Looks like school is out for another 30 days! So bonding time with the kiddos is about to get a little more real! With the help of my eight year-old daughter, here are some suggestions for mother daughter isolation activities!

Gone are the days of amusement parks, museums, and even nature trails – for the time being anyways! Isolation and social distancing has become the temporary norm, so all we can do is make the best of it!

As a mother who thrives on structure and routine, these past few weeks have been especially trying. But let’s not forget about the challenges that our kids face during this trying time. It is difficult for a child to comprehend the magnitude of the current crisis that is effecting the entire world, let alone their own communities.

So, along with some time carved out for a little online learning, my little girl and I are trying new activities and using our imaginations to fill the day without killing one another (not literally)!!

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Colouring

Try the “Three Marker Challenge”! Each of you choose a colouring book. Then, from the abundance of markers you likely have on hand, select three colours with your eyes closed. You have to complete your colouring page using only the three markers you’ve selected. For a little extra fun, set a time limit for finishing your cool artwork!

Crafts

The possibilities are endless here! Use a little imagination and source Pinterest for some awesome ideas. Utilize construction paper, foam cutouts, stickers, paint, yarn, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, beads, glitter – the list goes on and on! Display your creation in the somewhere in the house to bring a little joy to your home!

Cooking & Baking

With the amount of snacking folks are going right now, whipping up a batch of cookies or trying a new recipe for dinner is a super idea! We’ve been making muffins the last little while. They’re a nice treat, but also make a tasty option for breakfast as well! Again, Pinterest is a terrific source for new recipes.

Science Experiments

Kids love cool science! We did a few experiments over the past couple of weeks using pantry items we always have on hand. We made a volcano, a balloon rocket and created “plastic” from milk and vinegar! So cool!

Cleaning & Organizing

This sounds pretty mundane, but to be honest, my daughter loves to clean the house! This particular duration of time is the perfect opportunity to clean house – literally! Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms, get all the dust bunnies cleared out and clean the baseboards. Empty all the closets and declutter what is no longer used or broken.

Switch over your kid’s clothes from winter to summer and get rid of any clothes that don’t fit. This project brings on another awesome activity – fashion show! Just go with it! Always good for a laugh!

Get Outdoors

Weather permitting, of course, but please make sure to get some outside time. Even just a quick bike ride in the rain is enough to help get rid of the frustrations of the day. Whether you get creative with the sidewalk chalk, do a bit of yard work, or go on an outdoor scavenger hunt – a little fresh air and sunshine is important for everyone’s sanity!

Screen Time

Just bear with me!!! Normally, we do try to limit our daughter’s screen time, but right now, technology has become every parent’s best friend. Don’t say you disagree because that’s bullshit! A great family flick and some popcorn is a great wind down to a busy day.

There are plenty of education shows on Netflix for kids of all ages. Grownups find them entertaining as well! And when you need a break (like, every day) just put something on the tube and enjoy a cup of coffee. Screen time allows parents to have a minute to themselves.

Exercise

Physical activity is necessary for all of us – kids included! A great way to blow off a little steam and ease a little stress – work up a sweat! My daughter really loves yoga (she has her own mat to practice) and we encourage to do a few poses and focus on her breathing as much as she wants. She even goes as far as to grab one of my DVDs to follow along with!

Getting the heart rate up can be as simple as running around in the back yard, going for a bike ride, a walk around town, or my favourite – DANCE PARTY!

Spa Day

Mani and pedi, anyone! Spoil each other and have a little laugh at the same time! Nails, makeup, face mask, hair, bubble bath – whatever your pleasure, let the little ones enjoy too! Be sure to take a photo to commemorate the occasion. Bring that pic out at your daughter or son’s wedding!

Please bear in mind, we make sure to include some online learning into each weekday and save the fun shenanigans until after the work is done (mostly). But a little fun during this time of angst is really important.

Have fun, stay home, and stay safe!