We’re well into the pandemic’s second year, and it has been a tough time. More than 500,000 Americans have tragically died, and many more have been sick. Medical science is not sure what the long-term effects will be.
However, there’s reason for hope. There are three different vaccines out now, and the Biden administration has focused on spreading awareness and getting communities across the country the resources they need.
Normalcy is on the horizon, but until we get there, you must check up on your family regularly to see how everyone is doing. Remember that the wholesale changes this past year have affected everyone, and you should make sure each one of your family members is mentally healthy.
Having some fun family activities is one way you can do that. Let’s talk about a few possible ones right now.
You Can Have a Family Game Night
If you’re unsure whether you should focus on this kind of thing, consider the intangibles. You know that you can protect your family from things like burglars. In the US, a burglary happens every 26 seconds, so you might have purchased automatic locks for your doors and motion-sensing lights for your driveway and front porch.
You can’t necessarily spot angst or depression in the same way you can detect an approaching burglar, though. You might not notice the signs in your family members. That’s why family activities are critical: they let every one of your family members know that you care about them and wish to spend time with them.
An old-fashioned family game night with board games is one way you can do that. You might have some favorites like Monopoly, Twister, Jenga, Clue, or Trivial Pursuit.
During game night, you can split into teams, pop some popcorn, and turn off your smartphones for a while. This is a way to bond, where everyone can be together, and no one is alone in their rooms.
You Can Have a Video Game Night
You might also have a PS5, a Nintendo Switch, or some other gaming system. You may even have an older model from a bygone era, like a Super Nintendo or a Sega Genesis.
You can have a family game night with video games rather than board games. You should select age-appropriate ones.
Something like Mario Cart is ideal if you have younger kids. You should avoid scary or bloody games like Mortal Kombat or the Resident Evil series.
You Can Go for a Family Bike Ride
Maybe you all want to get out of doors since we’re getting into the spring season. If you all have bikes, you can put on your helmets and explore the neighborhood.
This way, you’re all getting some sun, which your kids will probably like after being cooped up in the house all winter. You should enjoy it as well, especially since you can get some exercise. During the pandemic, maybe you have not been able to go to the gym.
Be sure to stay away from high-traffic areas. If you have some quiet side streets that you think are bike-friendly, those are going to be your best bet. It’s also incredibly important to ensure that you’re getting quality medical supplies. For gloves, make sure you buy those medical-grade nitrile disposables to get the protection you need. Similarly, opt for medical-grade masks, bandages, syringes, and more so you can be sure that they’re safe and hygienic to use. Never skimp on potentially life-saving tools, such as first aid kits and medical supplies.
Go for a Walk in the Woods
Maybe you have a nice park or nature preserve nearby. You can pile into the family car and go there for a morning or afternoon stroll.
You can bring along some binoculars and go bird watching. You might bring along a field guide and see if you can spot insects, wildflowers, and other animals and natural sights.
Your kids can get some fresh air and sunshine, and you can as well. You might not realize how much you miss that Vitamin D during the winter, but when you can get outdoors again once spring comes, you’ll remember how good the sunlight feels.
Call the Relatives
During this Covid-19 year, many families have not been able to see their closest relatives. You might have missed the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holidays when you usually gather.
You can probably see each other again soon, but in the meantime, you can set up a family Skype or FaceTime call. You can set a time when you know your relatives will be around, and your whole family can talk to them.
This should cheer up your kids and your relatives as well. Seeing them on your smartphone isn’t the same as visiting them in-person, but that should happen soon enough.