Keeping the Kids Busy, Entertained, and Happy During COVID-19 Quarantine

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Everyone around the world is being impacted by the unprecedented pandemic we are facing. We have to keep inside out of social responsibility towards our elders, people immunocompromised, and other people who might have severe consequences if they contract the virus. Many schools, offices, and other places are closing, and we, as moms, are facing something we might not be prepared to do, which is to homeschool our kids since this is no time for a vacation. 

So, if you have young children as I do, here are some ideas to help you get through the quarantine:

1. Make a schedule that works for your family, and as much as possible, try to adhere to it. If you need to skip one thing or move another, don’t worry, part of being at home these next few weeks means we need to be flexible as well. 

2. Plan activities that will challenge them so they will be busy, but easy enough so they can do them independently.

  • Draw a picture and make them fill it with stickers.
  • Give them chalk to paint your backyard.
  • Build forts or towers.
  • Give them Lego projects like “build a space rocket.”
  • Perler bead projects, “would you create an Easter egg for me here?”
  • Cut pieces of paper with safety scissors for kids.
  • Scrapbook with colorful paper, glue, markers, glitter glue, etc.

3. Keep them “educated” as if they were in school.

  • Practice writing, if you don’t have any special books to support learning by grade, give them a piece of paper, or print one “writing paper for kindergarten or first grade” from the web and make them copy something. 
  • Practice math-oriented skills for their age and knowledge. Many websites like Crayola, Scholastic, or Lakeshore Learning are offering free printables for every ability. 
  • Make them read for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Some famous trainers are hosting live boot camps on social media, so join with your kids to have a PE class.
  • For art, use the holidays like Spring or Easter to create flowers, bunnies, paint eggs, etc. There are many resources on the web that don’t require lots of materials or items you can find at home. 

4. Involve your kids in daily chores. 

  • Teach them to sort socks, fold underwear, pants, blankets, or shirts, depending on their age. 
  • Involve them in preparing food. This is an excellent opportunity to teach our picky eaters to try new things. 
  • Bake something with them.

5. Watch movies together, sing, dance, play pretend games.

6. Let them get bored. You need some time, too, so just let them free, and this will help them use their imagination in ways you will love to see.

And, even though it’s hard, try to enjoy this time with them. We always wish we could be more present and spend more time with them. This too shall pass, and everything will be alright. Remember that. It’s going to be ok. 


Marcia is an expat mom on her third post with her husband. Together they have lived in 4 different countries and have 2 kids ages 3 and 6. Marcia is a former teacher and enjoys making crafts with her kids. She has several interests, such as early childhood and bilingual education as well as baking, cake decorating, crochet, and painting. She enjoys spending time with her family and making new friends. You can follow her daily adventures on her Instagram: @unaregiaporelmundo, where she shares content in Spanish and English.