Across the country and around the world, the Nibble+squeak team is STAYING HOME. We’ve been observing social distancing from our homes with our pipsqueaks underfoot, and finding ways to entertain them in between meals, homeschool, and lots of cuddles.
While we all adjust to this extraordinary family-time experience, there have been some great, shiny, smile-filled moments which we hope will stick in our childrens’ memories. Here’s a taste of what’s working for us so far:
“We've been in the kitchen a lot, keeping our spirits high by assembling lasagnas, making fruit and veggie bugs from celery logs, nut butter, agave syrup and berries, and watching the eruption of bubbles when we drop ice cream into soda for root beer floats.”
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We planted a window herb garden from seed in little flower pots (I ordered this kit online.) It’s a fun, but not-too-messy sensory activity, plus a science lesson, and hopefully a bit of a culinary project once the basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, and chives come in! Her teacher suggested that we keep a visual journal with drawings as the plants sprout and grow.”
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”Our kiddos have enjoyed a lot of simple, old fashioned fun like building forts, playing board games, blowing hundreds of bubbles, and having dance parties. We've played a lot of the "hot and cold" game, where the kids hide an object and tell us parents whether we're getting warmer or colder as we look for it. Then we switch roles and they seek the object.
“Our family is spending as much time as possible outside in nature. We’ve been going on hikes, swimming. They will play at gardening and just move dirt around the greenhouse. I even sent my older son out to “break rocks” with his hammer! Once inside again, we’re baking, and watching Frozen and Frozen 2 on repeat.”
“To keep our sanity as parents, we've ordered in from our higher end restaurants that we'd typically save for a parents night out, and created a family "date night" with a fancy dinner that the kids join in on in our dining room. This weekend we'll be sharing Michelin-starred roast chicken and duck confit from Kinship in DC! Definitely something to look forward to!
“We’ve also JUST started ordering takeout from some nice places… Did Manresa last night and it was delicious! At a lot of these places, the money is going straight to workers (restaurants are not taking any of it) so I love that. We are also supporting some of our local faves cause it would be so sad if they were not able to weather this.”
“In the evenings, (which seem somehow to stretch forever now that there’s no more after school activities or commuting rush to get dinner on the table) we’ve been expanding our game night repertoire to include "Who's She," this beautiful, handmade Guess Who-like game with a feminist twist: instead of describing the women by appearance, you use their accomplishments. (There's a cardboard version too which is much cheaper, but the wood does make a satisfying clack.)”
Some our activities so far have included art projects, building kits, and crafts from Michaels (when everyone else was stocking up on groceries, I was at the craft store!), painting rocks, reading A LOT, going for walks and bike rides... oh, and some iPad time.“
“Another advantage of not having a set (ok, any) schedule is that my daughter really has time to dig in and concentrate on a longer task, whether it's a giant coloring sheet, an epic LEGO set, a Kiwi Crate STEAM project, or yes, even helping me to assemble that new IKEA bookshelf for all her homeschool supplies...”
“Art projects have included putting those delivery boxes to good use, using construction paper and markers to turn them into cars, and making signs for our windows to encourage people who pass by.”