In This House, We Will Reconnect During COVID-19

Yesterday, I shared some IDEAS on how we can love and support our communities during this time. For those of you that are fans of the Light ‘Em Up movement – you’ll love having some idea starters for your family. It’s challenging to serve others from home – but it is not impossible.

Another topic I love to brainstorm is around the area of family fun. In my first book, In This House, We Will Giggle, my desire was to give practical ideas to families around faith and family. COVID-19 has brought unexpected TIME to our lives. It can be a real opportunity to restore relationships and reconnect with the most important people in our lives.

I don’t want to feel frustrated by the extra presence of my kids, rather view it as an extra present or opportunity. See what I did there? 🙂  I want to feel grateful about the extra moments to speak into their lives and simply just be with my family. My kids love when I slow down and just get into their world.

Disclaimers: I realize not all parents have the luxury of being home during this time and I pray that we work together to help those that need child care options while schools are closed. And please note I have already had moments where I did not feel thrilled about the extra time – and I might have hid for a 2-hour nap).

In This House, We Will Reconnect:

1. Learn A New Skill: One of my favorite YouTube channels for families is “Art For Kids Hub“. EVERYONE in the family can learn to draw on this channel. Try it! All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. I know you’re dying to know how to draw everything from a cupcake to a power ranger. You’ll get hooked. Trust me. You can learn to do just about anything on YouTube – water color? change a tire? tie a tie? set a table?
2. Get Resourceful: True story. I brought home groceries on Friday and one child of mine said out loud, “I’ve never unloaded the groceries.” People! She is 10 years old. WHAT. That cannot be true. Well, she is now in charge of unloading the groceries. She has carried the bags before, but never put them all away. There’s a lot of chores I do every day that I just do out of habit and I’m forgetting to give them the GIFT 🙂 of responsibility and resourcefulness. What other chores can I gift to my children this week? Kidding, not kidding. I do believe our kids want to learn new things and they gain confidence through responsibility. Right now, that same cutie is cooking pancakes for dinner (her idea) and Ella is a champion at eggs and spinach for breakfast.
3. Band Together: I really felt God nudging me to use this time off for God and for others.  So, I asked my girls if they would help me offer a little something free to my community on Treasured. And they agreed. So, we are simply doing one Live chat per day (on Treasured Instagram or Facebook) for tween girls. We will provide some ideas on the various topics from the Treasured Study (identity, body, emotions, friendships, technology and faith). Join us March 16-20 at 12:00 CST daily. That’s just our world and something we felt was easy to do for others. Simply ask your family – what is one thing we could work on together over the next couple weeks? That would glorify God and benefit others?
4. Let Them Lead. Larson led the family in an exercise class this morning and she loved it. She’s the youngest in the family and she loved bossing us around. Normally, she’s being bossed by us three. We had to do sit-ups and pushups until she said done. It was a lot of fun (sort of) to exercise through giggling. She says we have to come every day for her program. Think of many other ways your kids could “lead” your family through an activity. Could the musician teach music? Could the gamer teach gaming? Could the gymnast lead stretching? Everyone has something to offer.
5. Organize! I Love to Organize!  My friend Melanie Dale said this pandemic nesting. If that isn’t the truth. When I get nervous or anxious, I just walk around cleaning drawers. So this house is going be like a show home by Tuesday. Gracious. I digress. I do think we can organize with a purpose. After this passes, there will be even greater needs in our communities. So, we can make donation bags or make piles of things to sell – for your own financial situation or to help those in need in your area. I find that when I give my kids context to their sorting – they get motivated.
6. Get Prepped For Schooling: Join credentialed teacher, homeschool mom, and #1 bestselling author Erin Weidemann going in-depth on creating success for school at home during this time — creative ideas and ‘teacher insider’ tips for making the coming weeks meaningful, productive, and fun! She’ll also be answering your questions LIVE this coming Monday, March 16th at 1:30pm PT. Also, in response to the overwhelming requests for help + educational resources during this time, they are making the pdf version of ALL 5 of the Bible Belles Devotionals FREE FOR DOWNLOAD . These would be a great thing to use during your time home with littles. Larson loves these books! Bond together as a family by making this school time fun. Do you have a space? Can you create a school zone? 
7. Individual Time: I hardly ever get time one-on-one with my kids. You know that devotional you’ve been meaning to do with her? Or the conversation you’ve wanted to have with him? Or the art he’s been wanting to show you? Reconnection with family can look so many ways. Pray that God will reveal who needs what during this time and that might just look like an ice cream party or naps for all or one simply sitting in your lap. Give them space to open up and share. Sissy Goff has amazing resources on anxiety which was #1 issue in girls before Covid and I imagine even higher now.
8. Back to Basics: I saw a picture of my buddy Jonathan playing soccer with his four girls. What are those things that were just plain fun when you were little? Let them see you have some fun. Did you love to roller skate? Hula hoop? Play chalk? And every kid loves a good competition! Can you beat them at jump rope? I doubt it. But it would be funny to try.
9. Amazon: And if budget allows, you can always get on Amazon and order something new and fun for them to try. We ordered good ole Shrinky Dinks. Let them work around the house to earn the chance to get something fun.
10. Technology Box: I love a family competition  Did you know we have a “tech free box” competition over at Treasured? You need to just come up with a box for your family. A place where all phones will go at dinner, Sabbath or whatever rules you set. Make it fun. Decorate it. Make it represent your family and home. Post it to Instagram and make sure to use hashtag #treasuredgirlz and the winner will receive a Family Fun box for their game night.

 

More Fun Ideas:

• Wash your hands (please watch the above video of Casey and family)
• Make a family playlist
• Have a dance party
• Make up a play
• Encourage each other
• Bake together
• Get outside every day
• Giggle often
• Watch a classic movie
• Do a sibling’s chore
• Redecorate with what’s in your home
• Plant something
• Wash the car
• Make a photo book

Share this and be sure to include an idea or two how your family is reconnecting right now!

BONUS:

I saw this tonight and had to post it! My friend Jennifer Scott put together this AMAZING 200 adulting skills for kids before they leave home list! I love it. Some of these would be way easy to incorporate during this break.