Working full time, homeschooling the kids, maintaining a household and your sanity is a challenge. Here are some tips to keep your kids busy and contributing! 

For Kids Ages 3-8 

Kids ages 3-8 may be accustomed to being around other kids all day. You do not have to be the parent and the friend and the teacher all of the time. 

• Set up a virtual playdate for your child 
• Watch many of the art classes and book readings that are offered live online: 
• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
• Zoo School Live: Find live streams at Elmwood Park Zoo on Facebook
• Levar Burton from Reading Rainbow reads to you! 
• Involve the kids in age appropriate chores 
• Help wash vegetables for dinner 
• Vacuum or sweep 
• Put away toys 
• Have kids make and mail See you Soon cards or write letters or drawings to all of the friends and family they miss seeing. 

For Kids Age 9+

These kids tend to be more independent so it is important that we check in with them to make sure they are keeping up with online education, socialization, and getting dressed every day. 

• Let your child cook dinner for the family. Or if they are on the younger side, have them plan dinner and lunch one day of the week. 
• Encourage them to get outside and move their bodies. Our tweens and teens can spend hours on end in an electronic coma so make sure they are unplugging and getting fresh air. 
• Watch an old movie from your childhood! You will feel nostalgic and they will laugh at the crude special effects and outdated clothing. 
• Get your arts on! 
• Lincoln Center at Home for dancing, orchestra, opera, and much more. 
• Shelf Stuff offers Young Adult book readings, drawing lessons, discussion boards, etc. 
• Help your kids develop a loose schedule to more easily balance work, home, social, and self care. 

Ask for feedback from your kids about how they are spending their time. Check in with them and adjust as necessary. Establish rules so that all parties respect work time, alone time, and family time. Sometimes the kids will not want to take any of your suggestions and it will feel chaotic and they may need to let it all out, they are likely stressed too. And remember, you are not alone. Ask for help when needed and let your kids know that there is no right way to quarantine other than staying home!