When the majority of the population is under lockdown and the world becomes a place battling for life and living, that only beacon of light is hope. The stupendous efforts of our medical practitioners, researchers and cleanliness workers have only provided us strength to look beyond this and nothing else. But, apart from that, while you sit at home it is not such a bad time to take up those hobbies and the passion that we left far behind in this race. The book that was left half-read or that knack for gardening which you inherited from your mother but left unattended, we can all take up those seriously and imbibe your kids with the relevance of love and laughter in daily life. So, why don’t you and your kids participate in an interactive activity and learn together. Since there is no barrier concerning age that differentiates a learner or learned, you might know something new and interesting from your tiny one.
A great opportunity for family bonding and communications. Just sit across the table and spend some time with your loved ones that you craved for. Don’t let the outside battle penetrate through the walls of your home and disrupt your peace and sanity. It’s not the time to evoke panic but to keep people safe. But, safe need not be boring. How about a game of chess or a Rubik’s Cube race? While looking for fun activities to engage your kids during the lockdown, put your mind into learning something new everyday. Remember when it was said ‘Home is first school and our mom, the first teacher’? Let’s bring it back.
The routine that would keep you and your child hale and hearty
No we are not going by the book. Though there are books involved in this routine, we would try to do something different than what is usually recommended. Other than the conventional learning, let’s pull-off the tricks and be better than what we feel we already are.
Rooster Alarm- Don’t sleep that extra hour that you convinced yourself, you deserve. Wake up early along with your kid and invest your early hours in some fitness. Like dance along on a favourite song which you both like. Take turns and start afresh. Also, it keeps your kid on track and not forget his/her morning rituals which would resume once the school reopens.
Nutritious Breakfast- Have your cheat days of pancakes and parathas, but choose to have a light yet healthy fruit smoothie or a fruit bowl. It is filling, delicious and your kids would join you in this party for sure. A healthy breakfast is really important for your child!
The Duties- While you need to sit with your laptop and concentrate about the important things at office or maybe do the essentials like pay the last electricity bill or deal with the bank related problems, give your kids a productive engagement. Like a puzzle or even crossword. Make sure those are not screen based games. You know how kids are addicted to screens and you need to cut down on those.
The Twilight- Summer evenings is alway special with family. While it is relaxing, maybe try to play a game of chess with your kids and pop on some snacks. A game of chess would be a great method of family bonding. Healthy competition over strategic planning. You may learn some moves as well. so, you and your kids learn and play at the same time. You can make countless memories over the evening and engrave it in your heart.
Set them free- Learning can be fun but you also need to let them be. Kids tend to analyse, scan and grow even when they are not controlled. In fact they learn better. This is self-learning, and even as adults, knowingly or unknowingly, we learn something new everyday. More of a situational learning experience. Believe in your kids and make them feel that they inspire you everyday. This is a great way of instilling a sense of responsibility in them. Though not much, only a little everyday is enough for their tiny shoulders.
The Dinner- We all would agree to the fact that cooking is a life skill and definitely not gender biased. Thus, make this quarantine a special experience for them. Setting up the dinner table with you and helping you cook a meal is the best way to evoke some interest. They are curious and you know how to channelize their curiosity into educating them about the crucial things of life. Not just cooking but other houseworks like laundry, cleaning etc.
Bedtime- The same ritual must be maintained. Don’t push yours and their bedtime to late hours. Try and sleep early so you regain your strength to wake up with the same enthusiasm the next day. Also, reading to them might be a good lure, which could lead them directly to the bed. Not the fairy and beast kind but real life inspiring facts that rule their dreams. Reading is great for you too. Makes your mind calm after the day’s toil.
This is not the routine, we are asking you to follow. You can make your own and far in the good practises that you would want to try, this Quarantine. The gift of healthy living is a concept agreed by all. Be it scientists, philosophers, scholars and authors, all are firm believers in the passage of time and it would pass. This would pass too, the only effort you need to make is make every day worth it. That’s why Mind Mentorz have figured out a way through this. Try logging up to https://www.chesskid.com/?m=chesskids and help your kids explore the world of chess through self-learning. An initiative that would keep their mind active and focused. Also, look out for online coaching classes to know more about chess directly from the professionals. We are trying to build an academy that refines learning and knowling.