Field guide to being stuck inside

 

It’s trying times, and easy to feel like the world is turning upside down. COVID-19 has moved swiftly with parents now stuck at home with little ones whos regular school, sporting and party activities are placed on hold. Add some rain into the mix and kids are bursting with energy that has nowhere to go. With time inside on the rise, how can we best prepare to keep little minds and bodies safe, happy and playful?

For families who have a no or limited screen time rule, the additional time stuck inside may be testing the limits. This week in a NYT parenting column, Dr. O’Leary, a pediatrician said “I think, for better or worse, what’s going to happen is the limits on device time are going out the window,”.

💻 Knowing that extended screen time isn’t ideal, let’s talk screen time and other activities that don’t turn little brains into zombies. 

Educational Apps

The world of SAGO mini

The world of SAGO mini

  • Kindergo lets you can explore volcano islands and fantasy worlds in search of interactive books.

  • SAGO mini subscription boxes filled with creative activities.

  • Marbotic is a set of physical blocks that you can ‘stamp’ on the ipad for interactive physical play

  • Osmo is a mirrored physical/digital app with tonnes of great games to play.

  • Toca Lab PLANTS lets you experiment with alien-looking plants. Water them, give them sunlight, cross breed. Toca Boca ELEMENTS let’s you play with ADORABLE elements from the periodic table.

Games

Add a twist to twister by playing it blindfolded

Add a twist to twister by playing it blindfolded

  • Cubetto is a tiny little adorable robot cube that children can code without screens. Did we mention it’s ADORABLE?

  • Coding Critters by Learning Elements is coding for early childhood. Think cute robotic puppy meets storybook meets screen free coding.

  • Not to be forgotten, are the games from our childhood: Twister, Mousetrap, slamwich and sleeping queens.

  • For families with older kids, now is the perfect time to get into Dungeons and Dragons- there’s enough rules and character building tasks that will keep everyone occupied for at least a day. 

  • Our Space, Spaghetti and Aliens storytelling cards are great for inventing stories (especially if you’re running low on books at the moment)

Youtube Channels

Justine CLarke.jpg

  • Justine Clarke has a knack for kid-friendly jingles that get stuck in your head (in a GOOD way). Our favourite is the Dinosaur Roar.

  • The Dad lab has lots of fun science activities that often just use what you have lying around the house.

  • Special mention to Houston Zoo and this skunk working out on a giant wheel.

  • For more science shorts check out Scope TV with Lee Constable. 

FREE DOWNLOAD

We made a list of some of our favourite quick boredom-busting activities and have smooshed them into this free download! Cut out each activity into a boredom jar so that kids can take turns choosing a game. Simply plop your email down below to receive your free download.

Here’s a sneaky peek

Here’s a sneaky peek

If you’re feeling impacted by the media, and world events please know that you can reach out to Lifeline at any time on 13 11 14, 1800 RESPECT  or call 000 in the case of an emergency. Be kind to yourself 💖

For other support services check out this comprehensive list grouped by state on raisingchidren.net.au 


 
Talu Tales