Having trouble keeping kids amused while they’re out of school? Some low-cost options

Following the federal government’s stay at home order, many professionals who are not essential to be working in the community are now working remotely or are even unemployed. Coupled with the reality that schools are closed through the end of the year, parents need to get creative with low-cost ways to keep kids occupied and educated at home. Below are a few successful techniques I’ve employed this week.

Connect through art

This is a wonderful time to exercise those right brains. We’ve brought back the antiquated art of pen-palling and encouraged our kids to write by crafting notes for their neighbors and delivering them to doorstops. I’ve also seen people putting colored and painted creations in their windows as an uplifting way to display imaginations at work while indoors.

Another wonderful idea I’ve seen: families are leaving caring notes and pictures on their friends’ driveways using sidewalk chalk. There are a million ways to continue encouraging creativity.

Put technology to good use

A battle many households are faced with right now is limiting TV and video games. Giving in to technology demands is an easy way to ensure a quiet day while trying to work or be productive, but of course not a viable solution for long-term solitude.

If you’re in this boat, consider signing your kiddos up for a messaging app like “Messenger Kids” through Facebook so they can chat and play together. This is also a great place to organize a kids’ book club so they are encouraged to continue reading and connecting through literature. There are also some very educational shows on Netflix that are a great use of screen time.

In-home classrooms

Many have shared the in-home offices and classrooms they’ve created to mimic a normal routine. One of the true benefits of today’s technology capabilities is that teachers can remain connected with their students online through a variety of educational apps. This facilitates virtual study, FaceTime with teachers, and online worksheet and homework assignments.

I know organizing these kinds of daily routines are a challenge while also working remotely. We’ve experienced success with setting these activities up on a 30 minute to an hour rotation and sprinkling in earned screen time as a way for everyone to relax. I hope you’re all staying well and surviving the lifestyle changes. Hopefully these ideas will contribute to that in a positive way.

Kat’s Money Corner is posted on Dollars & Sense every Tuesday. Kat Hnatyshyn, when not blogging or caring for her little ones, is a manager with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. For more financial chatter, visit http://communityamerica.com.