With many cities and states requesting that residents shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of parents are juggling the demands of working from home with keeping their kids occupied. Fortunately, some basic supplies and a bit of ingenuity can ensure your children are engaged while allowing you precious time to focus on work and household responsibilities. Below are three preschool activities for kids to enjoy while cooped up at home.

Preschool Activities for Kids at Home

1. Art Projects

Art helps kids express their creativity and improve their coordination, concentration, and fine motor skills. Coloring and drawing projects don't require any special supplies and the risk of big messes is minimal. Consider getting them stickers to add as embellishments. Set up your child's workspace beside your own and enjoy the quiet, productive time together.

2. Educational Games & Programming

These are extraordinary times, so you might want to relax your rules about screen time and electronics use. There are plenty of educational games and programming geared toward preschool-aged kids that can be accessed on a smart device like a phone or tablet.

Choose your child's content for them, and after they play a game or watch a program, talk to them about it. See what they learned and encourage them to ask questions.

Still, keep them away from electronics for at least two hours before bedtime, giving your child plenty of time to wind down and settle in for a restful night's sleep.

3. Virtual Playdates

Socialization is crucial for a child's healthy development, but physical distancing makes it impossible to meet with friends in person. Instead, schedule virtual playdates with your child's classmates via one of the remote conferencing apps available for smart devices. This will give the kids a chance to see one another face to face and maintain their connection.

These preschool activities will help both you and your child weather the challenges of sheltering at home. When you return to work, have quality day care services lined up. Merry Manor School of Childhood is a child care center serving families throughout the Lincoln, NE, region. They offer programs for children ages six weeks to 13 years old, and they provide the highest level of personalized attention and support. Learn more about their offerings online. Call (402) 466-2215 for questions about enrollment.