As schools and workplaces transition to online operations, many families with children have found themselves at home juggling schoolwork, parental duties and little bodies that never seem to stop moving.
Museums, arcades, jump parks and other family friendly locations are also closed. But, with a little planning and creativity the whole family can thrive during an extended period of social distancing and self-quarantine.
Create a routine for work and play
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends maintaining a schedule to provide structure to the day. Routines help keep life organized and limit chaos, especially in times of transition.
“The whole family can benefit from a predictable routine. Routine tells the brain what’s coming and helps children and adults mentally and physically prepare for the next event. It provides a sense of predictability that can reduce stress and anxiety,” says Laura E. McAleer-Leavey, M.D., a family medicine physician at Riverside Primary Care Kiln Creek.
A routine should include time for educational and physical activities as well as general time frames source
