There’s no doubt about it. Self-isolation is challenging. We all still need social interaction and time to connect with others meaningfully.
Here are some fun and creative ideas to keep your children connected to their friends:
If you’re all feeling well, pile in the car, blast some music, and drive by your friends’ houses. Have them come to the door while you stay in the car and chat with them. You can even make some signs to brighten their day. Make sure everyone knows beforehand that they need to stay at least six feet apart. It’s a great way to see people’s faces and stay connected.
2. Have a virtual chat – daily.
Thank goodness for technology during this challenging time. Schedule a daily time for your child to connect with a friend or relative via Facetime, Zoom. Google Hangouts, or House Party.
3. Send jokes and messages.
Facebook Messenger Kids is a great way to let your child message with friends while you can still monitor. Send a joke to brighten up their day!
4. Have a synced up movie night.
Use the Netflix Party chrome extension to watch the movie at the same time. (Or just press play at the same time!) After the movie, call and chat about it.
5. Start a book club.
It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Just plan to read the same book as someone and schedule a Facetime chat about it.
6. Schedule a virtual playdate.
While your child is playing individually, call a friend of theirs and place the video call near them. Sometimes, it’s just nice to be in the company of another child, even if they are doing their own thing. They can talk as little or as often as they like, but they know the other one is there.
7. Host a virtual Ice Cream Social.
Gather some friends, make yourself a bowl of ice cream, and chat about what you did that day.
8. Send video messages via Marco Polo.
Video messaging is even more fun and convenient with the festive Marco Polo app. It free, but beware! Some reviewers have said it eats up a lot of data.
9. Form a coloring squad.
Get your friends together on Facetime or your favorite communication app, and color together! Or, draw your friend a picture, scan it with your phone using Genius Scan, and email it to them!
10. Play a game.
Some games lend themselves better to Facetime than others. Some that work are Charades, Pictionary, and “Would You Rather?” Here are 10 Games That Are Fun To Play Over Facetime. Or, do a little digging and find out if your friend has the same board game. If you both have the same game, it’s easy to play together via Facetime!
(And, get your ABCmouse Free Trial for quieter moments.)
For those quiet solo times, one of our favorite resources is ABCmouse.com They are offering a FREE 30 Day Trial for kids ages 2-8. We’re a proud affiliate!
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
