Tips for Children's Activities While Out of School

“Our foster parents got very creative during spring break,” says Charlene Jackson. “Activities in the community were canceled because of concerns over COVID-19, so the parents did everything possible to give the children a real break from school.”

Jackson is a supervisor at the Foster Care Village in Itasca, a small town about an hour from Dallas. The Village is a cluster of houses where foster parents care for up to six children in each home. At the start of spring break, CDC guidelines went into effect to keep the parents and children healthy, and rainy weather restricted some of the children’s favorite activities.

“Children made use of our campus playground equipment and gazebo to enjoy some fresh air, between rainstorms,” Jackson says. “Foster parents organized basketball games in our gym and we are held a movie day at our Youth Center with popcorn and drinks.” Foster families also played board games and put together puzzles in their individual homes.

While many of us are nervous about the current crisis, we are also grateful for our health and for quality time with the children in our care. We are able to spend time connecting with them and building our relationships. Here are some additional ways to connect with your children during this time:

• Family Lego Challenge
• Family Coloring Challenge
  
• Girls In-door Spa Day
  
• Nerf Gun Fights
• Board games
  
• Learn a new skill (YouTube has great “how to” videos)
  
• Do some spring cleaning and organizing around the home
  
• Cook a family meal together
  
• Have the kids prepare their favorite dessert
  
• Schedule a time to be outdoors every day. Go for a walk, ride a bike and enjoy nature.
  

The children and families in our residential and community-based programs need your help now more than ever. To donate, please click here.