What are you doing with preschool-age kids who don't have school?

[Anonymous]

Am I the only one whose preschool closed? What are you doing with your preschool-aged kids if their schools are closed?

Our older kid is doing distance learning through public school, so he's on the computer in the morning and afternoon. I have work to do but am somewhat flexible with my schedule. DH is working from home. DH and I are taking turns watching the kids, but the days are a nightmare. It feels totally chaotic because we're in and out of meetings, and because the older kid is there but on Zoom for school, it feels like I can't really take my younger one anywhere, so we just end up hanging out at home. He seems bored and irritated, and so am I.

Are others in this situation? Arg.

[Anonymous]

I would find another daycare or preschool that is open, assuming no one in your household is high risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would find another daycare or preschool that is open, assuming no one in your household is high risk.

OP here. We're "podding" with my mother-in-law, so I don't see this being something that would work for us. It also seems ridiculous to me that people are sending kids to daycare but older kids aren't going to school due to the risks. My preschooler -- like all of them -- regularly spits all over when making explosion sounds, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would find another daycare or preschool that is open, assuming no one in your household is high risk.

OP here. We're "podding" with my mother-in-law, so I don't see this being something that would work for us. It also seems ridiculous to me that people are sending kids to daycare but older kids aren't going to school due to the risks. My preschooler -- like all of them -- regularly spits all over when making explosion sounds, etc.

Can the preschooler spend mornings at Grandma's house to give you a little break? Or, would you feel comfortable having a babysitter come mornings to play with him. I'm assuming he still naps/quiet time in the afternoons.

[Anonymous]

I teach preschool at a location that is closed so you are definitely not the only one! My kids are older, but here are my suggestions for you—

Try to get out of the house before DL, at lunch time, and after school if you can. It’s hard being home all day! Run, scooter, etc.

Make playdoh as an activity when you have time. Then bring it out for your little one. The next time you bring it out add some dinosaur toys. Next time you can use straws to poke holes. Switching out the “tools” makes the same playdoh more fun.

Make oobleck out of cornstarch and water —super cheap.

Baking soda and vinegar and food coloring plus some eye droppers or pipettes can be super fun at that age.

Follow your child’s interests. If he gets excited about pine cones—start collecting them and give him a magnifying glass. Collect acorns and leaves and make a nature box. If he’s into building then look at books for architecture and see if he can build his version of the buildings with his own building materials. Listen when he plays and see if you can build on those interests.

[Anonymous]

Once your older kid is logged on take your younger kid out for a walk every morning, walk, bike, scooter whatever works. Plan on being back when the older one is done and may need you. You just need to plan it into your schedule every day.

[Anonymous]

We were in this situation last spring - we made a little schedule for DS based on things she liked to do - so she had coloring time, dance video time, outside time, free play, etc. I think a little structure sometimes helps, especially if they are used to a preschool/daycare schedule.

[Anonymous]

I don't know where you are located but Falls Church Parks and rec is doing outdoor Music Together classes at Cherry Hill park for preschoolers. If you are comfortable with being outdoors in a distanced group and can get away for an hour with just your younger one, something like this could be an option to give him an activity and to break up the boredom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once your older kid is logged on take your younger kid out for a walk every morning, walk, bike, scooter whatever works. Plan on being back when the older one is done and may need you. You just need to plan it into your schedule every day.

Yeah I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a younger kid out while the older kid does his zoom classes. They older one would have been in school during normal times so he would have had to learn his sibling doesn't always do the same things as him

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Once your older kid is logged on take your younger kid out for a walk every morning, walk, bike, scooter whatever works. Plan on being back when the older one is done and may need you. You just need to plan it into your schedule every day.

Yeah I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a younger kid out while the older kid does his zoom classes. They older one would have been in school during normal times so he would have had to learn his sibling doesn't always do the same things as him

It may be a supervision issue. My first grader needs one of us to sit near him to help with tech issues, following instructions, etc. Its clear which kids in the class don’t have an adult nearby- they are constantly needing correction and help. One kid was doing class on the balcony and didn’t have any materials, another had his little sister talking in the frame, etc. For the others the adults help them keep on task. We sent our 3 year old back to preschool. I’d be tearing my hair out trying to deal with her, distance learning, and my own work. OP, in your shoes, I’d either hire a babysitter or stop podding with MIL so you can send your younger kid to preschool.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks -- these are helpful tips. I don't think we can be away for more than a short time while the older one is doing distance learning because he needs help staying focused on the screen, too, but it would be helpful to get out for a bit. I love the idea of a schedule, too.

[Anonymous]

Our usual school closed. We enrolled in the one across the street that was open. It appears others had the same idea- half the new class is kids from the old school. Hats off to those who can keep their kids home indefinitely. With nowhere to go, mine is bored stiff and running into some behavioral issues. DC is very much looking forward to the start of school again.

[Anonymous]

Grandma needs to either help, or leave the “pod.” This is not sustainable for you.

[Anonymous]

My #3 is soon to turn three but with COVID we decided no preschool. She is just in the process of being potty trained so it’s better she be home.

[Anonymous]

I pulled my older kid out. She’s 6. We’re homeschooling. It’s so much easier. Now I take both kids out of the house together in the morning. We do “school” throughout the day as it suits our schedule. Probably takes an hour each day to do 1st grade.