What’s happening around us due to Covid 19 is kinda unthinkable for our generation. While we’ve seen this lock down and kind of stuff in the movies but in real life it’s different and real different. The difference is in terms of working at home and that with your our kids around.
This is just 5th day of lock down and managing kids at home is a real challenge particularly if you have to work from home. The kids are full of energy and if they don’t go out to play, definitely we as a parent need to find a way to channelize this high energy in a positive manner.
I’ve been trying to engage my child in many games/activities in last couple of days and have been able to do channelize my daughter’s energy in a positive manner. So here are some ideas/games which one may try while being at home. These will not only engage and help in mental development of your kid but also remind parents of their childhood times for sure:
Ludo/Snake & Ladder
One of the most famous and basic game which can keep your kids engaged for the whole day. If you don’t have it at home you can download one from android/apple app store. The game made by Gametion is one of the most popular and engaging as well.
For those staying alone the option of playing online with relatives is also available.
Chess
You can take this opportunity to teach your kid how chess is played. This game can be very engaging for long time and even introduce your kid to the world of strategy making.
You may say you don’t have it at home and can’t even buy from market or e-comm sites amid lock down. Don’t worry this is simple to make at home and a fun activity for the kids too. Just see how Maithili made it using her study table and a permanent marker:
Block Game (Jenga)
A game which can definitely be learnt with minimum efforts by the kids and help in understanding the concept of center of gravity to the kids.
Tic Tac Toe
A game which can be played with most basic requirement of pen/pencil/chalk and paper/black board.
Painting/Drawing: We can try giving colors/papers to the kids and let their imagination flow and let them draw whatever they feel like.
Story: Every day at night one can tell a short story to the kids and believe me this is not very difficult. We all have been cooking up stories from our childhood whether in fron tof techer, our parents or our spouse. Ain’t we?
Kids form an opinion basis what they see around them, listen from people, watch on the channel. I was shocked when my daughter asked me, Papa how can Kiran Bedi be a Police? she is a girl. Another question from her was on Sajeev Kapoor as how can he be chef? he is a boy. I could not believe that my daughter may also have such narrative of work that can be done by a male or a female.
This is the time which we can use to focus on their overall development. We should recite stories of male/female achievers in different fields. One of the book that I have been reading for my daughter is “Good Night stories of Rebel Girls” for last couple of months. The book has short stories of the girls which broke free of social boundaries and stigmas and became achievers in their life.
Have you considered gifting books to kids on birthdays?Maithili enjoys reading books gifted by my elder brother and my friends.
Carom Board: While for this game you need to have a board, Carom Men & Stricker at home. The game is super engaging and kids can actually learn how to aim, sense of direction, force etc.
Game of Kauri (Cawrie shells): To play this game you need 4 cowrie shells.The game can be played with minimum 2 or more players sitting in a circle. The game is usually played by people of 7-8 years and above. I remember playing this game with my mother when we used to go to village. While there are many variants of the game that even I may not be aware of but you can check the same on you tube. With changing times this game is now an endangered game. Last I’ve seen cowrie shells being used in a games played between newly married couple as a ritual once bride goes to groom’s place.
Kauri/Cawrie Shell 
Pick any 5 of any shape, color
Gutte
This is quite a very simple game and only 5 small sized stones (see image above) are required to play this. Even if you don’t have it at home it’s not difficult to find stones near by as India is an under construction country. You need to spin 1 stone in the air and pick remaining from the ground and catch the one in the air without dropping it. The first level can be done with picking 1 stone at a time from ground, then 2, 3 and 4. There other levels/varients as well which can be easily found on the web. Though the game is quite loved by girls, I used to play with my elder sister a lot. In Rajasthan, Guajarat, UP, Haryana & Punjab this game is quite popular.
So guys here are the games that can be comfortably played with minimum efforts and with maximum engagement. All the best. Stay at home and stay safe.
