Photos to the Rescue - 6 ways to Enhance Bonding while Quarantined
This is an unnerving time in history. We are all at home, trying to keep our minds off what is happening around us. We are trying to work, feed, occupy, teach and maybe even trying to knock off a few to-do list items.
This is a great time to bond and connect with our children.
Tell them stories, snuggle them close, include all members of the immediate and extended family.
Make them feel safe.
I can guarantee they are feeling worried and stressed with the world changing around them.
Try a few or all of these ideas. There isn’t much set up, just get the photos out and let them explore.
Tag me in social media posts when you do them so I can see how you are bringing photos into your time together.
Family Screen Time Event
Grab blankets, popcorn and snacks
Gather around the TV or laptop
Scroll through photos from your Google Photos, Facebook albums, or your hard drive
A great way to create family bonding time while also taking a break from the day.
Pass the Picture
Gather loose pictures
These can be old or new, from a vacation or just staying at home
Pass the pictures around in a circle while you narrate the events of the photo
I SPY
Find messy or busy photos like theme parks, messy rooms or streets
Call out something to find
Give the kids a turn too!
Virtual Story Time
Facetime with grandparents or great grandparents
Encourage them to share photos and tell stories of their parents, siblings and grandparents
This draws children to those who came before them
This is good social distancing with ways to connect with our loved ones.
Who’s That?
A basic family ID game for older babies
Walk around the house and point to family members in the frames on the wall
Repeat their names multiple times or have the baby practice saying their names
Family Album Story Time
Sit down and read “our” book
Talk about your favorite parts and the memories it brings up
This is especially fun with photos from before you had kids