The days of hanging out at the playground, attending birthday parties, playdates, and team sports may be halted, but this doesn’t mean your children should stop interacting with their friends.

It’s social distancing, not social disconnection. Help your child connect to their friends using WhatsApp, Facetime, or Zoom.

Try these virtual playdate ideas.

1. Scavenger Hunt:

Get the children moving by asking them to hunt for things around the house.

2. Read Books Aloud:

Each child should pick a book and have a parent or an older child read out the book.

3. Show and Tell:

Get them to pick a toy or two that they would like to show their friends. Encourage them to talk about the toys including why they like it, the colour, what they do with it, etc.

4. Art Time:

Find a shared colouring page, painting piece that the children can do together.

5. Dance Off:

Get the music, get moving. Each child can pick their favourite song and dance to it.

6. Play Dolls and Dinos:

Let your children play parallel with their friends, with whatever favourite toy characters they enjoy.

I hope these ideas will bring you a little peace knowing that there are still safe ways for your children to play during social distancing times.