What are the best games for children at home during self-isolation and quarantine? One of the many threats posed by the new coronavirus, COVID-19, is long-term isolation. It will be especially difficult to survive the isolation with small children. As working parents become work-from-home parents and schools close, we parents wonder what life in quarantine will look like. How can we distract our children?
Would you like to tire your children out a little and secure some time for your work obligations? To make it easier for you, here are some tips on how to distract your little ones, at least for a short time.
The best games for children at home during self-isolation and quarantine
A repeating puzzle
With this game, you will help your child develop motor skills and tire him out.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
How long will the child be distracted: from 15 to 20 minutes
Preparation
Clear a part of the room so that everyone can move freely around it, about one square meter. It is recommended that there is a carpet on the floor, as this will make it more relaxed and safe to play and roll around on the floor. Carpet or grass surfaces are best, especially if you plan to shuffle and do movements that require rolling on the floor. If you are using objects such as chairs, place yours directly across from your child's, with at least a meter of space between them.
The course of the game
As the name suggests, it is a game of repeating moves. So adults do a movement or a series of movements, and the little ones should repeat these movements. To help motivate them, encourage them by saying:"I'm sure you can't do what I can do." Start with simple movements (e.g. touch your toes...), then continue with more and more complex ones (up to jumps, push-ups...). To make the game more interesting, you and your little one can switch roles. Next time let him lead the game and you be the one to repeat.
Throw the hat on the chair legs
Preparation time: 1 minute
How long will the child be distracted: from 10 to 15 minutes
Preparation
Turn the kitchen chair upside down, with the legs up. Find a cover; a peaked cap is best, but a winter or cowboy hat will also work.
The course of the game
Turn the chair upside down and try to throw a hat at the leg of the chair from a certain distance. To make the game a bit more challenging, you can set how many points each of these legs is worth. In this way, children will also learn to count. If the children really like the game, let them make their own throwing rings (e.g. from rope or cardboard).
Balloon tennis
As the name suggests: balloon tennis. And with fly swatters.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
How long will the child be distracted: from 30 to 60 minutes
Preparation
Take two chairs and place them about 3 feet apart. Tension the rope in between. Have each player take one fly swatter, and of course, blow up the balloon.
The course of the game
This is tennis. You just need to set clear rules on how many times players can hit the balloon when it is on their side of the court. If the children's coordination is already a little better developed, two hits are enough, otherwise agree on three hits. You can also play in pairs.
The spider game
This is a game where you will chase and chase the kids without actually getting up. It is a variation of the classic "cat and mouse" game, except that this time the cat is very tired and cannot get up. The kids will get tired and you won't even move.
The spider gamePreparation time: nothing
How long will the child be distracted: 20 minutes
Preparation
You will need a blanket, kitchen napkins or tea towel.
The course of the game
The player who is the spider (that is, the adults) should hold the blanket as if they were a bullfighter. The second player (that is, the child) should run along the marked path around the spider, which he tries to catch by throwing a blanket or a spider's web at him. If the net touches the child, he is caught.
A pillow
A great game for the moments after an evening bath. Especially for those children who don't like wiping.
Preparation time: nothing
How long will the child be distracted: 3 minutes (if you're really good, a minute or so longer)
Preparation
Wrap the child in a towel. Have them lie on their stomach and you gently place your head on their back.
The course of the game
So the child is your pillow. Of course, after a few moments it will start to move. Then ask yourself out loud why the pillow is moving and what it could be if it is not the pillow. From this moment on, the child has to imitate an animal wrapped in a towel, and you have to find out which animal it could be by feeling (watch out for little hands, if not, you can get them by the nose).
Camouflage/hides
This game is suitable for families with several children who do not live in a very small apartment.
Camouflage/hidesPreparation time: nothing
How long will the child be distracted: forever, which is a curse in its own right
Preparation
Define a “counting zone” and stand in it.
The course of the game
Start counting down from 20. Meanwhile, have the players run away from you to their hideouts. When you reach the number zero, open your eyes and start looking for hidden players without moving out of the “counting zone”. If you can't find them all, shout “15!” and stretch out your arms. Hidden players must run up to you and give you a high five, then run back to their hiding places. Repeat this by counting to 10 and then to 5 until you find them all. And don't play near sharp edges.
