4 hacks for overcoming your kids’ winter blues and COVID boredom
By Kelvin Howell
Fighting the winter blues and boredom can be tough for parents right now! Depending on your area’s winter weather, you can’t go outside because it’s too cold, and you can’t enjoy indoor activities around town because of COVID restrictions.
It feels like a no-win situation says Howell, but with these tips from Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS), you can use these family-friendly hacks to beat boredom in your household.
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Clear the Clutter and Bad Energy
We’ll get into family-friendly winter fun in just a moment. But first, let’s make sure that your home isn’t causing any tension for your family.
You see, negative energy can build up around your home without knowing it. We’re not talking about magic or anything, but rather the sort of residual stress that comes from having clutter and dust pile up during busy winter months.
So your first order of business for preventing arguments and stress should be to tidy things up.
Get rid of that clutter that is distracting you from remote work and if the weather permits, open a window or two for a blast of fresh air.
You could also give smudging a try and burning some sage to remove that bad energy if you’re up for it.
Have Fun with Morning Routines
Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day, says Howell.
If your mornings feel rushed or like your family is just going through the motions this winter, it’s no wonder you’re all feeling tired and bored! It may be time to shake up your stale routine, explains Howell. You can start by waking up a couple of hours before the kids and getting in some self-care.
That way your brain is clear and focused.
Next, you could get your kids in the kitchen to help you make some tasty and creative waffles! We love waffles at RCNS and SNCS, and you’ll find tons of unique and easy recipes online. Plus kids can pick up some valuable skills by helping out in the kitchen.
So whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is a great idea for indoor and educational winter fun.
Relax Those Electronic Device Screen Limits
Once you’re done with waffles, you’re going to need a few more activities to help keep your kids occupied. Especially if you are also trying to work from home this winter! Screens may be the simple solution you’re looking for right now. We know that screens get a bad rap but experts agree that what your kids do with screens is more important than how much they use them.
If your kids are using their devices to stay connected to friends or learn, there’s no need to impose strict limits during the pandemic. After all, it’s not like they can safely visit with friends in-person or learn in an actual classroom. Even gaming can help your kids in these uncertain times.
So if letting them use screens prevents arguments this winter, go for it without guilt!
Get Out of the House for a Day
Look, staying at home as much as possible is recommended. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find safe and legit ways to get out of the house every now and then!
In fact, experts at Harvard recommend that kids spend more time outside right now to combat feelings of depression. If it’s not freezing outside, by all means, let your kids get out in the backyard or a park for fun.
Need a bigger break from the house? Plan a day trip with your family! There are tons of local attractions and activities that you can explore together. Just be sure to confirm whether they are open in light of pandemic restrictions. If parks, zoos, and museums are open, also make sure your kids know how to follow current guidelines for staying safe in public spaces.
Winter is here, but don’t panic! Keeping the peace in your home can be as easy as reworking your morning routine or making improvements to your home.
Follow Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS) for the latest local news, tips, and resources
About the author: Kelvin Howell loves to tinker, and his wife certainly takes advantage of it by keeping him busy with the latest projects she sees on Pinterest. He might be an expert now, but there was a time when he was just learning his way around a toolbox and he has the fail stories to prove it.
Want to be featured in a future Guest Writer Spotlight article?
Contact the editor: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 49, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.
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