What to do With Your Kids at Home When Schools are Closed

Don't turn your home into a school

I realize many schools are offering online classes so that students can continue their schooling even while in quarantine. So, in essence, yes, your home has been turned into a school. But, be careful with this.

I hear of some moms feeling like they're going crazy with one kid's online teacher's requirements, and another kid's requirements, and even down to the kindergartner, and how they all need a computer at the same time, and that things have gotten absolutely crazy!

I encourage you with all my heart to remember a very important truth: FAMILIES CAME BEFORE SCHOOL DID.

That means families still need to come first.

Schools were created to help families. 

Families shouldn't be beholding to schools.

Even with the need to quarantine and deal with the school's efforts to help kids with their schooling, we moms really must protect the sanctity of our homes by keeping our priorities straight.

But they have to keep up on their math! They have to get that essay done!!.....

Breathe, my friend. Maybe so. But in the grand scheme of things none of these concerns are what's most important right now. ​

If you think you are feeling stressed or concerned about things that are happening in the world right now, how might your kids feel? 

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I invite you to pull back a minute and consider a few questions:

• "What is the most important thing for my family right now?"
• "When this is all over, what are the most important things I want my family to have experienced during this time?"
• "What kind of an atmosphere does my family need at home during these next few weeks/months...?"

It's probable that right now, the best thing you can do for your kids is to create a stress free environment. One that is chock full of love and family time. 

It's your job to create an atmosphere of joy and peace, as much as you can.

Think of this crazy time in history as a beautiful gift given to your family. A time to be together, to learn how to interact with each other on a new level, to love, to grow, to build cherished memories.

Be diligent at keeping your priorities straight in regards to your family. 

Be bold in taking charge of what those priorities are.

Take advantage of this time at home to purposely create what you want to have happen. Not just what is being thrust upon you.

Kick fear to the curb

But Myra, the world is upside down! Have you heard about all that's going on out there! What if my family gets sick?! What if my kids are home for a really long time?! What if...?!

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Yes, I'm fully aware of all that's going on out there. It feels a bit like the twilight zone. Yet I still say, you don't have to be afraid.

• Don't be afraid that someone in your family will get sick.
• Don't be afraid your kids will forget what they've learned in school.
• Don't be afraid of how you're going to feed your family if your country/area goes into lockdown.

My friend - I'm absolutely saying, don't be afraid. Of anything.

Am I crazy for saying that? How can we experience all these things without feeling afraid??

That's a really great question. It's such a great question that I'm in the middle of writing another post just for you titled, "How to Overcome Fear - the Savior's way." I'll link to it here as soon as I get it finished. (LINK COMING SOON!)

But for now I want to tell you this - fear is not necessary. It's soooo natural though. Man, with all that's going on it just comes up and fills our souls automatically.

I'm here to tell you that you can face and handle all of these challenges with more power than you've ever imagined. All without fear, or at least, very little of it. I promise.

This is my current experience.  I've been practicing the things I'm writing about in that other article and I have to say, it is POWERFUL.

To put it short and powerfully, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

So, that means that whenever you feel fear or are afraid, you can tell that feeling where to go, because it did not come from God. (Any guesses where fear comes from? Yup.)

• You CAN deal with a lockdown without fear.
• You CAN have your children at home for a few weeks without worrying about schooling them and can actually have things turn out well.
• You CAN deal with sickness or any other issue without fear.

It's a super big deal to learn how to see things without fear getting in the way.

You are more powerful than you my realize and with God's help, you can totally face all of these things with courage, faith, wisdom, calm, power, and even joy. 

Kids can make their own list of things to do.

As soon as the mandate came from our state's governor that all schools were to be closed for some time, my sweet little niece, Tessa, age 12, made a fantastic list of things she could do with her time.

Do you see the last item on her list?? When she gets done with this list, her next plan is to --- MAKE ANOTHER LIST! Super cool!

Before you get all concerned that you need to come up with ideas for what your kids can do while schools are closed, give your kids space and time to come up with their own list.

Boredom is not fatal, and it actually allows their sweet brains to do the work of coming up with something to do. This is so good for them!

This list is brilliant, Tessa! 🙂

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Also, here's a great list of ideas: The Best 50 Activities That Will Keep Kids Busy + Happy.

Read aloud to your kids

Activities/Games you can play in your backyard

Indoor Activities

Teens & Tweens

Crafts with Common Household Items

I Spy Free Printables

Sneak in Some Fun Learning

Family Fun

Nature Crafts for Kids

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Indoor Scavenger Hunts

LEGO Fun

Gardening Ideas

Quiet Activities for Toddlers

Crafts for Teens