Working from home is an adjustment for any professional, but it can be particularly challenging for parents. Since many day care centers are closed due to quarantine restrictions, parents are learning how to make the home a peaceful place for work, play, and family time. If you’re experiencing difficulty keeping little ones away from your office space, here are a few effective ways to entertain them and stimulate their minds.

4 Ways to Keep Kids Busy When Working From Home

1. Continue the Normal Routine

Whether your child has been used to going to day care or attending school, mimicking their routine as much as possible will make them less restless. Stick to their normal bed, wake, and snack times, so they maintain a sense of balance. Break the day into smaller chunks that complement your workday, like scheduling movies during important conference calls or taking reading breaks when it’s time to compile emails.

2. Embrace Independent Playtime

Create a designated space where your child knows they can play without too many restrictions. While you should check on them regularly, kids often lose track of time when they play independently. To encourage playtime, provide resources that allow them to stretch their imagination, such as building blocks, empty boxes for a fort, or craft supplies to plan a puppet show.

3. Visit a Museum Online

If your child appears to be getting bored of their surroundings, use the internet to take them into the world. Many museums and educational centers, including the Louvre, Boston Children’s Museum, and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, offer virtual tours to recreate field trips at home. Your kids can also observe animals on live zoo or aquarium webcams.

4. Schedule Virtual Playdates

Although kids may not be able to see friends in person, they can still socialize by streaming. If you know other parents who work from home, ask them if they’d like to set up a webcam playdate. To minimize your involvement, give the kids an activity to do while they hang out, such as playing with dolls or coloring.

When it’s time to find a stimulating environment for your child outside of the home, look no further than Sounds of Success Preschool and Learning Center in Aiea, HI. Providing affordable day care and preschool programs for kids ages 3 to 5, this educational facility fits the needs of many different little ones. Visit their website to learn more about their programs, or call (808) 488-2211 to inquire about enrollment.