With the world presently waging war against the deadly Coronavirus otherwise known as Covid-19, students have been forced to stay at home. Schools have been shut down to curb the spread of coronavirus. This has left children idle at home for an unknown period of time. Some of these children concluded their second term examination while others didn’t even start. The question begging for an answer right now is; how can these kids be kept occupied? Some parents are already weary from the stress of being with the children for 24 hours. 
So, how can the kids be kept busy? Parents can utilize this period for so many things, first of which is bonding. Parents can look for games that is adult and children inclusive so they can all enjoy it. Asides bonding, this will also keep them busy for some period of time. Also, those who have not written their exams can be made to go through their books from time to time. This is to keep their minds refreshed on what was taught. Parents can also ask children questions after reading. Do you also know that kids can be allowed to explore arts? Give them something to draw and color with or something to write a story in. You will be surprised at how much talent these kids have.
Reading as a culture in Nigeria seems to be on the downward slope. Parents can use this opportunity to get their children to imbibe the habit of reading. If there are no hard copy books for them, the parents can download soft copies and given to the children to read for a period of time. What to read depends on what the parents want their children to know about. It could range from phonetics to religion to health to social matters and so on. Children can also be encouraged to pick up new hobbies that can be taught at home. It could be sewing which the basics can be taught with needle and thread and a material. It could be hairdressing which a teddy bear at home can be used for practical. It could also be baking or cooking. Parents should allow the kids to try their hands on something new while they observe and guide them.
Another important thing kids can utilize this compulsory holiday in doing is sports. Parents can teach their kids the importance of physical exercises and show them safe and age appropriate ones. In this age of technology, Google is there to guide parents. Also, there are websites that are being circulated where children can learn new things from according to age groups. Parents can check the sites out and determine what suits their children. The reality on ground is that parents have to be either partially or fully involved in most of these activities.
Children also know what they want. Once they can express themselves, parents should ask and hear from them what exactly they would love to do. If it is safe and available, they should by all means be allowed to do such. Parents can also use this period to gain the trust of their kids by engaging them in beneficial conversations. Parents can get to know their children better and also allow the children reach out to them and understand them more. Children can also use this period to learn either their mother tongue or a foreign language.
Kids can use this period to get better in different ways. Parents can draw up a timetable for them that has them being more meaningfully engaged in the early hours of the day when they are still full of energy. Then, they can be allowed to play freely in the later part of the day. Yes, play is also beneficial to children. Depending on the kind of play, it could sharpen their minds, help them build strength and stamina, help them develop speed, help them think and a host of other things. Kids cannot afford to be bored this period because they will in turn, give their parents stress. Do you have ‘old’ board games from your younger days, you can also teach the kids how to play it and explain how it works.
Dear parents, are you short of what to do with the kids this period? Create a timetable and fill out activities. It will be quite helpful. If you are still at loss, you can reach out to aunty Ugo for assistance.
Stay safe.
Love from aunty Ugo to the kids.
