With the widespread coronavirus pandemic schools have closed, which means our children are stuck at home with us. This is a very troubling time for us, and even more stressful not knowing what we should be doing with our children.
This is different then the summer break kids get at the end of the school year. For one, with the virus spreading we are urged to stay indoors. Which means no Movie Theaters, Zoo outings or any activities outside of our homes. Not to mention the school year is not over, so you want to make sure your child does not lose everything they have learned throughout the year.
There is so much uncertainty right now but all I am certain of is that my 13-year-old will be home a total of three weeks quarantined with me and his sister. That is if they don’t decide to close the schools down for the rest of the year.
So I have compiled a list of things you can do with your teenager at home in this troubling time.
Stay on track of Studies
I have been checking the teacher’s websites for information on what the classes were working on previously to spring break. I also heard the school will send class worksheets soon, so the kids can stay up with their work.
I also found some websites that are helping keep kids learning in this time away from school.
- http://www.adventureacademy.com
- http://www.abcmouse.com/redeem code school2568
- http://www.khanacademy.org
- http://www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Camp Night Outside
My family always loves to go camping, so why not set up a tent and camp in your backyard. Getting your teen involved in setting up or helping build a fire will help keep them from their devices for a little while.
One night we had a campout and prepared our whole meal on the fire and surprisingly my son loved it and enjoyed helping the whole time.
Of coarse don’t forget the marshmallows to roast over your fire!
Movie Night
If you can’t make it to the theater, why not turn your living room into one! Make a concession stand with popcorn and candy treats and throw a bunch of blankets on the floor to enjoy some great movie time.
I love a throwback movie night, where I dig through all my old DVDs and find some good ole classic movies to watch.
Game Night
You can never go wrong with a family game night. There is always so much fun to have playing games.
Some of my family favorites are…
- Monopoly
- Clue
- Twister
- Scene it
- Family Feud
Get the games and snacks and play all night!
DIY
So my son loves to make fluffy slime, you know with the glue and shaving cream, it is extremely messy but if it gets him off the couch I am all for it.
There are less messy DIYs you can try with your teenager.
- Bath Bombs
- Paint Pottery
- Jewelry
- Candle making
- Soap making
Anything hands-on to keep them busy!
Gardening
Its that time of year to start those gardens and you have a free worker at home for three weeks. I love putting my son to work!
He actually likes gardening and planting his own veggies and its great exercise.
Cooking Lessons
While your cooking the millionth meal for your teenager, why not get them involved. Start teaching them how to use the kitchen.
Here are some great beginner meals or snacks.
- Homemade Pizza
- Homemade mac and cheese
- Grilled cheese
- Homemade Chicken Fingers
- Lasagna
- Spaghetti
Have fun in the kitchen!
Read!
Lastly and most importantly keep them reading! Reading is a great way they can keep those brains working.
You can make it a family time as well while you all read together.
Here are some great books for Middle School-aged kiddos.
- Bridge To Terabithia
- Where the Red Fern Grows
- A Wrinkle in Time
- Tuck Everlasting
- Little Women
- The Secret Garden
- Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets
I hope some of these suggestions help with getting through these tough weeks ahead. Please stay safe these next few weeks and stay positive! We will get through this together!
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