The coronavirus pandemic has led to a stay home order in most countries of the world. Thereby leading to the shutdown of business and also increasing working remotely. Now the problem is most parents can’t concentrate or fully achieve their set daily goals and this has led to a decline in productivity. Here is the big question how can parents actively engage their kids while they get work done during this period of stay home? The response to the above question is as follows:

• Schedule a timetable: Scheduling a time table for daily activities would help for proper organisation and coordination both for the kids and parents. Also, ensure to include yourself in the activities of the kids. This implies be in their plan, set out time in your very busy schedule to get involve in the activities of the kids.

• Engage them in creative arts – drawing, colouring and painting: Get materials useful for creative art like drawing book, pencil, crayon, paints or poster colour etc. This should be done according to the age of the child. Research has showed that art projects can keep some kids occupied for hours. However, if this is to be an independent activity, children should be able to do most of the setup and clean up on their own. So, keep it simple! For younger children do projects that don’t require cutting or you can do the cutting in advance. For the youngest kids, this might be as simple as coloring. Painting is a way for children to do many important things: convey ideas, express emotion, use their senses, explore colour, explore process and outcomes, and create aesthetically pleasing works and experiences. You could also hand your kids do some crayons and let him colour in the designs you’ve created.

• Make them your mini-intern: Most kids love to help out and whether you really need the help or not, there’s something for children of any age to do. They could help out with simple filing, sorting of paperclips, markers, books arrangement on library shelf etc. This is also a good time to introduce them to housekeeping and proper home management.

• Ensure that nap time is observed: This would help parents to do their works without interference and a lot can be achieved during this period. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health.

• Practice the basics: If your little one is more interested in reading or mathematics than in colouring, consider providing some simple worksheets or word searches and their meanings to keep her mind busy as you work. If you really want to blow your kid’s mind, take five minutes to create and print your own personalised word search, populated with all her favourite things like colours,toys, cartoons and cartoon characters, snack, food, drinks etc .

• Allow them have fun: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Therefore, create time and space for the kids to have fun. Physical exercise is essential to maintain good health and sound mind. Let the kids have dance party, balloons game, riddles, chess, cycling, aerobics and other indoor games.

• Make paperclip jewelry: Be deliberate in making your kids to love craft. Research has shown that kids who are good at craft are also very good in creative thinking which is a major soft skill  in this 21^st century. Therefore, give your kids the supplies he/she needs to make a paperclip necklace. Most preschoolers have the dexterity they need to string together simple jewelry and they’ll love the opportunity to wear their masterpiece at home! Appreciate and celebrate them.