Lockdown activities for the family

 

As we face the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, including the highly contagious Delta variant, Jamaicans have been forced into lockdown and will have to stay home for seven days, beginning today, and continuing on August 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, and September 5. Lockdowns can be challenging. Ease the stress by taking the opportunity to safely spend some quality time with those closest to you. Many families are probably scrambling for creative ideas to entertain their children, spouses, or close and dear loved ones. So here is a guide to a few technologically reduced activities you may try at home.

BOARD GAMES, CARDS AND DOMINOES

If your family is big on games but you haven't had the time due to busy schedules, then make these lockdown moments count by indulging in board games, cards and dominoes. You may form teams and compete for chores or candy.

PAINT AND SIP

Who doesn't love a classic paint and sip? Break out the wine and juice boxes, choose a picture that everyone can agree on, or select a family member to pose as the model. From there, with the necessary supplies gathered, get to painting. It helps if there's a prize for the 'Best Burgeoning Picasso'.

OLDIE BUT GOODIE WORD GAMES

Who remembers Boy/Girl? Your children might be oblivious to this rite of passage, making it the best time to relive history. Share all the rules and test their knowledge on names, animals, places, food and things. They might surprise you.

TRUTH OR DARE

This is a perfect activity for two, but you can, by all means, play it as a family. Maybe you can find out who really broke the glass last week for truth, and see how adventurous your children can get on a dare.

SCAVENGER HUNT

If your home has a decent yard space, this is an ideal way to get the young ones out and about, roaming for clues and cool finds. Unleash their inner Dora, Diego, Blues Clues or any other detective cartoon they're fascinated with at the moment,

MOVIE NIGHT

As cliché as this sounds, nothing brings a family together faster than a movie, especially if it is something that your young ones are really excited to see. Want some alone time? Not a problem. Movies are also known to be the fastest way to get children to sleep, in some cases. So you can get your way soon enough, just don't fall for your own trap. PS: it would be wonderful if you could catch up on some binge-watching of a series together, or on your own.

BAKE TIME

Since the kitchen will be frequently visited, why not centre an activity in the hot room? Instead of slaving over the stove on your own, get the family involved. It might mean making pancakes from scratch, baking a cake or bread pudding.

FAMILY BARBECUE

It's still summertime, minus the rain from the recent tropical storm. If the weather permits, fire up that grill and have a family barbecue. No pool? No worries. That's why we have a hose. The aim is to get everyone outside so that they don't feel trapped about not being able to go beyond the gate.

GRAB A BOOK

You have wanted to catch up on some light reading, by yourself or with the family, but just haven't found the time. Now is as good a time as any to do just that.

SLEEPING IN

As mundane as this sounds, if you are truly getting a break from all the hustle and bustle of the outside world, no work, no other distractions, you're enjoying some alone time or couple up time, maybe you should catch up on some well-needed sleep. It does wonders for the mind, as well as the body.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Now is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill or engage in unfamiliar territory. This applies to couples and families as well; the sky's the limit, get innovative and just have fun.

 

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com