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COVID-19: What to do with the 8-12 crowd at home

COVID-19: What to do with the 8-12 crowd at home

This Spring Break will definitely be unforgettable. With all the uncertainty happening in the world right now, anxiety levels are high, especially for our kiddos. Being in quarantine or self-isolation can’t be easy for anyone but asking the kids to get along and not drive each other crazy? Impossible.

But we’ve got something to help: a schedule! Having a regular routine helps ease anxiety and we’ve got a sample schedule designed for kids 8 to 12 years old. 

>> Dealing with your kids anxiety during a pandemic

And don’t worry parents, we’ve gotchu! There’s plenty of quiet time for you as well.

The Isolation Schedule

As you go through this schedule with your kids for the first time, you’ll discover what works and what doesn’t. Adjust it to suit your family’s needs. If they decide they want books before outside time, that works! Or if their outside time runs into the next block, no problem! A little insider tip: We have noticed that when the hint of sibling bickering starts, it’s probably time to move onto the next activity.

  • Wake until to 8 am: Quiet playtime or reading in bedroom
  • 8-8:30: Breakfast *
  • 8:30-9:30 am: Screen-time (AKA: parents get to sleep in!)
  • 9:30-10 pm: Get ready routine
  • 10-11 am: Outside time (Bike ride round the block, scooter, or family walk)
  • 11-12 pm: Fun academic time ** 
  • 12-1 pm: Lunch
  • 1-1:30 pm : Virtual Activity  ***
  • 1:30-2:30 pm: Creative time **** or outside time (Backyard frisbee, soccer or yoga)
  • 2:30-3:30 pm: Quiet free play (AKA parents quiet time!)
  • 3:30-4 pm: Clean up / chores *****
  • 4-5 pm: Screen-time (AKA: parents quiet time!)
  • 5-6 pm: Make dinner and eat
  • 6-7 pm: Bath and PJs
  • 7-9 pm: Movie

Pro tips to make this as successful as possible

Breakfast * Generally, kids in this age range can grab a snack or two on their own. But if they can’t, feel free to layout a bowl and cereal the night before. Pre-portion some milk in a small jar or cup to avoid major spillage.

Academic time ** This refers to: journalling, reading, creative writing, workbooks. Or teach your kids something new if you prefer.

Virtual Activity *** There are tons of free virtual activities available right now so why not take advantage and learn something new? (Drawing with Darren on IG live) or Doodles with Mo Willems are favourites!

>> Virtual Activities

Creative time **** This refers to baking, crafts, DIY project, art, musical instrument, drawing, colouring.

Clean up and chores ***** We like to get cleaned up before starting a new activity but sometimes, things get forgotten. Use this block to clean up fully. Add some chores too – like, folding and putting away laundry (it’s not just the parents’ responsibility). Take the opportunity to teach them how to take care of their space.

After dinner, we generally have no structure but ending it off with a movie is a family favourite. 

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