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Lockdown is difficult for all of us but I have found it is especially difficult for the kids, especially younger ones like Olivia who don’t quite get what is going on. It has been tough trying to explain why she can’t see her Nanny or her friends and although she seems to be taking it all in her stride, she still has a wobble every now and again.
I wanted to share with you today how I am helping my kids to maintain their friendships and also some semblance of a routine during lockdown – with some help from Kindi Kids.
Making Sure Schoolwork Is Done
I’ve got a rule with Jack – once the schoolwork he has been set is done for the day, he can have the rest of the day to himself. This routine seems to work well for us as it means he still gets his schoolwork done but then knows he can do plenty of fun activities for the rest of the day he wishes.
Schedule Calls With Family And Friends
I don’t know about you but we have been doing a lot of Zoom, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp calls with friends and families. Jack has been video calling plenty of his friends and they’ve even sat there on video chat playing video games with one another. Olivia has also checked into a couple of playgroups she does so she can catch up with her friends and have some fun!
Mix Up The Activities We Are Doing
As I mentioned above, Jack can do any activities he likes once he has finished his schoolwork for the day. Recent activities include the paddling pool, board games, tablet time and chess games! We’ve also been downloading printable activity sheets from a variety of places so they can do colouring, puzzles or make up some more games.
Kindi Kids have some fabulous activity sheets such as the ones below that you can use too!
Have Some Wind Down Time
It can be difficult to keep to a proper routine with these lockdown measures in place – especially at bedtime – as all the days seem to roll into one. We aren’t keeping to a routine all week but we do ensure they are still having their bathtimes and we are trying to give them early nights a couple of nights a week. On other nights, they are allowed to cuddle up on the sofa with the blanket over us and watch a film or they are allowed to go into our room and watch a film and fall asleep (our bed is comfier, apparently!). We also sometimes watch some YouTube videos together, such as the Kindi Kids videos.
Let Their Imagination Run Wild
Finally, I think the best way to cope with kids missing their friends and their routine is to let them utilise their imagination. Even though the kids can’t see their friends or family, they are still including them in their games whether that is by pretending that they are here playing or actually calling them and playing with toys or doing activities at the same time.
I’ve loved watching the kids imaginations come to life. Ever since Olivia’s Kindi Kids Rainbow Kate doll and delivery scooter turned up, she has been having so much fun with them. She and Rainbow Kate have been delivering cupcakes and ice cream to us in the garden – fantastic service, by the way – and other times they have been sitting together having a tea party. There really are no limits to a kid’s imagination and I think it is such a wonderful thing to have during these tough times. The ability to dream and play without a care in the world – there’s nothing better.
You can purchase items from the Kindi Kids range at Argos here. We will definitely be picking up more as Olivia is totally in love with her toys from the range, Rainbow Kate truly is her new best friend!
How are you helping your kids during lockdown?
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Lovely photos! Looks like you have a great plan when it comes to the children. I’ve got a teenager, so she more or less gets on with it, takes everything in her stride. I did say to hubby that I couldn’t imagine having young children during the pandemic. It’s lovely to read blogs to see how parents and families are getting on, with all the ideas and helpful advice. I love reading them.
These look adorable and I love the different activity ideas to play with siblings – especially useful during the lockdown
Some great activites here, and i completely agree with balancing and routine, at the moment though it is tough on kids that they can play and see other friends and family, its such a shame, however the toys look fab.
I will have to send the link to this post to my daughter. These are things she can do to keep some sort of balance or routine in her son’s daily activities. I know kids are wondering why they can’t go out like they did before. These activities and toys would really help bring happiness to a little child.
It must be tough when you’ve got kids in this situation especially like Olivia when they’re a little too young to quite understand it. But thank god for video calls and technology eh!? x
It is wonderful that you have created a routine for your kids and being able to zoom chat with their friends is so important to keep them happy. The Kindi Kids activity sheets look fun as well and will keep them busy for a few good hours.
I think a routine is important if you are home schooling. Sounds like you are doing a great job Bex. The Kindi kids videos and toys look brilliant
That doll is so cute, Eliza would love it. We are doing weekly family quiz nights which have been a real hit