TIP #1: Keep children organized
As we all know, children need structure and boundaries, this is especially true during challenging times like these.
Make a schedule and keep a routine: plan a daily or weekly schedule together, or give them the chance to create one for themselves with time to learn, eat, rest, help with chores and play!
Here are some ideas to help you.
1. Realistic Daily Schedule During Covid-19
by Busytoddler.com
Great ideas for creating a realistic daily schedule for toddlers
2. Sample schedules for kids home from school
by Huffington Post
Not sure how to create a schedule for your children? Here are some great ideas to help you.
3. 'This Moose Belongs to Me' reading
by Oliver Jeffers
Set up a daily routine including time to relax together with a famous author to read and tell us about how he got his ideas
4. The Kids' Guide to Coronavirus
by Nickelodeon
Got a gap in your daily schedule? Then drop in on Kirsten Bell at Nickelodeon for kids info and fun plus celebrity tips to keep us calm and happy during lockdown
5. Parenting tips
by the World Health Organization
Ensure your schedules include some 1-on-1 time with your children with some great advice from WHO
6. Honestly Modern
by honestlymodern.com
Regular bathtime schedule is fun when you make bathbombs with youtr kids!
7. Romeow & Drooliet read by Haylie Duff
by Storyline Online & the Screen Actors Guild Foundation
Schedule story time in your day for you and the kids to settle down and enjoy some great stories read by celebrities
8. Discover
by Amazon Audible
Set aside time each day for your kids to enjoy a free story – available in various languages
9. Daily schedules for school closures
by Khan Academy
Find a range of fantastic learning materials for 2-18 year olds during lockdown here
10. How to Make Homemade Bath Bombs With Kids
by Honestly Modern
Bathtimes are part of our regular schedule & can be even more fun when kids help to make their own bathbombs!
11. Life Hacks for Kids
by Peacock Kids
Fun and crafty ways to get your supplies organized!
TIP #2: Keep children learning
Schooling can be either stopped or disrupted and this makes it more difficult for many children to keep up with their education.
Whether online or home schooled, using fun and creative ways at home to learn alongside continued access to educational opportunities will support your children’s development – and follow guidance from your children’s school and their teachers.
Here are additional resources to support your children’s learning.
1. Kid-friendly news
by Squiz Kids
As ChildSafe Business @mumpacktravel says in her recent blog – Don’t stress about teaching kids at home during coronavirus – “we love Squiz Kids, an eight minute news and current affairs round up for kids. It’s fun, informative and has a quiz at the end and we listen first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to ease into schoolwork”.
2. Lunch doodles with Mo Willems
by The Kennedy Centre
Artist Mo Willem helps younger children have fun through doodling
3. Museum of the World
by The British Museum
Take your children on a virtual trip through the British Museum
4. Visit the Guggenheim from home
by the Guggenheim Museum
Explore the amazing Guggenheim Museum together
5. Quiz Whiz Animals
by National Geographic Kids
Are sheep nocturnal? Let your kids try this quiz and they might find out when sheep are baa-st asleep & more!
6. LearnHome
by YouTube Learning
Here is a great resource from YouTube for learning together
7. Museum Tour
by Pitt Rivers Museum
Are sheep nocturnal? Let your kids try this quiz and they might find out when sheep are baa-st asleep & more!
8. Charlie Chaplin's "Musical Tramps"
by Internet Archive
Introduce your children to silent film comedy starring a worldwide icon.
9. Regrow food from scaps
by Foodrevolution.org
Why not regrow food from scraps! From avocados to pumpkins, this is a fabulous family-friendly activity where you can enjoy learning and experiment together
10. Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children written by Ransom Riggs
by Audible
This exciting and errie audiobook from Ransom Riggs is great for teens!
11. Open Library
by Internet Archive
A library in your lockdown livingroom – with over 30,000 children’s books on file ready for you to borrow and read with your kids
12. How to Connect your Kids With Nature During COVID-19
by Mother Nature
Whether you have a backyard or not, find out how to reconnect with nature to reduce anxiety and stress
13. Build a Bug Hotel
by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
A fun home project for those with balconies or small gardens
14. Khan Academy
by khanacademy.org
range of resources 2-18 yr olds
15. Visit the Tomb of Queen Meresajoum III
by the Giza Project at Harvard University
virtual visit to Egyptian tomb
16. Tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
by Smithsonian National Museum
Enjoy a day (or night!) at the Museum and visit The Smithsonian. Enjoy amazing exhibits with your kids from your living room
17. How to Spot Home Birds
by Stephen Moss
If you have a garden, during daily exercise, even from your window, this is a fun nature learning game & experience for you and your children
18. Regrow food from scaps
by Foodrevolution.org
Why not regrow food from scraps! From avocados to pumpkins, this is a fabulous family-friendly activity where you can enjoy learning and experiment together
19. Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children written by Ransom Riggs
by Audible
This exciting and errie audiobook from Ransom Riggs is great for teens!
20. Imagine you're an astronaut
by NASA
Find out what it’s like to be an astronaut – enjoy finding out together from your spaceship home
21. Colouring sheets
by Ocean Wise
Kids can color-in and learn about some really amazing sea creatures
22. Celebrating Harry Potter
by Google Earth
Discover places featured in the magical world of Harry Potter, where these stories were first imagined.
23. How to be eco-friendly thanks to Thomson Reuters Foundation
by NASA
Great ways to help the environment – even if you can’t go out
24. Oceans Online
by Ocean.org
games etc linked to oceanic environmental issues
25. Nat Geo
by National Geographic Education
Explorers – live Q&A, or watch recorded explorations!
26. VR in Space | VR180 Tour of the Solar System
by
Socratica
VR in Space Solar System
TIP #3: Keep children safe online
Children need to use computers and technology for their education, entertainment and to stay connected with friends and families.
During this time, they’ll be using technology more and will have to spend long hours on screen.
Here are some tips and tools about online safety and online health to support you in keeping your children safe.
1. COVID-19: using tech in a positive way
by Better Internet for Kids
With increased reliance on technology for children, this link provides information for everyone to cope safely
2. Talking to your kids about online safety
by NSPCC
Great advice to help you explain online safety to your children
3. Net Aware/O2
by NSPCC
Overview of advice for parents
4. online safety basics for families
by Australian Government
Help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. Explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules.
5. Kids Helpline
by Australian Government
If you’re worried about your teen and cyberbullying, this is a great tool to share with them. You can also find general online safety tips here as well (English, Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek)
6. Online exploitation information and guidance
by Children’s Society
Great resources to ensure online safety for your kids
7. Being Safe on the Internet
by AMAZE
Online safety tips in a youth-friedly video
8. ChildNet
by ChildNet
Interactive online safety video for 6-9 year olds
9. Online safety advice
by Internet matters
Download Online Safety Guide
10. Naked Selfie (Sexting) Risks
by ChildSafe Partner: M’Lop Tapang
In a continuing effort to help children and youth understand the importance of online safety, some of M’Lop Tapang’s staff and students developed this short video for children about sexting.
TIP #4: Keep children active and busy
Physical activity is important for children’s health and well-being.
There are many things you can do at home as a family to stay active and have fun, including keeping them active with chores and helping out in family activities such as cooking and cleaning.
Here are links and ideas to keep them busy, keep them moving and burn off their energy.
1. Cosmic Kids Yoga
by Cosmickids.com
Keep active and fit while you’re stuck at home
2. P.E. with Joe
by The Body Coach TV
We love these videos from Joe Wicks especially for kids, but we can all keep moving together – couch potatoes no more!
3. Merequete
by Go Noodle
Move, dance & learn Spanish together in the living room
4. 25 Minute Fun Workout for Kids at Home
by FitnessBlender.com
Enjoy this workout with your kids
5. Not Dog Time Machine
by Go Noodle
Take a trip through time in our homes and stay active
6. Toddler Yoga: Animal Poses
by Moovlee
Keep active and focused on fun with your little ones
7. The Maxarena
by Go Noodle
Get your kids up and moving with the maxarena
8. We're Going on a Bear Hunt
by Cosmic Kids Yoga
Go on a bear hunt in your living room!
9. 25 Minute Fun Workout for Kids at Home
by Fitness Blender
Enjoy this great short workout perfect for limited spaces
10. Frozen 2: Make Your Move
by GoNoodle
Move along, FREEZE, and feel the magic with all your favorite characters from Frozen 2!
11. EYFS: Wiggle Waggle - One finger, one thumb
by BBC Radio
Wiggle waggle – songs/movement EYS
12. YOGA for Children - Aquatic Animals Yoga Poses - Yoga Practice Tutorial
by Smile and Learn
Yoga for Children
TIP #5: Keep children creative
Staying at home can quickly become boring and young brains need challenges and opportunities to grow.
Keep children’s minds alert and interested by organizing time and activities to encourage their creativity.
Here are ideas and resources to keep them busy, creative and having fun.
1. 5 Simple DIY Paper Toys to Make with Kids
by The Dad Lab
Grab some paper (and a few other bits & pieces!) and make some cool toys with your kids
2. Create a poem
by Poem Generator
Write an entire poem in less than a minute: Take some time to make a rhyme!
3. Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
by the Kennedy Centre
Get creative at home with artist Mo Willem, helping younger children have fun through doodling
4. Stop Motion Video for Kids
by Play
Create fun videos at home
5. The Invisible Box Game
by Imagination Games
The whole family can have fun with this creative game – and all you need is your imagination
6. The DIY: Fastest Friendship Bracelets Ever
by Hey wanderer
Create these friendship bracelets and wear them together
7. Homemade musical instruments
by Let’s Play Kids Music
Have fun making shakers and maracas at home
8. How to view 3D animals on your mobile
by TechRiders
Learn how to view 3D animals in Google.
9. Paper Airplane Designs
by Fold N Fly
Many aeroplane designs to choose from! Find ones that fly the furthest and stay aloft the longest!
10. Art-Making Activities
by the Museum of Modern Art
For kids ages six and over, MoMA has rounded up some of
their favorite drawing, collage, audio, and movement
activities inspired by artworks in MoMA’s collection.
11. Oobleck Baking Station – Outdoor Sensory Bin
by Busy Toddler
OObleck baking station
12. How to make DIY Musical Instruments for Kids!!
by Ryans World
Make Musical Instruments from household stuff
TIP #6: Manage children’s fears and concerns
It is a worrying time for all and children particularly need help and reassurance in situations like these.
You might be nervous, children are stressed, and living in close quarters is exhausting.
Here are tools and resources to help explain the situation, keep them calm and reassured and to help you manage and cope.
1. How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease
by UNICEF
We’re coping with many worries and fears right now, here is some good advice from UNICEF
3. COVIBOOK
by Mindheart.co
This short book created by Manuela Molina is aimed to support and reassure children under the age of 7 about COVID-19.
4. Fact or Fiction
by UNICEF
This family-friendly quiz will help improve children’s awareness and understanding of COVID-19
5. Tips for Talking TO AUTIstic Children About Coronavirus
by Childmind.org
Tips on how to discuss the current situation with your child with autism
6. Dr. Dog eBook by Lydia Monks and Professor James Logan
by Twinkl
A free friendly book to read with little ones that explains Coronavirus
8. Young people's advice for parents
by Young Minds
Tip 6 includes the importance of listening to our children – here’s some really great advice for parents
9. My Hero is You
by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health
and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings
A new story to be read together with your 5-11 year old to help calm their fears and concerns
10. Meditation for Kids
by Insight Timer
Insight Timer offers a free collection of meditations for children and teens for easing nerves, building self-confidence, and having a restful night’s sleep
11. Anxiety and Coping with the Coronavirus
by Child Mind Institute
Manage worry – for your kids and you!
12. 3 mindful activities to try at home with kids
by House Beautiful
Mindful Activities with kids During Corona Virus
TIP #7: Keep children eating healthily
Children need healthy eating to grow and develop. A healthy diet is more important than ever right now, as children need to maintain their immunity and keep a balance with limited physical exercise.
Keep a check on comfort eating, especially sugars and processed foods.
Here are ideas and tips for meals (also a great chance to get them involved and busy).
1. Top 5 healthy snacks for kids
by BBCgoodfood.com
Healthy snacks for kids are waiting to be nibbled at! Get together with your kids in the kitchen and keep healthy
2. Get your fusspot cooking
by Parents Club
This great little video gives information on how to start to get your kids actively involved in planning and preparing healthy family meals
3. 'What the Ladybird Heard' Cookbook
by Pan McMillan
With twenty-four recipes designed for adults to use with children, from ladybird pizzas to cowpat cookies, The What the Ladybird Heard Cookbook is full of tasty treats, healthy snacks and simple meals to make together.
4. Cook with Buddy
by Jamie Oliver
Get your kids cooking in the kitchen with Jamie Oliver’s son Buddy Oliver and make yummy pancakes together!
5. Cook with Buddy
by Jamie Oliver
Another great recipe with Jamie Oliver’s son Buddy Oliver – this time simple and delicious spaghette bolognese
6. Beyond The Chalkboard
by Boston Children’s Museum
Design a Dip
7. Plastic Wise Granola Bars
by Ocean Wise
Make your own hiking snacks – without any single use plastic!
8. Healthy eating
by Great British Chefs
Make fun and yummy chicken and apple hedgehog rolls by William Drabble
9. Quick Family Pizza | Jamie, Petal & Buddy Oliver
by Jamie’s Family Food Club
Quick Pizza recipe that kids can help make