Keeping kids busy while schools are closed

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – With schools closed many families are changing their daily routines.

Children are trying to wrap their heads around the pandemic, which can cause anxiety.

Plus, they’re not socializing like they normally would.

So it’s important to keep your kids busy to reduce their stress, and yours.

Look online for activities, ones you can do together.

Ideas include card games, making homemade chalk or bubbles, and even building blanket forts.

You can also look for educational resources.

But health experts say added screen time isn’t the answer.

“What we really need are opportunities for parents to create social connections with their kids in their home environments, which doesn’t involve screens,” said Jeff Reiland, Child and Family Therapist, Gundersen Health System.

Although most people are practicing social distancing, Reiland says kids spending too much alone on their devices can lead to social isolation.

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