The Movement Control Order (MCO) has affected everyone in some way or another. But while everyone is singing praises about healthcare professionals and other essential service providers, no one is talking about our little heroes at home. The MCO probably has had the greatest impact on the lives of our children. Initially it was all fun and games with no school, but it has slowly dawned that this also means no playground time, no swim time, no walk time, no outdoor time at all.
Children get stressed too and it manifests itself as tantrums, restlessness and bouts of crying and screaming. But it doesn’t have to be that way, if as parents we can plan their days such that they are kept busy and entertained indoors.
How do you achieve this impossible feat?
Here’s how.
ONE
The very first thing I would suggest is to have a set timetable that is easy to follow not only for the kids but for you as well. You can check all the boxes all through the day and keep them busy as well as active in the process.
For example, suppose your kids wake up at 8, keep half-an-hour after waking up as relaxing time. You can have them make their beds during this time or just let them be. Next hour is for washing up, dressing and having breakfast. So, according to the timetable, they will be ready by 9:30 to start with their activities.
TWO
Next you can start with some indoor warm up exercises to keep them fit. A simple game that you can play is up and down. You can instruct them by saying up or down and they will have to follow the instructions by standing up, sitting or lying down.
I will suggest that you make it more fun by giving instructions like up, up, down and see how they improvise to follow the instructions. You can take turns in being the instructor with the kids and in this way, you can stay fit as well.
THREE
Another very fun game that will keep children active and entertained for a long time at home is the ‘balloon game’. Clear out the dining table and have your children stand on each side of the table, or you and your child can stand on the longer sides of the table. Pass the balloon back and forth, but you have to make sure that the balloon does not fall to the ground or touch the table, or you lose a point.
If you cannot find a balloon you can also play with a small soft toy. Just make sure it is something that is soft so that it does not hurt the kids or damage the things around.
FOUR
The next activity that you can try is dancing. There are many YouTube channels that have a number of fun and easy 5-10 min dancing videos that you can follow with your little guy/girl. Dancing is a great physical exercise and doing it together creates bonding too. Just find a channel that is age appropriate and has dance steps that are easy to follow for your kids.
Before you do the activities, I suggest that you remember to clear up the area and remove any centre tables, rugs, sofas or other items. This is to make sure that the children have enough space to move around without damaging the items or hurting themselves. Also, follow the timetable for the activities so that they will know what comes next and will thus be entertained throughout the day. You can also choose to plan and create your own games, just remember to choose individual or small group activities and ones that does not require them to run around in small spaces.
Stay home and stay safe. Like every hard and difficult times, this too shall pass. Till then, enjoy your time with family and don’t forget to applaud the little heroes by being patient with them and keeping them entertained.
