The Stay at Home Guide for Parents
Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
Families are spending more time at home together than ever before. The kitchen table has transformed into both the office and the classroom. The backyard hosts the kids' gym classes and adult workouts. Playdates and coffee dates happen in front of a computer—as do medical appointments and mental health care. It's a trying time for everyone, but no one is in it alone. Use this guide to inspire play, plan celebrations, maintain learning and work, and keep your sanity as we all get through this time together.
Play at Home
50 Ways to Get Through Coronavirus Cabin Fever
Use this list of creative activities for kids to create a jar of fun things to do at home—then pull them out when boredom strikes.
By Caylin Harris
Peter Cade/Getty Images
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OrganizationSpending more time at home can make our houses seem small, but you don't need a major makeover to get more space. Here are easy ways to make your rooms work better for your family.
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Social DevelopmentWhile replicating social skills learning without the help of classmates and peers may seem tricky, these easy activities focused on listening, interacting, and storytelling will keep your kids socially engaged all day long even at home.
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Indoor ActivitiesBreak out these creative indoor play ideas for kids if you're cooped up at home. All you'll need are a few simple, inexpensive supplies.
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Outdoor ActivitiesEncourage your kids to explore, build, create, or just relax in the outdoors with these fun, creative, and inspiring ideas for your lawn.
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Family GamesIf you've exhausted all your go-to family game night options, check out these online games and apps that were made for keeping kids entertained at home.
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Indoor ActivitiesFinding social distance-friendly activities for kids' playtime can be challenging. Thankfully, there are a bevy of interactive activities popping up online at every turn.
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Easter PrintablesPlanning a family scavenger hunt at home has never been so easy! Just print out our free lists and clues and you're ready to track down an afternoon of fun.
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Math & Science
Kids are born researchers. (Yours have probably asked "why?" 14 times already today!) Entertain them and illustrate basic scientific concepts with these easy experiments designed by San Francisco’s Exploratorium learning museum. All you need are a few common household items, not a Ph.D., we promise.
Play is The Perfect Antidote to Anxiety in These Times
Kids worry just like adults do, but during the coronavirus pandemic their fears may be escalated. Experts explain how parents can help calm their anxious child through play.
By Kate Orson
Eric Jeon
Craft at Home
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Indoor ActivitiesEngage your little one in activities that help them connect with nature and sneak in a little learning too.
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Arts & CraftsFrom painting to tracing, leaf prints to homemade necklaces, these craft ideas for toddlers will not only keep him busy, but improve his motor skills and social-emotional development.
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Arts & CraftsLooking for some educational arts and crafts for 3-year-olds? These seven clever options promote growth and development while keeping your little one entertained.
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Kid CraftsGoing out to snag art supplies might be out of the question as we social distance, but there are plenty of simple, fun crafts kids can do during quarantine that require materials you already have on hand.
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Arts & CraftsYour 2-year-old may not be in school yet, but these crafts improve growth and development, teach important skills, and help her reach milestones.
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Arts & CraftsLooking for educational activities for your 1-year-old? These at-home crafts can aid his growth and development, helping him achieve important milestones.
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Arts & CraftsHave a bored teenager at home? Try any one (or five) of these fun DIY projects and craft kits to keep them occupied.
Find more fun crafts and activities here.
Learn at Home
I'm a Mom and a Teacher, and I'm Struggling to Homeschool My Kids Just as Much as You Are
My experience as a preschool acting teacher hasn’t made homeschooling my three kids any easier. This is what a typical day looks like and why cutting myself some slack is key to surviving this crazy time.
By Holly Rizzuto Palker
Rebecca Hart
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Home SchoolingWhether you've made the decision to homeschool or you're still considering the option, here are resources to offer help and guidance.
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Educational GamesCheck out these free educational activities and games available online to inspire learning while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Indoor ActivitiesStuck indoors and looking for something for the kids to do? Let them venture somewhere amazing from the sofa.
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Math & SciencePrepare your child for school success with these fun math activities to do at home.
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NewsWe didn't ask for this, but here we are. How can we make distance learning work when we never wanted to homeschool in the first place?
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ActivitiesHelp your kids prepare for school with tracing activities that teach letters, numbers, shapes, sizes, and seasons.
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NewsAlready read through your child’s library? You can score these Audible books for kids for free while you’re social distancing—no subscription or credits necessary.
Tips to Steal from a Homeschool Mom While School’s Closed for Coronavirus
I've homeschooled all three of my kids by choice for four years. Here is my advice on how to help your kids learn from home as their schools are shut down because of coronavirus.
By Sarah Bradley
Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images
Eat at Home
22 Ways to Make Cooking With Kids More Fun
Scared they’ll get hurt? Scared they'll get flour everywhere? Hate to waste food? Chefs, food bloggers, and nutritionists dish on how they train their kids in the kitchen—and keep it fun for everyone.
By Karen Cicero
Stephanie Rausser
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DessertWe all know that cake belongs at milestone celebrations, but after having kids, I started using cakes to make blah days feel more special. Each these easy recipes takes less than a half hour of your time before the magic of the oven does the rest of the work.
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Quick and Easy DinnersWe’ve planned days worth of dinner for you. With just a little bit of prep, your weeknights will go much more smoothly.
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The Scoop on FoodCooking with kids can feel daunting (the knives! the mess!). But these bite-sized tasks are perfect for getting children of all ages into the kitchen.
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Healthy EatingLoad your shelves with these delicious and nutritious foods, and we promise that your kids will stop begging you for junk.
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Healthy EatingWhen a trip to the grocery store isn't in the cards, knowing how to transform foods in your pantry can be a lifesaver when feeding your family. From canned chicken to beans, here are our favorite recipes starring canned foods you probably have on hand.
Find more family-friendly recipes here.
Celebrate at Home
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NewsKids deserve to have fun on their birthdays, now more than ever. Faced with her daughter's heartbreak over missing out on her birthday party, one Chicago area mom got inventive. Here's how to do the same for your child.
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Baby Shower IdeasTraditional baby shower are getting a virtual twist while the country fights the coronavirus pandemic with social distancing measures. From how to host the perfect video hangout to what games to play, here's how to make your remote celebration a memorable one.
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NewsWith schools closed, kids haven't seen their friends in weeks. Virtual playdates can keep kids socially connected to their networks—and are fairly low lift for already stressed parents.
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Mother's DayPamper mom at home on May 10 with these Mother's Day gifts that can be delivered and virtual activities to make sure the day feels special day even as we social distance.
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PartiesFrom virtual party games to tips for planning your very own at-home ceremony, we rounded up some easy graduation party ideas for making the most of the celebratory moment while staying safer at home.
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Teen TalkThis year has been tough on high school seniors, who have had graduations, proms, and several other special events canceled in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In this week's 'Teen Talk' column, a senior shares her school's creative solution for recreating those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Work at Home
How to Master Working From Home—While Under Quarantine With Kids
The spread of the coronavirus is forcing working parents into telecommute situations across the country. If you’re struggling to stay productive while working from home, these tips from full-time work-from-home moms may help.
By Brooke Lea Foster
George Rudy/Shuttestock
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MoneyFrom when to pay your 2020 taxes to how you should handle making changes to your 401(k) contributions, these are the smartest money choices parents can make during the pandemic.
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HomeThere's no one-size-fits-all schedule for families—or even a chance of keeping a schedule at all some days. But these tips and daily activities for different ages may just help bring a little order into your home during the chaotic time that is COVID-19 quarantine.
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NewsParents who are now working from home are flooding Twitter with hilarious re-imaginings of their kids as coworkers.
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WorkIn an effort to help you stay productive and sane(ish) during the coronavirus pandemic, here are a few playful tips that will make working from home with your kids just a little bit less stressful.
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Toddlers & PreschoolersHere's how to keep toddlers and preschoolers busy while everyone is practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus—and not lose your mind.
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Coronavirus and COVID-19The struggle is real right now, but these tips and tools will help make your day a little smoother.
Exercise at Home
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ExerciseGet your body moving at home with these simple and fun barre techniques. All you need is a countertop, sink, heavy chair, or sofa and some good music to boot.
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ExerciseThese exercises use your own body weight to help build strength. They're perfect for kids and the whole family to do together.
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Healthy MomYou'll burn calories while doing chores with these moves that will leave you feeling energized, refreshed, and best of all, with time to spare!
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NewsBilled as "happy hour for you and your baby," Zumbini classes engage kids up to 4 years old with music, dance and educational tools. And now you can hop online to enjoy them with your little one virtually.
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ExerciseAt home with a rambunctious toddler or preschooler? Here's how to exercise in a way that gets your heart pumping and helps run down their energy, too.
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Thrive at Home
7 Online Support Groups for Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic
Looking to connect with parents going through the pandemic just like you? These online support groups can be just the place to vent, get or give advice, or simply know you're not in this alone.
By Kristi Pahr
Westend61/Getty Images
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Parenting Advice & TipsWhether it's a missed birthday party due to social distancing or a tough homework assignment that makes her feel like giving up, here are the best words you can say to your child to keep her spirits up and confidence high.
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Mental HealthThere's no need to stress over finding free mental health care. Here are several mental wellness bolstering services and resources that don't cost a dime.
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Ask Your MomChildren who are already anxious are more likely to feel worried and fearful about COVID-19, but parents can make a big difference in helping children feel safe.
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Mental HealthAs parents juggle a multitude of to-dos in the midst of this global crisis, it can feel intimidating to begin something new, especially a seemingly weighty undertaking like therapy. But experts say there's never been a better time. Here's why—and how—you should get started.
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HealthParents aren’t the only ones anxious about the spread of COVID-19. If your child feels uneasy about the latest news reports, use these tips to keep her informed without spreading unnecessary fear.
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Ask Your MomSocial distancing at home during coronavirus with partners and children is a stress test for the family unit that can overwhelm our coping resources. Parents.com's 'Ask Your Mom' advice columnist, Emily Edlynn, Ph.D., explains how to support your most important relationships during this time.
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NewsStefanie Trilling, New York mom of two, turned classic children's book covers into relatable scenes of social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.
