Photo by Sarai Henriquez.
By Sarai Henriquez, Staff Reporter
Being stuck at home during my spring break due to the pandemic was not the spring break I had in mind. What I also didn’t volunteer for was being in a house full of children. How on earth was I going to entertain kids that only use the word “no” and “mama” as a form of communication?
I had to think fast because I want to be known as a cool aunt. These little people make or break you. As we continue to isolate ourselves from the world, it doesn’t mean that we need to stop the world from happening and opening the minds of the future generation.
Here are a few helpful tips that I use to help you entertain the little ones in your family during this pandemic.
Tip number one:
Try to create and keep a schedule for the week. I know that can be a bit challenging and we all want to declare this quarantine a vacation from work and school which allows us to be on Netflix or Disney+ all day. But it is important to maintain your child’s usual routine. What I do is create a schedule on a whiteboard in the mornings. I make sure to have a clear expectation of what we will be doing every given day. I also made a big box next to the activity so when we are done, one of my nephews can mark it off to show that we have completed the activity. This will also help as a guideline for you to have playtime, reading time and rest time.
Tip number two:
Read…Read…Read! Reading is very important to any child and in any household. I try to have the kids in my house read for at least 30 minutes. I get it, reading for toddlers can be a big challenge, but if you can get any animal books, first-word books, or color books, you are set. Kids love it when you make the animal sounds while reading the animal book, and it’s fun to see them try and make those sounds with you.
Tip number three
Dance party! What is a better way for you and your kids to spend time together other than having your own dance party? I go on YouTube and do some Zumba. We follow “Dance Fitness with Jessica,” and dance to songs like “Cheap Thrills” by Sia, “Ain’t Your Mama” by Jennifer Lopez, “Buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls, and many more. Not only are you working out, but you are keeping your kids active as well.
Tip number four
Two words: virtual Disneyland. As a cast member, you are given the privilege to go to Disneyland whenever you like.You can also bring your family in as well. so in my family, I am their favorite aunt by default. But since Disney closed its doors, I still manage to bring Disney magic to our house. On Youtube, you can watch shows and rides from the happiest place on Earth. We love watching the virtual viewing of Disney’s newest parade “Magic Happens.” We sit back and watch inspiring moments from Disney stories unfold before our eyes.
I know the situation we are all living in isn’t the easiest especially when you have little kids in your household. Know that you are not alone and what you are doing is enough. Hopefully, with these tips you can find the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep fighting strong, Toros.
