Ways Kids Can Stay Connected with Family While Social Distancing

Creative ways to keep kids feeling connected.

By: Amanda Mushro

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Stay Close with Your Loved Ones

Social distancing is hard for adults, but it can be just as hard on our kids. Their normal routines are disrupted because they can’t go to school, to playdates or spend quality time with friends or family. Your kids may be confused or feel angry or sad about this new normal, but there are things parents can do to help. So, if your kids are missing their friends and family, here are a few creative ways you can help them feel connected.

Email Pen Pals

Putting pen to paper and having your kids write old-school letters to friends and family sounds like a great idea, but for kiddos who are looking to connect right away, help them become a digital pen pal. Create an email address for your child. (Most email providers allow you to connect your child’s account to your own so that you can monitor their messages.) Then encourage your child to send out emails and attach pictures of what they are doing every day. Not only is this a great way for kids to stay connected but it’s also a great way to practice writing and spelling.

Have a Virtual Playdate

Use apps like Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype and Marco Polo to keep kids connected during social distancing. If your child is looking to talk with a friend or a larger group, these apps will help everyone keep in touch.

Read Together

Kids and family members can read books together, play games and even draw together by using apps like Caribu. This is a video calling app where each person sees the same screen so they can interact and play in real time. It’s the perfect way to keep your kids connected to grandparents, regardless of whether they are miles away or simply down the street.

Play Games Online

While we can’t have a family game night right now, there are many online games that your kids can play with friends and family. Just be sure to monitor your child’s contacts.

A Game of Tag

Instead of the traditional game of tag, have kids challenge their friends and family to learn a new dance or a new skill and show it off. They can send it via a video or even use Facetime to perform.

Write a Story Together

Get your thinking caps on and inspire your young writers to start a story or comic book, and then let their friends continue the writing or illustrate their work. When the book is done, it will be a sweet memory of something positive from this unprecedented time.

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

Since traveling and going on field trips can’t happen now, try an awesome virtual field trip that you can explore together with friends or family via a Zoom screen share. Here are a few of our favorites.