What did you do?
As a family, we wrote a list of different activities and treats that we all wanted to do when the lockdown ends. We then wrote these onto each piece of paper, folded them up and placed into a JarWhen lockdown has finished we will pick a piece of paper from the Jar on a Monday morning and whatever is on the paper we will do that week (this also eliminates the argument over what we do first and who gets to choose, etc).
The rule is we have to do what is on the paper, NO swapping (the only exception to the rule is if we pick an outdoor activity and rain has been forecast for the whole week).
At present we have filled the jar with 6 months worth of activities. This creates something to look forward to and we can always keep adding and continue to use as a way of picking activities in general throughout the year.
Anything else?
It created something for us to do as a family and was nice for us to spend some time together, picking activities like days out, one-off treats (like bowling, cinema) and even treats like our favourite places to eat (like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway etc).
What’s your next project idea?
To make a family board game.
Tell us a little bit about you…
My name is Kelly. I have 3 children, a boy aged 11 and 2 Girls aged 10 and 9. We are from Newport, South Wales.
How are you finding being housebound with kids so far?
We have been enjoying our time together but can find it a bit difficult at times as my son is in the middle of assessments to potentially be diagnosed on the Autistic spectrum and struggling with the lack of transition at present to move from Primary to High school. My youngest has learning difficulties and is struggling with the ‘not being able to go everywhere with mum’ concept but we are all working together as a family and supporting each other and the kids have been especially great with each other.
Any tips to help people when they are housebound with kids?
Don’t feel you are not doing enough as right now they just need us to be there for them to listen to them, we are after all their Parents NOT their Academic Teachers.
What do you think about the Housebound With Kids community?
I have loved seeing all the different ideas that everyone is coming up with and the support that everyone has for each other. I think the group are doing a great job at keeping spirits high and reassuring everyone that it’s ok to have an off day!
