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
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
Photo: Eric Jeon
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OrganizationHow to Make the Most of Every Part of Your Space
Spending 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. -
Social Development14 Ways to Build Your Child's Social Skills From Home
While 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. -
Indoor Activities17 Fun Indoor Games and Activities for Kids
Break 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. -
Outdoor Activities14 Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
Encourage 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 Games9 Multiplayer Games That Are Totally Fun to Play Virtually
If 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. -
Indoor Activities12 Virtual Activities for Kids That'd Be Fun Even If You Weren't Stuck at Home
Finding social distance-friendly activities for kids' playtime can be challenging. Thankfully, there are a bevy of interactive activities popping up online at every turn. -
Family Activities50 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.
Craft at Home
11 Easy Craft Ideas for Kids to Make With Stuff You Have at Home
Going 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.
By Maressa Brown
Photo: Primary
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Indoor Activities5 Easy and Crafty Ways to Bring the Outdoors Indoors
Engage your little one in activities that help them connect with nature and sneak in a little learning too. -
Arts & Crafts9 Easy Educational Crafts for Toddlers to Do at Home
From 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. -
Arts & Crafts7 Educational Yet Easy Crafts for 3-Year-Olds That Promote a Love of Learning
Looking for some educational arts and crafts for 3-year-olds? These seven clever options promote growth and development while keeping your little one entertained. -
Arts & Crafts8 Easy Educational Crafts for 2-Year-Olds
Your 2-year-old may not be in school yet, but these crafts improve growth and development, teach important skills, and help her reach milestones. -
Arts & Crafts6 Educational Crafts for 1-Year-Olds You Can Easily Do at Home
Looking for educational activities for your 1-year-old? These at-home crafts can aid his growth and development, helping him achieve important milestones.
Find more fun crafts and activities here.
Learn at Home
How to Set Up a Virtual or Homeschool Learning Space for Kids
Boost learning at home by setting up a brand new space for your child that will help them feel focused and comfortable with these organization tips and homeschool room ideas.
By Michelle Crouch
Photo: Courtesy of Themasseyspot.com
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Home SchoolingThe Best Homeschooling Resources Online
Whether you've made the decision to homeschool or you're still considering the option, here are resources to offer help and guidance. -
ADD & ADHDHow Parents Can Help Children With Attention and Learning Issues With Remote, Hybrid, or In-Person Learning
This fall won't be ideal, but there are ways to help your child focus during an unusual school year, regardless of the learning method. These expert-recommended strategies will help them thrive. -
Educational Games15 Free Online Games for Kids That Will Keep Them Learning at Home
Check out these free educational activities and games available online to inspire learning while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. -
Indoor Activities15 Virtual Field Trips Kids Can Take from Your Living Room
Stuck indoors and looking for something for the kids to do? Let them venture somewhere amazing from the sofa. -
Math & Science10 Playful Math Activities for Preschoolers
Prepare your child for school success with these fun math activities to do at home.
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
Photo: Stephanie Rausser
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Quick & Easy DinnersYour Weeknight Dinner Plan: 40 Easy Recipes
We’ve planned days worth of dinner for you. With just a little bit of prep, your weeknights will go much more smoothly. -
The Scoop on Food11 Easy Ways to Get Kids Cooking
Cooking 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. -
Healthy Eating10 Healthy Recipes and Tips for Cooking With the Canned Food in Your Pantry
When 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. -
Lunch5 Picnic Recipes Perfect for Fall
Who says outdoor-eating season ends with Labor Day? With its crisp weather and bountiful orchards, fall is the perfect time for an apple-picking picnic. Our 100% packable menu makes everything easy as, well, pie! -
Hints and Tips7 Unexpected Benefits of Eating Together as a Family, According to Science
Sitting down for a family meal (and no, it doesn't necessarily have to be dinner) has resounding benefits for both kids and their parents.
Find more family-friendly recipes here.
Celebrate at Home
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NewsHow to Celebrate Kids' Birthdays Virtually During Social Distancing in a Way That Doesn't Suck
Kids 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. -
Baby Shower IdeasVirtual Baby Shower Ideas For When Loved Ones Can't Be There
Traditional 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. -
NewsA Parent's Guide to Virtual Playdates During Social Distancing
With 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. -
Halloween Games & Activities15 Fun Social-Distanced Halloween Activities for a Sweet and Safe Celebration
Help your kids get their candy on while still social distancing with these indoor and outdoor Halloween activities, decorations, games, and craft how-tos. -
Halloween Games & Activities6 Halloween Games for Teens They Can Still Play While Social Distancing
Entertaining a group of teenagers who have aged out of trick-or-treating? These Halloween party game ideas for teens will ensure everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe, candy-filled environment. -
Halloween Games & Activities11 Halloween Songs for Kids to Add to Your October Playlist
Looking for some spooky kid-friendly Halloween music to play around the (haunted) house? Whether you have a toddler who wants to dance to Blippi or tweens ready to do the Monster Mash, we found a song for everyone.
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
Photo: George Rudy/Shuttestock
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MoneyThe Best Ways to Protect Your Family Finances During the COVID-19 Crisis
From 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. -
NewsPeople Share Hilarious Tales of Their Children as 'Coworkers,' Because Now They Basically Are
Parents who are now working from home are flooding Twitter with hilarious re-imaginings of their kids as coworkers. -
WorkThe Real Mom's Guide to Getting S*%t Done When Working From Home: 6 Hilariously Effective Ways to Buy You Time
In 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. -
Toddlers & Preschoolers20 Activities That Are Actually Doable If You're Working From Home With a Toddler
Here's how to keep toddlers and preschoolers busy while everyone is practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus—and not lose your mind. -
WorkJust a Reminder For Anyone Who Needs It: It's Illegal to Fire Someone for Having Kids On Their Zoom Call
San Diego mom Dris Wallace says she was fired from her full-time job in the financial industry because her boss didn't want to hear her kids in the background on calls.
Exercise at Home
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ExerciseI’m a Mom and a Barre Instructor: Here Are 7 Moves You Can Do at Home
Get 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. -
Exercise16 Strength-Training Exercises for Kids
These exercises use your own body weight to help build strength. They're perfect for kids and the whole family to do together. -
Healthy Mom9 Quick Tips for an At-Home Workout
You'll burn calories while doing chores with these moves that will leave you feeling energized, refreshed, and best of all, with time to spare! -
NewsVirtual Zumbini Classes Are An Adorable (and Stress-Relieving) Social Distancing-Friendly Activity
Billed 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. -
Exercise7 Ways to Exercise at Home With a Toddler or Preschooler
At 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. -
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
Photo: Westend61/Getty Images
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Mental HealthFree Mental Health Resources for Families
There'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. -
Parenting Advice & TipsThe Most Encouraging Things You Can Say to Kids
Whether 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. -
Ask Your MomHow Do I Help My Anxious Child During the Pandemic?
Children 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. -
HealthThe Dos and Don’ts of Talking About the Coronavirus With Kids
Parents 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. -
Ask Your MomQuarantining With My Family Is Putting My Parenting and Relationship to the Test—How Do I Cope?
Social 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.