Games let children use their creativity while nurturing their imagination, physical, cognitive, emotional strength, and proficiency in skills, especially the outdoor ones. Sadly, with the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, playing outdoor games is not safe for the children.
But just because your children are stuck inside doesn’t mean they can’t have fun and learn at the same time.There are creative ways to enjoy playful moments with your child and expand their world even if physical space available to them is limited.
Here’s a list of indoor play activities that will not only fight boredom but will also challenge their minds and muscles – strengthening their bodies and releasing all that pent-up energy –
1. Hula Hoop: If you have a Hula Hoop, now is the perfect time to dust it off and bring it back to life. Fill it with little more fun by turning it into a game like who can do the most circles around their waist, arm or ankle. Hula-hooping is a great activity that can be played indoor which helps strengthen the child’s core muscles.
2. Musical Letters: Make pieces of paper with big letters on them and spread them around the room. Play some music while they dance and then stop it and call out one of the letters. The child have to find the letter right after and sit on it. If the kid picks the wrong one, them ask them to do a few jumping jacks (or any age appropriate movement).
3. Mirror-Mirror: This is also an interesting game where you stand face to face with your child, about a foot apart, and let them try to imitate all your movements. Do jumping jacks. Stretch. Run in place. Act like a monkey. Make it fun and you’ll both be working up a sweat in no time. Then switch roles and copy your child – they won’t be able to hold back the laughter.
4. Hopscotch: Make a simple hopscotch “board” and your kids will think it’s just the coolest thing that it’s inside! People try a number of variations of Hopscotch game. But almost all variations a basic rules is followed – the player throws a tiny object into numbered spaces and then hops through it in order to recover the object. The beauty lies in the fact that it can be played alone and in groups.
No doubt the physical and mental health and safety of our kids is always the No. 1 priority. That’s why the most important activity to do with the kids while they’re at home is to just spend quality time with them and make your presence felt. Meaningful connections are all about this quality time, and each connection that is built during these moments has a lasting impact and also provides the support and reassurance that your child needs.