To our wonderful families currently experiencing lockdown – we know things haven’t been easy for you. Just when we thought life was on its way back to normal, everything crept back up again.
You and your little ones have probably felt every emotion there is throughout the roller coaster ride of 2020. You’ve likely felt sadness, anger and frustration right alongside moments of happiness, laughter and joy.
Just know that whatever you’re feeling, it is justified. You’ve got this – and in moments that you think you don’t, we’re here for you.
In our own small way, we’d love to help by with the impact of this situation. And so while you continue to stay home with your families, we have a few ideas for activities you can do with your child.
Do all of them, do some of them, or do none of them. There’s no pressure. We’re here for you regardless, to provide you the support you need in strange times like these.
Chatting to your child about COVID-19 and change
Not sure how to navigate the topic of COVID-19 with your child? Watch below for tips from Lukas Ritson via our exclusive new partner platform, ParentTV – the online, on-demand streaming service for parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE3vNTk6hBY&feature=emb_title
The experts at ParentTV have also pulled together their top tips on how to help children cope with transitions and change, especially when they are frequent and impactful. Click here to read it.
Check out our At Home Series
Did you know: the most important thing you can do for your child’s well-being while you are at home is to take the time to relax together, engage in playful activities and enjoy the new flow to the day?
Our At Home series provides you with ideas for engaging with your child when they are at home with you. The activities use items you probably have in your home and are designed for you and your child to have fun together; such as making gratitude cards, getting creative with a monster feet activity, discovering a love of music or reading with astronauts!
Download our full, free range by clicking here.
Try one of our wonderful recipes
With many spending so much time at home, we also understand this comes with added pressures – including the endless question of what to feed your little ones each day! Thankfully, we know exactly what tempts those little taste buds and we are excited to share some options with you:
- Tick off lunchtime with children by using one of our quick, healthy lunch ideas, from a teddy bear’s picnic to deliciously lazy tacos. Go here to find the recipes.
- Baking with children is a wonderful way to introduce them to the language of mathematics and science, and you get the added bonus of delicious treats at the end! For a selection of our favourite healthy recipes for baked goodies, go here.
- For recipes to cover everything from breakfast pancakes to delicious dinner ideas, download our exclusive eBook full of delicious, healthy and nutritious recipes for all meals, backed by our network of nutrition and health experts with pro tips on learning by cooking with every age group.
Move your body at home
We know that there are benefits to moving your body – one of them being the releasing of endorphins, the happy hormones which are immediate mood-boosters. In this way, working out has positive effects not only on your physical health but mental health too!
Go here to see our favourite online work outs you can do from home with your little ones. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have a backyard at home, there’s so much you can do with the children in the comfort and safety of your very own backyard. Click here to view our top 10 ideas for backyard play.
Setting up a virtual play date
It’s true, nothing beats physical contact and face-to-face communication. But in many ways, we are so lucky to be living in this age of technology. Staying home doesn’t mean we can’t stay in touch with our friends and family, and the same goes for children. From playing “I Spy”, “Charades” and “Show and tell”, check out our favourite ways to have fun on virtual play dates with children.
Seek help
COVID-19 is an unprecedented situation that may be causing extra stress for many families, with many spending more time in the home. In some circumstances, this can unfortunately result in an increase in domestic violence incidents and abuse in the home.
If you, or someone you know, needs help, please contact the following helplines, who can assist in getting you in touch with helpful resources and additional support.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
24–hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Lifeline has a national number who can help put you in contact with a crisis service in your State. Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can call.
More ideas
Looking for more ideas? We have a few enjoyable ways on how you can celebrate the little and big moments in isolation. Click here to view how you can make the most of time spent at home, or check out our Community Cubby for many more ideas and activities!
See you soon
Although we might be apart, just know that we’re missing you and can’t wait to welcome you back into the centre soon.
If there is anything else we can do to support your family during this time, please reach out to your Centre Manager or contact us on 1800 413 856.
Big love from the Kinder Haven team!