Children will not find self-isolation easily, but there are many things parents can do to keep them busy. Chores, educational games, virtual museum tours, digitally connecting with friends, are some of many things to do. Make sure your child still has a well-structured routine that will navigate their day. Always bear in mind that the isolation from covid-19 doesn’t revolve around constant screen time, it’s an opportunity for kids to both relax and learn.