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in Family· Family Culture

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

This post may contain affiliate links.


Surprise! Covid-19 has spread throughout the world and you're suddenly wondering what to do with your kids at home while the schools are closed. Aaack!!

Don't fret none, mamma, I've got your back!

This post is PACKED FULL of a ZILLION amazing ideas to help fill your kids time in productive and useful ways. Things they will think are fun and engaging, all the while helping you keep things calm and sane for everyone - including yourself!


I'm writing this article as the Coronivirus pandemic is sweeping the world and many parents are suddenly having their children's school close and kids are suddenly now at home.

Some schools are offering online options for schooling, yet many are not. What to do???

Well, get ready for a ton of helpful ideas, some ideas are for you and a whole bunch of ideas are for your kids.

Are you ready?

This post is divided into two main sections:

  • Some powerful advice for you, mom
  • and a ZILLION cool things your kids can do at home
Quick Links to Information in this Post
Here's some valuable advice for you, Mom:
Don't turn your home into a school
Kick fear to the curb
Create some order in your home
Make your home a haven
Boredom can actually be good for your kids
Here are A ZILLION great ideas for what to do with your kids when schools are closed
Kids can make their own list of things to do.
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

Here's some valuable advice for you, Mom:


You may be feeling pretty overwhelmed with all that's going on in the world, let alone now wondering what to do with your kids at home all day.

Well, I'm a homeschooling mom of 25 years and I've got plenty of help to offer you. And with that said, you may be surprised at my #1 piece of advice:

1

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? 

​

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.

2

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...?!

​

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. 

3

Create some order in your home

While I certainly believe this time at home with our family is a gift, things will always go better when there is some sort of routine for everyone to operate with.


So I recommend coming up with a flexible at-home routine for your family. You may want to create it yourself or let your children give their input, but either way, some order to your days will be a blessing to all.


I've looked around and this site has some free printable charts that I really like.

4

Make your home a haven

Mom, this is your opportunity to shine for your family.


If you can do anything to truly help your family at this time, it is to make your home a haven from the storm.


You can make your home a happy place, where fears are calmed, where hearts are encouraged, and where life feels abundant. 


Practice being patient. Practice being kind. Practice being more loving. And forgive yourself for when you're not.


Remember who you are in the grand scheme of things, and remember who your children are. You are all children of God and he loves each of you dearly.


Make your home a place where your family can feel his love during this difficult time.


You will be so glad you did.

5

Boredom can actually be good for your kids

Yes, boredom can actually be good for your kids.


With all the fast paced stuff in our world - from school, to friends, tv, cell phones, music, computer games, busy schedules, etc, etc... - kids are always on the go, either physically or mentally. 


When there is down time - when nothing else is automatically filling up their time - and they find themselves with nothing to do, they will often go into scramble mode and "need" something to help them have something to do.


I'd encourage you to not be the one to fill that need. 


This is such a valuable opportunity for them to grow some valuable skills.


The skill of facing boredom and learning to deal with it can be a great place for them to start finding and discovering answers to their own situation.


The skill of being ok with just being quiet is SOOOO needed in our world.


The skills of exploring and of imagining are powerful.


The path from 'disturbed boredom' to 'peaceful pondering' is oh-so-priceless for a child to learn to navigate.


Yes, help as needed to keep them safe, but by all means, let them struggle with being bored. It truly is a blessing to them.


Here are A ZILLION great ideas
 for what to do with your kids when schools are closed


OK mamma, pull up a chair and get ready for a TON of GREAT ideas of what to do with your kids at home when schools are closed. These ideas will rock your family's world!

Below are TONS of resources to look through and find just what you need. Enjoy!

1

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! 🙂

​

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

2

Read aloud to your kids

Oh - my - goodness. Reading aloud to your kids can be some of the yummiest time ever spent with them.


As I've homeschooled my kids for 25 years I can say that reading aloud to them has been the hallmark of our homeschool, and the very thing that has made them as well rounded and bright as they are.


Warning: Please do not turn this into reading lessons!


Important to remember: This time together needs to be mom and/or dad gathering the kids around them on the couch or wherever is comfortable, and sharing together a wonderful story. Live the story. Breathe the story. Let imaginations thrive! 


Laugh out loud. Cry at the sad parts. Allow your family to bond naturally and abundantly. Reading aloud great story books have this power. What a beautiful scene!


Here's a great article about "Family Read-aloud: How to Strengthen Your Family With This Powerful Tradition"

3

Activities/Games you can play in your backyard

Galaxy Blue Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

​

Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course for toddlers/preschoolers


100+ Easy and Fun Homeschool PE Ideas for Happy Kids

​

Stomping Bubble Wrap Painting

​

Spring Bucket List & Scavenger Hunt Activities

Squirt Painting


​Bubble Painting Process Art Activity

​

​24 Free Printable Backyard Activity Cards

​

​How to Make a Fairy Garden Outdoors

​

​7 Great Games to Play with Sponge Bombs

​

Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course for Toddlers & Preschoolers

​

DIY Sidewalk Fizzy Foam Paint

​

10 Things To Do With Sidewalk Chalk

4

Indoor Activities

9 Fantastic Easy to Set Up and Fun Play Activities for Rainy Days

5 Simple Pom Pom Activities to do With Your Toddler


​Printable Indoor Family Night Scavenger Hunt Cards


Free Daily Kids PE Workouts on YouTube

​

​Cardboard Box Craft Ideas for Kids

​

75 of the Best Two Player Card Games (with just a deck of cards!)


100 Best Jokes for Kids

​

DIY Marshmallow Catapult

​

10 Free Simple  Embroidery Patterns for Kids

​

10 Encouraging Bible Coloring Pages for Kids


How to Make a Dollhouse Out of Cardboard

​

5

Teens & Tweens

55 Boredom Busters for Teens

​

Great Games for Teens

​

Boredom Busters for Teens & Tweens 

​

DIY Braided Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

​

How to Play Games with Friends Over Video Chat

​

How to Make Kindness Rocks to Spread Happiness

6

Crafts with Common Household Items

How to Make a Glitter Jar

How to Make Galaxy Slime Without Borax

Easy DIY Flubber for Kids

Coffee Filter Rainbow Craft

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Butterfly Craft

Easy Paper Roll Rocket Craft for Kids

​

Felt Flowers No-sew Craft

​

Handprint Caterpillar Craft

​

Ladybug Painted Rocks

​

Teach Kids to Sew with ABC Letter Sewing Craft

​

How to Make Homemade Spray Chalk

​

How to Make Animal Shadow Puppets

​


7

I Spy Free Printables

​Panda I Spy Game Printable

​

Ocean I Spy Game Printable

​

​Unicorn I Spy Game Printable


Snowflake I Spy Game Printable

​

8

Sneak in Some Fun Learning

6 Amazing Secret Codes Your Kids Will Really Enjoy

Super Cute Printable Farm Animal Paper Bag Puppets

Super Fun Writing Journal

​

​Easy Salt Dough Fossils for a Dinosaur Excavation Bin

​

Fun Activities to Keep Germs Away & Learn About Fire Safety

Simple Science Experiments: Simple Light Refraction Experiment


Shaving Cream Rain Cloud in a Jar STEM Activity


42 Resources & Printables to Help Teach Kids About Money

179 History Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now (No Membership Required)


Easy Science Project with Skittles

​

Printable Nature Journal for Kids

​

Huge List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions

​

Free Streaming Audio Book "Little House in the Big Woods"


1000 Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free 

​

Paris Museums Put 100,000 Images Online for Unrestricted Public Use

​

50 Free Printables for When You're Stuck Indoors

​

50 MORE Free Freebies for When You're Stuck Inside

​

How to Make DIY Dinosaur Fossils

​

Audiobooks for Kids: Tips for Getting Started

​

150+ Educational Shows on Netflix

​

Virtual Field Trips

9

Family Fun

Printable Indoor Family Night Scavenger Hunt Cards

​

80 Fun Things Your Family Can Do at Home During Quarantine

​

Free Printable Emoji Twister Game

​

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

​

​Printable Indoor Camping Party Kit

​

Minute to Win-It Games


400 of the Best "Who's Most Likely To" Questions

​

How to Encourage Sibling Kindness with an Ice Cream Kindness Challenge

​

Ideas for Family Time: Fun Activities for the Whole Family

​

Printable Indoor Family Night Scavenger Hunt Cards

​

Creative Ways to Vacation at Home Right Now

​

50 Awesome Ways to Bond with Your Kids


15 Staycation Ideas for Families - things to do while stuck at home

​

15 Time Capsule Ideas to do With Your Family

​

98 Free Printable Games

​

Stay at Home: Family Date Night Challenge Printable


20 Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids

10

Nature Crafts for Kids

Nature Stamp Art


​Make a Birdseed Feeder

​

​DIY Bird Feeder Craft & Bird Watching Tips for Outdoor Fun

​

How to Make a Fairy Garden

11

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Fun Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt Using Sidewalk Chalk


Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids


Spring Scavenger Hunt

​

Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids

​

Kids Nature Scavenger Hunt (and free printable)

​

Nature Bingo Style Scavenger Hunt

​

Everything You Need to Know About Collecting Seashells + Printable Seashell Scavenger Hunt

12

Indoor Scavenger Hunts

3 Printable Indoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids

​

Indoor Scavenger Hunt For Younger Kids

​

Printable Indoor Family Night Scavenger Hunt Cards

​

Free Indoor Scavenger Hunt Printable

​

Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

​

How to Set Up a Scavenger Hunt at Home (+free printable)

​

Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas

13

LEGO Fun

LEGO Space Challenge Cards

​

LEGO Challenge Calendar

​

A LEGO Challenge Card Game for Charades


Exciting LEGO Charades Game


LEGO STEM Challenge Cards


Spring Fine Motor Mats with LEGOS


Free Printable DUPLO Counting Mats for Preschoolers


LEGO Build Game

​

Easy LEGO Snow Globes for Kids

​

Learn Basic Coding Concepts with LEGOS

​

Printable LEGO Challenge Card Game for All Ages

​

LEGO Star Wars Project Idea - DIY Key Organizer

14

Gardening Ideas

Free Online Gardening Classes


How to Build a Raised Garden Bed


Create a Vintage Wagon Garden Planter in 30 Minutes


How to Start a Butterfly Garden

​

Kid Friendly Gardening Ideas


Dollar Tree Greenhouse Seedling Starters


​Growing Mushrooms with Kids

​

Teaching Kids About Herbs

​

5 Benefits of Involving Kids in Gardening + Free Printable Garden Journal


10 Herbs to Grow and How to Cook with Them

​

​​Veggies You Can Regrow from Scraps​​​


​Gardening with Kids: Easy 3-step Indoor Herb Garden


15

Quiet Activities for Toddlers

How to Make a Treasure Basket for Babies & Toddlers Heuristic Play


DIY Water Bottle I-Spy Game

​

2 Ingredient Recipe for Playdough


Create with Crayons  Easy Sensory Bin Idea


Feed the Ducks Sensory Bin for Toddlers & Preschoolers


Washing Dishes Sensory Bin Idea

​

Jello Playdough

​

Pipe Cleaner Finger Puppets

​

No Mess Stained Glass Finger Painting

​

16

Crafts for Teens

How to Make a No-sew T-shirt Bag


Denim Tassel Earrings


DIY Game Level Counters


DIY Star Wars Rebel Bleach Tee


Painted Wood Bead Necklace


Faux Stained Glass Butterfly Craft


​How to Make a Felt Flower Lei Necklace

​

Fingerprint Art Glass Magnets Craft for Kids


How to Start and Finish a Beaded Necklace or Bracelet

​

Personalized Picture Keychain Photo Charms Tutorial

​

How to Make a Rainbow Wind Chime from Recycled Cans


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    WHEW! I LOVE having so many fun options for what to do with your kids at home when schools are closed!

    If you find any other resources you'd like to see listed here, please comment below or send me an email!

    Love to you, my friends!

    Myra Johnson author of A Heart Full of Joy

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