This past year (2020) was a year of firsts. Many times we were instructed as to what we would not be able to do…but today, we are months in and the weather is getting warmer. So…let’s take a more positive approach and discuss some things that we CAN do in this time of donning masks, slathering hand sanitizer and social distancing.
Because a lot of families are on a limited or fixed income we will try to include as many FREE or low cost options as possible.
Family Activities
-Come up with a goal as a family…savings goal, weight loss goal, home improvement goal…. and work together to reach the goal.
-Adopt a pet: Many people find the companionship that pets bring enriching to their lives. Our family goal is to get the aquarium in the classroom stocked up the end of the 2021 school year.( Although I heard talk of checking out a shelter pet from the older children.)
-Try something new- the picture above is the first time this young man went fishing. In many places such as public parks, and rivers you can go fishing and there will not be a large crowd of people there. Other ideas may include: (but not limited to)
- sewing/knitting
- crafting
- barbering/hairdressing
- spa/massage day
- virtual aerobics/exercise class
- painting
- reading a new genre of books
- take a class online or look up video on the topic
- Look up Family History
-College tours– Many schools do not have students on campus, and others have a more sparse population. That may work in favor of a high school sophomore who’d like to view the campus without the risk of upper classmen glaring on. So if there are some schools nearby, you can hop in the car and take a ride.
-Drive-in / Virtual activities- Some museums are now having drive thru exhibits while others have sessions virtually.
Virtual Field Trip Ideas:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a32403098/virtual-field-trips-for-kids/
-Drive-IN Movie– Although they are rare, it is a good option for a fun family night while socially distanced!
-Take a hike!– Literally, in the North Carolina, we are fortunate in that we have so many parks and recreation areas that are free and open to the public. This is a low cost way to get out and get moving!
-Gardening-With the cost of living inflated, compacted with the other obstacles of our activities of daily living, Gardening can be a good alternative for many families. Although there are minimal start up costs the benefits can include:
- Low cost organic food production
- therapeutic hobby
- beautiful ambience/landscaping
- exercise
- New skill set
