This apparently never-ending vacation due to Covid 19 seems nearly unbearable to all the children. And the parents can not but accept the fact that this sudden house arrest makes their children suffer from excessive boredom and lethargy. The children can not go to the schools, they can not enjoy with their friends, they can not visit the parks along with their parents at the weekend. Suddenly, they have to face a series of “no”s. But the question is how to enable the children to cope with this new normal situation in a creative way. Here I am sharing some parental tips to keep the children engaged during this lockdown period in a most innovative way.

1. Involve the children in the household chores- Try to involve your children in small things like tiding up their own beds in the morning, or helping their parents while serving the foods. These small contributions on their part will instil in them the sense of responsibility. Besides this, it will make them realise how important the household works are and the children will grow respect for their elders and domestic helps who engage themselves in such tasks.
2. Grow healthy habits- Discuss with them about the current turmoil and let them aware of the importance of maintaining  personal hygiene. Tell them to wash their hands at regular intervals and to put on their masks in case of going outside urgently. Instruct them to have healthy foods and make them understand the benifits of choosing a healthy lifestyle. Try to engage them in light exercises like free hands,cardio, stretching, yoga etc. Inculcating such healthy habits will have a benign effects in the longer run in the upbringing of your children.
3. Fill the free time with some creative hobbies- It can be anything like painting, singing,dancing, reciting or even gardening. Hobby of gardening explores the learning that how important the nature is, how beautifully the nature blooms into full petals and how easily the same nature accepts the fall. Gardening will give the children the scope to share some space with nature and etch in their minds the value of care,nourishment and watering the efforts.
4. Applaud your children- Don't forget to praise your children for their good deeds. You kind appreciation will motivate them to do more creative works. As they are facing a tough time, it is the duty of the parents to provide them mental support and constant encouragement.
5. Communicate with your children- Share your stories with your children. How was your childhood days? What did you do at that time? Share these things with your children. Such communication will intensify the parents-children bond and will make a happy and healthy picture as a family.
6. Sow the seeds of gratitude into your children- Let them realise how grateful we are to have a beautiful life with unbound positive potentialities. Tell them not to take anything for granted. Teach them to be happy at small things. Let them learn to accept the every offering from life with grace. This sense of gratitude can be the key factor for the children to withstand the further hurdles of future life.   

                               I hope this article will be helpful for the parents who are struggling to manage the crisis their children are facing right now. Thank you.