Here’s the thing. Right now, screen time is our friend. We’re not worried about our kids forgetting lessons from school or stressing over whether we can homeschool them properly. There are times for those things, sure, but right now we’re concerned with getting them enough exercise to tire them out so we can have a proper dinner together. That’s where we’re at today.

While we’re all staying home, social distancing, and doing our part to flatten this curve, know that we are all in this together. If you’re in search of a few easy ideas on how to calm your kids’ restless minds, try these out.

1. Make an obstacle course.
   My preschool boys absolutely love this game. We grab pillows to jump over, run around tables, use toilet paper tubes as pretend dumbbells and create an obstacle course to move through around the house. It’s a big hit.

2. Play Hide & Seek.

3. Play the Sock Game.
   Have the kids help you match socks and then take turns tossing them into the laundry basket like a game of basketball.

4. Play Musical Chairs.

5. Have a dance party clean up session.
   Turn on one of their favorite songs and while you are boogying have them pick up toys. Whoever picks up the most, gets a treat! Hint: For my kids, it always ends in a tie. Wink, wink.

6. Do some yard work.
   I love having my kids help me pick weeds and pick up sticks. They love finding the sticks and piling them up in the fire pit.

7. Have a scavenger hunt.
   This is equally fun inside or outside. If you are in your yard or on a walk outside, find things like acorns or spot birds. If inside, find things of a certain color.

8. Slow-Mo and Rewind.
   Make up a series of moves and have the kids do it in slow motion. Then, ask them if they can do it backward.

9. Have ninja camp.
   Somersault in the living room. Practice high kicks. Do some air punches. Work on stealth mode. The key here is to make it really exciting and even wrap a bandana around their head or try to dress up like a ninja.

10. Build a box fort or a blanket tent.

11. Pillow fight!

12. Have a rodeo.
    Have each kid take a turn getting “bucked” off your back. They get to choose the horse or bull names and cowboy names. Bonus points if you have a cowboy hat for them to wear. Surround yourself with pillows, be safe, and have fun!

Do you have any ideas you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them. Let’s start a conversation in the comments! We hope you are hanging in there.

Photo by Brina Blum.