Since Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered a statewide shutdown on March 16, those who found themselves at home - with or without children - may be struggling to fill the hours in quarantine.
Mary Bauer, founder of Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, based in Chester County, has not hesitated to see the value in the hours. "Take advantage of the quarantine and get some fresh air and exercise with your dog," said Bauer, who recommended throwing a ball or flying disc or working on basic training techniques.
Those without pets to play with also have a variety of options for staving off cabin fever. Time online can be productive for both children and adults, so consider searching the internet for free classes and other educational resources. Podcasts in an area of interest can help make the hours move more quickly, and online puzzles and games can also help keep the brain engaged.
The situation is ideal for families to spend time creating quality experiences and memories. Break out the board games or the playing cards or just engage in an old-fashioned game of charades. Getting outside is also a great option. Yard games such as croquet or badminton are good choices when the weather is fine. A piece of chalk can create a hopscotch game in seconds, and a length of rope can provide hours of jumping activity. Maintaining social distance is easier in the great outdoors, so walking, running, and bicycling are all ways for members of a family to stay active while spending time together in the fresh air.
In addition, those with school-age children may want to consider structuring days to keep a routine in place. Having meals, snacks, assignments, play, and other activities at approximately consistent times creates a sense of stability. Look for activities that encourage creativity. Remember the excitement of the possibilities that lie in repurposing an old shoebox? Children can feel that same sense of potential and utilize their imaginations with simple household items such as cardboard, crayons, cotton balls, and glue.
Mandy Leggett, a homeschooling Conestoga-area mother and president of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, suggested using puzzles to teach about places. Her 10-year-old son completes puzzles of pictures from national parks, and the family does a virtual tour of each one as they put it together. Assembling the puzzle begins with a math assignment that measures the work surface to be sure there is room for the project.
With libraries closed, many families with children may be missing educational weekly activities. Some libraries are offering story times online. Heather Smith, director of the ELANCO Library in New Holland, said that the organization is encouraging families to check out its online resources at http://www.elancolibrary.org. "Libby and OverDrive are apps that you can use to download e-books and e-audiobooks for free with your library card," said Smith. "Books are available for (children), teens, and adults. For the preschoolers, (parents) can read along with Tumblebooks and BookFlix."
Carol Wenger, youth and children's librarian at Pequea Valley Public Library, added that anyone with an active Lancaster County library card may visit http://www.pvpl.org and click on eResources to find a multitude of great websites including Heritage, Automotive Repair, and Brainfuse.
Also, now that there is time, maybe get to those activities that have been at the bottom of the "to-do" list for what seems like forever. Clean out the basement, the attic, or the garage. Live in an apartment? Clean out the cupboards or closets. Sanitize countertops and other areas in kitchens and bathrooms regularly. Or maybe go through the closet and prepare for warmer weather by weeding out the clothing items that were not worn last year and are ready to be donated.
Another way to get ready for those days of summer is to pull out the lawn furniture or prepare the flower and vegetable beds. Go to the grill for a dinner that is different from the usual. Maybe delve into the freezer for some items that need to be used and exercise a little creativity by holding an impromptu barbecue.
Of course, venturing out to get food and other items, such as medications, is a necessity. But an "every family for itself" attitude need not prevail either. Going out in public means practicing social distancing for the health and safety of all, but it can also be an opportunity to serve the community. Have an elderly neighbor who is safer at home? Why not see what groceries or medicines can be picked up for them and left on their step or porch? Or consider purchasing a few extra nonperishables for the local food pantry during a regular shopping trip. Contact the organization that runs the pantry to find out what it needs and the best times and methods to drop off items.
There are opportunities to show children the value of community-mindedness, not wasting food or other goods or resources, healthy habits like hand-washing, and planning rather than panicking. And, of course, with many regular activities on hiatus, spend the time learning new things and making memories.
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