As we continue to ride the COVID-19 roller coaster, it can be difficult to make sense of all the information flying around regarding what to do or how to prioritize what children need during this time.
Our heads are spinning, and our hands are juggling all 5,000 things we are trying to accomplish each day. We are figuring out distance learning and are now embarking on a new journey, how to keep your cool and survive parenting your child in the mist of the restrictions of a pandemic. Here are a few resources we hope will help you not just survive but also enjoy your time with your child:
- Article on Parenting in a Pandemic from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- How to Shape & Manage Your Young Child’s Behavior from HealthyChildren.org
- Awesome Parenting and Activity idea Instagram Accounts to Follow:
Being a parent of a preschool child is challenging but being a parent of a bored child is frightening. Ok, maybe that’s exaggerating a little bit, but there’s no denying that it’s hard. And now with most day cares and schools being closed over summer, we need to do everything we can to make sure those little humans are kept busy, entertained and happy. Luckily there are incredible women out there who are pros at coming up with and sharing fun, easy and crafty activities for kids of all ages. Check them out and give them a follow:
1. Busy Toddler
The account Busy Toddler has amassed over 800k followers on Instagram and for very good reasons. The creator behind this beautifully curated grid is Susie Allison, who, according to her website, is an early childhood education advocate, former teacher and mom of three. The reason I love following her is because she shares a variety of activities for children of all ages. Plus, they’re super easy to set up.
2. Cinta & Co
If you want to introduce lots of colors into your kids’ lives then Cinta and Co is the Instagram account to follow. It’s run by an Australian mom of three who also happens to be a scientist with a Ph.D. She was able to amass over 100k followers, and rightly so, due to her collection of easy learning activities for toddlers. Think color recognition games, fine motor activities and so much more. Plus, she uses lots of recyclables.
3. Heather Happy Kids Kitchen
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed with my toddler son is that he loves to help out in the kitchen. That’s why I was so happy to stumble upon the Heather Happy Kids Kitchen account. Created by Heather, a mom and cooking instructor, it contains lots of healthy recipes and lots of tips and tricks on how to involve kids in the kitchen.
4. Days with Grey
If you’re like most parents and looking for indoor activity ideas then you should consider giving Days with Grey a follow. It’s an Instagram page with over 150k followers and is curated by Beth, an educator and mom. She shares super easy and fun learning activities that are perfect for keeping young kids busy and entertained.
5. Best Ideas for Kids
One of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow is Best Ideas for Kids. It’s run by Kim, a mom of two, who’s incredibly talented when it comes to coming up with fun craft ideas. Her page is full of short video tutorials on how to make all sorts of fun art and play items to keep your little ones happy and busy.
6. Little Ones Learn
Molly, the mastermind behind Little Ones Learn has reached over 200k followers thanks to her fun and educational indoor activities. My favorite post of hers is where she shares 30 household items that can also be used for play. Who knew that coffee filters or bed sheets would be considered fun by our picky kids who have tons of toys and are still “bored”.