Ten tips for keeping the family entertained during lockdown
1. Positivity Postcards
Some of the children and young people we support have been busy designing postcards for you to send to your friends and family. Download the beautiful designs here, and send some happiness through the post. Or, get creative and draw your own and post them with your messages to your loved ones.
2. Cross Stitch
Learn a new craft or revisit an old hobby. We have partnered with Stitchfinity to bring you two rainbow cross stitch kits. There are two kits to choose from, one for beginners (or your creative children) and one for the more adventurous crafters. Find out how you can get creative during lockdown and support WellChild at the same time. Get your kits here >>
3. Crochet
We’ve partnered with Wool Couture to bring you a beautiful giant unicorn named Astra. To get your pattern, click here >>. The crochet pattern is suitable for all abilities, but if you need a bit of guidance, you can watch a useful and easy to follow YouTube tutorial here >>. Remember to share your creations with us on social media using #WellChildGetCreative
4. Lockdown Memories Book
We are currently living through difficult and uncertain times. The pandemic will undoubtedly be of historic interest in the years to come. Help your child make a diary of their experiences. This can be a fun thing to do as a family and can help your children channel their feelings into something they can treasure forever. The book includes puzzles, spaces for them to write and stick photos or do drawings. The book has been kindly put together by three children Freya, Thomas and Isla and their mother Rebecca. Profits from sales will go to the NHS and WellChild. Get yours here >>
5. Sensory games
You can create hours of fun for you children just using normal household items. If you’re stuck for inspiration, don’t worry. From squishy paint to DIY play dough, this blog has plenty of ideas to keep you and your children entertained. For sensory play ideas, click here >>
6. Get active
Want to do something a bit different to keep active? You could work towards earning a Step Up for WellChild medal, designed by the children we support. Or you could take on our #PUTTingWellChildFirst challenge – get creative with the most extravagant putt you can think of. If that isn’t for you, how about joining Regina for her weekly Zumba classes? The classes are free and all she is asking is for people to donate the cost of the class to WellChild. If you’d like to join Regina’s class on Mondays or Wednesdays, click here to find out more >>
7. Virtual Afternoon Tea
We’ve got some brilliant recipes in our Afternoon Tea pack. Share the recipes with your virtual guests and get baking. Send out your virtual invites in advance and let people know your chosen video call platform. Once you’ve baked (and taste tested) your goods, you can begin your video call with your friends and family. For tips on how to set up your video call, ITV This Morning have produced this useful advice >>
8. Scavenger hunt
If you and your family are able to get out for your daily exercise, try and set yourself little challenges. Who can spot the most rainbow drawings in windows? See if you can count more birds or wildlife than you saw the day before. How many red front doors can you spot? If you are unable to go out for a walk, there are plenty of scavenger hunt activities you can do in your home or garden. See how many different insects you can find outside, or count the number of purple items you can find around your home.
9. WellChild Family TV
If you’re a member of the WellChild Family Tree, you will have seen the new WellChild Family Tree TV which is providing hours of entertainment for children across the UK and their families. From singalongs of your favourite songs to story time with other families, we’ve got hours of entertainment for the whole family.
10. Den Building
Not only is den building great fun, but it also provides an enjoyable space to play in for the whole day. Encourage your children to be creative. Use chairs, sheets, pegs, pillows, bean-bags and kit out your den with your children’s favourite books and activities.
