5 Activities for Kids During the COVID Pandemic

COVID-19 is with us a little longer. But that doesn't mean we can't still make this winter season a fun one.

Parents report their children's screen time has increased by 60% through distance learning and social media use. It's a challenge we're all facing and we may see a further increase this winter, so activities that don't always require more screen time can be a good option.

More: 25 toys, books, and games to stock up on before we're stuck indoors this winter

At this point, most of us have craft supplies, games, and maybe some workout gear and other extra items. However, finding creative ways to use these items and keep your kids busy can be overwhelming. So here are some new ideas that you may not have tried yet that offer a digital detox for your kids.

Walk it away

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children get at least 60 minutes of activity every day. Many now have PE online, which is a positive start. Remember, even if 60 minutes isn't feasible, a shorter workout is always okay. Don't be hard on yourself, do what you can!

A change of scenery is good for children. It improves heart health as well as all sorts of other things. Get dressed and take a nice family walk around the neighborhood or through the park; it could be just what the doctor ordered. While on your walk, you can mix things up by adding different types of "walks". Why not walk like a kangaroo, or maybe like a gorilla, or how about a praying mantis? You can come up with all sorts of ways to change up your walks by thinking of different animals!

Get imaginative and craft

You probably don't have everything you need to sustain constant activity, but even if you don't, you can always improvise!

A box filled with crayons, paper, scissors and craft supplies is a must to keep kids entertained at home. If they can't think of anything to design, there are many different templates that you can print out and design for them: a simple penguin craft, a printable owl craft, a unique moving fish craft, cat and dog bookmarks.

You can liven up your busy crate with some unique crafting supplies, such as:

• A resealable snack bag filled with dried macaroni
• Colorful scraps of yarn
• Cleaned plastic or glass jars/cups after eating your jam, margarine, etc.
• Colored glue and even colored glitter glue
• Leaf-shaped sequins - and other uniquely shaped sequins

DIY bubble baths

Make a DIY Yowie Bath Bomb using common ingredients you can find in your kitchen. After the bath bomb(s) are ready, run the water and grab some other bath toys. Let your child enjoy a colorful bath with the bath bomb and relax in their own way.

Thoughtful journaling

Sometimes it's difficult to start writing, so give your kids a specific topic. They can even make up a story and draw it if they want. The important part is that there are no rules and they are free to be creative. They may not realize it, but writing down their thoughts is therapeutic for them and may help relieve any stress or anxiety they may be feeling.

Here are some options for themes to get you started:

• The arctic tern is a migratory bird that literally flies from one side of the earth to the other. Let's imagine that one of them landed on our window sill on its journey!
• The White Cave Velvet Worm spends its entire life underground in burrows in pitch-dark conditions. How about having an animal like this amazing worm (which of course is not as endangered as this one) as a pet?
• Many species of cool-looking crabs can live both in water and on land. An octopus can take a walk out of the water and hang in the air for a bit. And there's a type of mudskipper called gobies that can actually breathe water and air! What if we could too?

Engage in random acts of kindness

Teach your kids the importance of being kind by letting them find a way to make someone's day. This can be as simple as writing a letter to grandparents or phoning to check on a neighbor, to a larger act like preparing or ordering dinner for a friend.

Most importantly, talk to your children this winter. Reach out to them and make sure they know you are there for them and this isn't forever. This too shall pass. Don't feel guilty because you can only do what you can do. We are all in this together and 2021 is ahead of us and will bring many new opportunities.

Cynthia Thayer is the global chief marketing officer for Yowie Group. She has over 25 years of marketing expertise in key areas such as brand architecture development, market research, advertising of consumer packaged goods across traditional and digital channels, retail and shopper marketing, licensing, toy design and new product development.

By: 5 Activities for Kids During the COVID Pandemic