Boredom Busters With Kids

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Boredom Busters

More and more families are finding themselves staying at home, trying to avoid germs themselves, and also trying to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Most families today are on the move and accustomed to going all the time so this is an adjustment. Don’t let this time of social distancing be a negative memory for your children to look back on. Now it a great time to create many happy and fun memories that hopefully children will remember in a positive way.

After two weeks of being at home all day, every day, are you getting bored? Here are some suggestions to help break the monotony and create great memories.

Get outside! Soak up some Vitamin D. Get exercise. Take a walk. Play ball. Ride bicycles. Be creative and draw on the cement with sidewalk chalk. Blow bubbles…because you know you have lots of them stashed away from party favors. Go on a scavenger hunt. Look for signs of spring. Trees are budding. Flowers are beginning to bloom. Plant seeds if you have them; watch them germinate and then transplant them to a pot or garden.

Many families with children are enjoying going on a bear hunt, based on the children’s book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Simply place a stuffed bear toy in your window for others to count as they go on “bear hunt” walks. Go on walks in your neighborhood or downtown (maintaining social distances of course) and count how many bears you can find.

Involve children in chores. If they have been lucky and avoided chores, now is a great time to get them started. Even young children can help fold small pieces of laundry, such as wash cloths and hand towels. Have them match socks! Have them help dry (non-breakable) dishes, dust, sweep, etc.

Invite your kids to come help in the kitchen. Teach them basic skills like how to use the toaster oven or microwave. My first food I learned to make was cheese toast in the toaster oven, around age 6. I learned how to place it inside, how to turn the dials, and how to use a pot holder to remove. My entire family was served many samples as I worked to perfect my entrée! While younger children may not be able to do as much to help, creating an atmosphere where they feel comfortable and can complete smaller tasks helps build their interest and confidence.

Do art projects. Make a sign of hope as a family and post it in your front window to spread hope and cheer to your neighbors as they drive or walk by. Make cards to send to friends loved ones you cannot go visit. Send cards to elderly people or shut-ins. Families that can sew can make COVID-19 masks to use or share with healthcare professionals.

If you are like us and just don’t make the time to teach your children new games. They probably have games from they got from Christmas or birthday parties they would love to play.

While we as adults may be anxious or frustrated, let’s remember to find joy in each day and appreciate your family time.

For more information, call 828-287-6010, visit our website at rutherford.ces.ncsu.edu, or visit Rutherford County 4-H on Facebook.