Growing COVID-19 concerns have led to a complete lockdown across the globe. Businesses, schools, colleges have been shut. Professionals are working from home. Amidst this, parents and kids are engulfed in a very chaotic situation. With schools shut, no outdoor drives, social distancing; children are in total house arrest. And for parents, the biggest challenge is keeping kids busy at home while balancing their professional commitments. Of course, there are many activities one can undertake while at home.
But I decided to unearth some real-life situations. So, I spoke to some of the mummies and quizzed them about how they are keeping kids busy at home.
Pavithra Sampath Karwande
Pavithra boasts an amazing experience in all aspects of recruitment and selection. Currently, she is working as VP sales at a B2B food-tech start-up called Hauskhaas. She loves cooking and is an avid traveler.
1. How are you keeping your kid busy at home?
I have maintained a daily schedule in place, right from the time she wakes up. I give her assignments after which I keep her busy with studies, craft, drawing or painting. We watch movies or even play board games. Interestingly, she helps me with cooking and household chores. Furthermore, I keep her connected via mobile phone with her friends and grandparents during the lockdown.
2. What is the most challenging part of such a lockdown while keeping kids busy at home?
The most challenging for me during this phase was to follow the schedule. And this especially occurs when you are a working mom. While working from home, it becomes difficult to juggle professional and personal priorities.
3. Have you observed any behavioral changes in the kid?
In the initial days, she was a little cranky and restricted. However, the moment she started following schedule everything fell into place. She is doing just fine. Kids need to be busy with some activity. Above all, as I am a working mom, my daughter Anvi loves the concept of me being with her all the time.
Ananya Prashant Sukhatankar
A dancer, writer, singer in the making, Ananya is also passionate about the culinary world. Ananya worked as a Software Engineer, for 7 years but is now pursuing her passion for dance. She is a Bharatanatyam Nritya Visharad, has presented Arangetram and now a dance teacher.
1. How are you keeping your kid busy at home?
Shiva is very inspired by historical figures and mythology. He loves role-playing and interestingly I love it too. So, time flies when you act as Bahubali’s mom, a bad British officer or Jijabai. Moreover, Shiva loves the kitchen and cooking. My little chef helps me there too. Luckily, we have a backyard, so cricket and badminton are the evening specials. Further, I am also trying to teach him games like Lagori and Kabbadi. But the biggest masterstroke is the storybooks.
2. What is the most challenging part of such a lockdown while keeping kids busy at home?
Shiva is at an age where he understands that Corona is something really bad and staying indoors is the best thing. So, he knows that going out is not an option. And unlike other underprivileged families, it’s a blessing that we can be in a safe lockdown and sustain. So, every moment has to be cherished. Also, apart from the housework, I do get enough time for my hobbies and dance practice. So, it’s a happy time. Oh yes! But as parents, we have to keep our mobile usage minimum so Shiva doesn’t get attached to it.
3. Have you observed any behavioral changes in the kid?
No behavioral changes yet. My husband and I are in such professions that even before the lockdown we were able to spend considerable time at home. So, it’s not a big change for him as we were always around.
Amruta Jain
Amruta is a true-blue Indian, despite living in Rotterdam, Netherlands. While working as a Business Process Analyst for one of the shipbuilding companies, she is also a culinary expert. A foodie by heart she loves cycling, swimming, and hiking.
1. How are you keeping your kid busy at home?
We keep Meera occupied with play dough, Legos, and reading books. Also, we bought a balancing bike wherein she bikes around the house. With this, we discovered a few games too like – in the evening I walk with her in the living room. Alongside this, we count and dance while walking. Further, while cooking I involve her in household chores like washing veggies, rice or peeling onion and garlic.
Moreover, we play another game called cozy. We sit on the couch with a blanket and hide a few soft toys in it. And then we find it.
2. What is the most challenging part of such a lockdown situation especially when you have a kid at home?
My husband and me are working so we have to alternate work and play with her. Hence, we can’t manage to work 8 hours completely. Besides, I barely make 5-6 productive hours. And I feel it’s quite ok but I expect managers should understand these few limitations. However, the best part of this lockdown is we are getting more time to spend with our daughter. And we are enjoying this phase to the fullest.
3. Have you observed any behavioral changes in the kid?
My daughter is at growing age so she is developing every day. But the most important change is that we are unable to hold onto the routine especially when she used to be at the daycare. Besides, she is a very energetic kid, so it becomes difficult for us to cope up with her energy. Most importantly, her bedtime was 8.00 pm, but now she can go on till 10.00 pm and not get tired at all!
However, I did not notice any strong behavioral change, but initially, she was very frustrated, missed her daycare friends, and going out for walks. Being an animal-lover, she misses watching birds and dogs around.
Prachi Muzumdar Damani
Before choosing to become a mom, Prachi was working with HSBC for 8 long years. But she is now a stay-at-home mom by choice and loves her job to the core.
1. How are you keeping your kid busy at home?
Engaging kids in any activity needs a lot of patience. So, yes, during this lockdown; board games like chess, ludo, snakes and ladders, carrom, cards, puzzles have been a savior. Besides, Shanaaya loves to paint, draw and do art and craft. She also reads storybooks. Only there is one exception that the screen time has increased.
2. What is the most challenging part of such a lockdown situation especially when you have a kid at home?
Keeping kids busy at home in any activity is a challenge in itself. Moreover, in every activity, Shanaaya needs my time. Evenings become a bit more challenging because she is involved in outdoor activities. But with this lockdown, she is confined to the house. Besides, coming up with new ideas to keep kids busy at home is another challenge.
3. Have you observed any behavioral changes in the kid?
My daughter has become unreasonably irritable because she doesn’t have her friends to play with. Also, her normal daily routine has got disrupted. Usually, a well-behaved kid has suddenly started showing anger and tantrums because of seeing us constantly.
On a parting note
In such a difficult time, keeping kids busy at home may become challenging. Additionally, kids tend to feel depressed about missing out of school or not meeting their friends. So, I think it’s best to keep the positive vibes coming by engaging them into activities. I am sure, they will forget this phase and cherish fond memories for spending maximum time with their parents. And parents a small compliment – you are doing great!
