The Darling CEO

Money, Business, and Life Tips for the Working Mom

Cardigans for Work

Cardigans for Work

Disclaimer: This post contains affliate links

Whether you are in an office or working from your couch, a good cardigan can make a world of difference in your day.  A warm cardigan can help you stay comfortable and focused.   So, we have done the search for the very best cardigans for work and are excited to share!

 

Basic Black Cardigan

No wardrobe is complete without a classic cardigan. Every closet should have one.

Color Block Cardigan

I love this block color cardigan. It’s easy to wear at work or on the weekends and adds some style to your wardrobe.

Dokotoo Womens Fashion Open Front Long Sleeve Cardigans

This cardigan has a beautiful texture. It comes in several colors and can be thrown over a business casual dress or used to dress up some jeans.

Spicy Sandia Women’s Open Front Lightweight Knit Cardigans Long Sleeve Sweaters

If you are looking for something a bit dressier, this long cardigan is a great option.    It’s super soft and has a longer length which can be hard to find in a cardigan.

Plaid Cardigan


Sometimes you need to spice things up a bit. This plaid cardigan can help keep you warm and stylish.

Long Cardigan with Pockets 

This is another fall classic that comes in a ton of colors. You can dress this up or throw it over a tee-shirt on the weekends.  The length makes it super cozy for a frigid office!

 

What are you favorite cardigans for work?  What are your other work wardrobe necessities?  Leave a comment and share below!

 

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Must-Have Work Wardrobe Finds from Amazon

Workout Gear for Busy Moms 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must Have Work Wardrobe Finds From Amazon

Work Wardrobe Finds From Amazon

Amazon is a great place to refresh your work wardrobe. Not only can you find affordable and quality pieces, but they also come right to your doorstep.  You can also find wardrobe pieces that you can’t find just everywhere.  Here are the must-have work wardrobe finds from Amazon.

LookbookStore Women’s Notched Blazer

This blazer comes in several colors and is a great way to spruce up any outfit.

 

Shein Bow Tie Blouse 

This blouse comes in over 25 different colors or prints to match anything in your wardrobe.

Milumia Women’s Casual Top 

Pair this classic top with a pair of slacks and a statement necklace and you will look polished (and comfy!)

JASAMBAC Pencil Dress 

This is a timeless professional dress that you can wear for years to come.

Yogipace Dress Pants

Make the transition from sweatpants to work pants a little easier with these yoga dress pants.

Happy Sail Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are a great way to look polished yet fashionable. This particular jumpsuit comes in many sizes and colors.

Pretty Garden Belted Dress 

This dress is polished, professional, and comes in many different colors.  Dress it up or down depending on your office vibe.

Ataiwee Women’s Ballet Flats 

Every woman needs a pair of plain black flats. These are adorable, affordable, and comfortable!

 

Ninewest Black Pump 

Ecosusi Laptop Bag

This durable laptop bag has several compartments and can fit any outfit.

If you are looking for other bags, check out this post.

 

Hopefully, you enjoy this list of work wardrobe finds from Amazon.  Do you have any other favorites to add to the list? Leave a comment below.

 

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Ways to Keep the Kids Occupied This Summer

Ways to Keep the Kids Occupied This Summer

Summer is upon us and that means that working parents across the globe are simultaneously rejoicing and crying.  Summertime means no more nagging kids to finish their homework but it also means trying to juggle work while you have them at home.

I’m going on eight years of having kids at home while I work from home so I am about as experienced as any in keeping kids busy while you try to get some work done.  Through the years I’ve found certain activities and toys that really help keep the kids busy and engaged so you can crank out some work!

Check out these ways to keep your kids occupied this summer!

 

iPad

I have no shame in saying that iPads help me greatly while working from home. Sometimes I just need a few interrupted moments to focus on a task or call.  A tablet never fails me. I make sure to install educational apps such as Kiddopia, ABC Mouse, Prodigy, and Epic to make myself feel better about having an iPad babysitter (and to help them learn, of course).

Pro tip:  I try to limit their iPad time so when I really need them occupied, they will be.  If I have an important call, I will make sure they don’t have access to it until that time so it is more effective.

Sidewalk Chalk

At the beginning of each summer, I buy a box of sidewalk chalk and it is a surefire way to occupy your kids for a few hours.  When working from home, I set up a chair with my laptop and let them run wild on our driveway.

What I particularly love about sidewalk chalk is that it’s great for all ages.  When they were younger they would just draw random things. Now that my kids are older, we will make obstacle courses, draw maps, and even do math problems with the sidewalk chalk.

Crafts 

Crafts are a great way to keep the kids occupied this summer.  There are countless types of crafts that can be tailored to the age level and interests of your kids.   My favorite places to buy crafts are Amazon, Michaels, and Five Below.

One craft that seemed to draw my kid’s interest is Aquabeads.  They are essentially little beads that can be made into little figures.  My daughter can spend hours making all of her favorite things.

Math Cubes

I have a ton of toys in our home. These little math cubes from Lakeshore Learning get played with almost every day by my kids and all of their friends.   What is cool about these blocks is that you can use them for learning math concepts but they can also be used for building things.   Full disclaimer, the only downside to these is that you will find them everywhere in your house.

Inflatable Pool 

A pool is a surefire way to occupy your kids for hours.  I grab a lawn chair and sit close by while my kids splash and swim all afternoon.   I like the smaller size pools for younger kids because they are less costly, less maintenance, and are safer.

We have had one for the last three years and we get our money’s worth every single year.  Pro tip: try to buy a pool early on in the summer as soon as they are available. Otherwise, they sell out quickly and can become overpriced.

Plasma Cars 

We have four plasma cars and they are worth every penny. They have been in heavy summer (and even winter) rotation since my kids were 2!  It’s a great way for them to get some energy out and stay occupied while you try to get some work done.

Outschool

I’m sure the last thing on your child’s mind is to take classes during the summer, but hear me out. Outschool is a platform that has over 100,000 interactive online classes. These courses include anything that your kid could possibly be interested in.  There are courses on Roblox, unicorns, algebra, yoga, Bluey, really anything you can think of. It’s a great way to occupy and educate your child while you hunker down and get some work done.

 

What do you do to keep the kids occupied this summer? Any toys or activities that help you get work done?  Leave a comment below to share!

 

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The Ultimate Gift List for Remote Workers

The Ultimate Gift List for Remote Workers

With the Covid-19 pandemic, more people than ever are working from home. Check out this ultimate gift list for remote workers to find the perfect gift for that special remote worker in your life!

These items are sure to bring a little joy and comfort to the home workspace.

Disclosure: As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a commission made from qualifying purchases. 

Desktop Space Heater/Fan 

Who can argue that it’s important to be comfortable? This little beauty helps you heat up or cool down at your desk, without being an absolute eyesore.

Echo Dot 

An Echo Dot is a must-have for remote workers.  This little gadget can serve as a radio, alarm, timer, phone, thesaurus, calculator, and so much more.   I use my office Echo Dot on a daily basis.  I listen to my daily news (that I curate on the Alexa app), listen to music, and even use it for a Pomodoro timer. I’m such a big fan of Echo devices, I have one in every single room of my house!

 

Yeti Rambler

Admittedly, using a Yeti made me feel a little bougie at first. However, once I used one, I can’t go back. First of all, they legitimately work. They will keep your beverage of choice warm or cold for such a long amount of time.  Way longer than any other cup I have used in the past. But my favorite part of the Yeti? No condensation.  No more water rings to deal with or wipe away.   Plus, they are super durable, easy to clean, and last a long time!

 

Foot Massager and Warmer

Everyone deserves a little luxury in their lives.  This cool little gadget is sure to deliver. It not only massages your feet, but it also warms them up! Perfect to keep under the desk on those chilly work from home days.

 

Noise-Canceling Headphones

One drawback to working from home is all of the potential distractions that present themselves. Noise-canceling headphones have made me so much more productive during remote work, especially with two little ones running around.  When I really need to crank some workout, I put my headphones on and listen put on my Spotify.  These particular headphones are high-quality, super affordable, and have over 50,000 reviews on Amazon!

 

Daily Planner

Working remote requires careful planning to ensure that you get everything done and that you are not overworking yourself.  I  love that this planner not only includes the typical spaces for to-do’s and times to remember, but it also includes reminders for meals, gratitude, and exercise. It’s easy to get caught up in work and end up working for 12-13 hours straight without taking care of yourself. It’s critical that you are planning mindfulness, exercise, and healthy eating into your day so a good planner is a must for any gift list for remote workers.

Desktop Planter Bulb


While it is tempting to have fake plants due to not having to keep another living object, well… alive, live plants have many benefits. Studies have shown that live plants can help increase productivity, satisfaction, and even creativity.  This is a beautiful and low-maintenance way to reap some of those benefits at home.

 

Under Desk Bicycle

A lot of remote workers find that they don’t get the same amount of exercise at home as they do when they are in the office.  It’s important that you are getting exercise in when you can. This under the desk bike helps you stay moving and get some exercise in while you are working away at your computer.   It’s also small so you can easily tuck it away when you are not using it.

 

Personal Fridge 


When I am working from home, I  tend to have to hide from my family. Otherwise, they ask me a million questions and I  end up preparing snacks for three hours. When I  bunker down in my workspace, I  need to be prepared. This adorable personal fridge allows you to keep your food and drink cold without having to sneak into the kitchen.  This model holds up to 6 cans so it is a little on the smaller side, but there are similar models that hold more.

 

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What is Mental Load?

What is Mental Load and How It’s Damaging Your Life

Mental load is a relatively new term for working moms.  What is mental load? Simply put, mental load is all of the “stuff” that you deal with on a daily basis to manage your household and family.    Mental load consists of things such as picking up dry cleaning, scheduling doctors’ appointments, making sure that your kids do their homework, scheduling maintenance on your car.

Mental load is all of the things that we (primarily working moms) are tasked with every day.    And it’s a lot. In a study conducted by Bright Horizons, 86% of working moms say they handle the majority of the family and household responsibilities.

And that mental load is causing a major strain on working moms where 52% are saying they are burning out from the weight of their household responsibilities.

Let’s take a look at what mental load is and how it’s damaging your life.

Impacts on Productivity

It’s no surprise that mental load can have a significant impact on your productivity.    If you try to do all of the things, you will likely end up doing none of the things.

Always having something to worry about, think about, strategize, and plan takes you away from the present moment.  The tangible impact on productivity is immeasurable, but it is safe to say that it is sizable.

Just think about your own experience.  Think about the last week and all that you have had on your mind while you were at work.  How many times do you think mental load has taken your focus off of the task at hand.  For me,  it happens more than I can count.

Impacts on Career Growth

It’s no surprise that over time, this mental load will have an impact on the careers of working moms.

It’s possible that this lost productivity will eventually limit career opportunities. Perhaps it will make working moms less desirable and cause them to miss career opportunities.

What is even more likely is that working moms simply can’t take one more thing on, therefore skipping career advancement opportunities. There have been several positions that I have passed up simply because the thought of learning a new role or taking on more responsibility was nausea-inducing.

Over time these missed opportunities can add up.  Say you pass up an opportunity every 3 years, that can be up to 5 promotions you will pass up by the time your kiddo graduates (and that is assuming only one child).

Impact on Wellbeing

Not only do working moms experience a negative impact on their career as a result of mental load, but they may also see a negative impact on their health.

For one, this unequal distribution of mental load weighs heavy on your mental well-being. This stress adds up and can cause anxiety and depression.  Often times, working moms never feel like they truly have the time to rest and recharge. They constantly have something on their minds.

This stress can also damage their physical health.  Prolonged periods of stress can cause headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, upset stomach, and even increased susceptibility to illness.

Impact on Relationships

High levels of mental load can also have a negative impact on your relationships with friends and family.

For one, your relationship with your partner can be significantly impacted.  For example, 76% of breadwinning working moms feel that they are mainly responsible for keeping their children’s schedules and ensuring they get to all of their appointments, only 22% of working dads say the same. 

That inequity can create a lot of strain and resentment in a marriage or partnership.

In addition, high levels of mental load can damage your relationships with your kids.  Always having something to do can take bonding time away with them.

Understanding what mental load is and why it’s damaging to your life is important in understanding how you can start to reduce that strain.  In our next post, we will learn some strategies for how we can reduce this mental load and start taking our life back!

Do you struggle with mental load?   Have you noticed negatives impacts on your life? Leave a comment below!

Stock Up on Back to School Supplies

Stock Up on Back to School Supplies

There is no doubt that going back to school will look very different this fall.  Whether your children are going back into the classroom or learning from home (or a combination of the two), you are going to need to stock up on back to school supplies.

Either way, you are likely going to need to buy extra supplies this year.   If your kids do go back in the classroom, sharing of supplies will be discouraged. Sending extra supplies will ensure that your kiddos will always have what they need.

If you are participating in remote or distance learning, you will need to have these supplies on hand at home.  And let me say, children go through a ton of school supplies!

It’s best to start early when getting back to school supplies. For one, you will make sure that you get the best supplies and not supplies that have been picked over.  Most importantly, you will save a ton of money by buying school supplies early.  The closer you get to the school year, the more you will pay.

Luckily, you don’t even need to leave your home to stock on school supplies.  Amazon has amazing prices on school supplies that can be delivered right to your door in a couple of days. Use this link to get a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial!

Stock Up on Back to School Supplies!

Pre-Sharpened Pencils

How many pencils you feel your child needs, double it.   Purchasing this box of pre-sharpened #2 pencils will help ensure that your little student always has the supplies that they need.

These particular pencils are not only super affordable but high quality.  They are on par with more expensive pencils but much cheaper!

Elmer’s Glue Sticks- 30 Pack 

If you have older children, you may not need to send a crapload of glue to school, but if you have grade school students be prepared to send in A TON of glue sticks.

Glue sticks are typically something that is shared, so you will likely need to send in more than you normally do to ensure that your child’s class has enough.

Even at home, we use glue sticks like crazy. My kids don’t even like crafts and I swear we go through a glue stick or two a week.

Crayons

Another thing that kids will need a lot of this year, crayons. Typically crayons are communal in the classroom, which is not going to work out this year.  Crayons should be on every list to stock up on back to school lists.

Hand Sanitizer 

The verdict is still out on who is going to be supplying all of the personal protective equipment and cleaning/sanitizing gear.  Suffice it to say that parents and educators will need to contribute, ensuring that the classroom is safe and clean.

You can grab hand sanitizer in stores now, however, quantities are still limited.  I try to pick some up here and there so I  have a hearty supply to donate once the school year starts.

Dry Erase Markers

Ask any teacher and dry erase markers are always in need. Amazon Basics has some very affordable dry erase markers to stock up on for back to school.

These are also very handy to have around the house.  You can use a plastic

Writing Essentials Kit 


This writing essentials kit has 37 different items to help you easily stock up on back to school items.  They have a lot of the essentials to send into the classroom or stock up your home learning space.

 

Notebooks


I love notebooks, always have and always will. The possibilities of a fresh new notebook.  Pure Bliss.  But this isn’t about me.

Anyways, notebooks are always good to stock up on during back to school time. I have found that the price of notebooks goes up dramatically after back to school season. That makes summer the best time to stock up for school and home.

Headphones

If they haven’t already, your student will likely need their own pair of headphones.  This pair is super affordable and durable to handle even the roughest and toughest kindergarteners. It also comes in several other colors.

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Undoubtedly, back to school time will be stressful this year. Preparing early will help reduce some of that stress and uncertainty.

Kids not heading back? Check out how to work from home with kids.

 

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How to Homeschool While Working from Home

How to Homeschool While Working from Home

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Purchases made from these links result in a small commission.

Right now, many of us are in uncharted territory and are asking ourselves the same question, “How do I homeschool while working from home”?   Working from home with kids around is a challenge in and of itself.  Add a while curriculum to teach your kids and that can lead to a recipe for disaster.

—< Click here to read How to Work From Home with Kids >—

Luckily, it is possible. Here are some tips for how you can homeschool while working from home.

Be Realistic

The first and most important tip is to be realistic. Your child is not going to sit down at the kitchen table and do schoolwork from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  That is just not going to happen.  It doesn’t even happen at school.  Also, you shouldn’t expect yourself to complete your best work in this environment.

Everyone has been thrown out of routines. Everyone is dealing with a myriad of questions and concerns.  Just be flexible and have realistic expectations for your children and yourself.   And always remember, this is temporary. This is just one small portion of their educational experience and your career.  You can’t mess either up too bad.

Find What Learning Setup Works Best for Your Family

Every child is different. Every career is different. Every space is different. Every technology is different. Every family is different.  You get the drift.

Everyone has a set of unique circumstances that you need to account for so this means that your learning setup may be unique.  What works for Sally down the street, probably won’t’ work for you, and that is okay.

Instead of using a defined schedule and setup, figure out what will work best for your situation.  Experiment a little with different schedules, learning locations,  and learning styles.  Maybe your children do better first thing in the morning.  Maybe it works out better if you sprinkle in learning all day long. Maybe it works best if you have outside learning. Maybe it works best if they do schoolwork in their bedrooms.

Get feedback from your family.  Ask your children when they learn the best, when they tend to have more patience, and when they find it easier to work.  Giving them the opportunity to be heard will help increase their engagement in the process.  It’s hard to argue with a decision that you helped make (although they still will try from time to time).

Establish a Homeschool Contract

Once you get your children’s feedback and opinions, draft up a homeschool contract.   In this contract write down what your mutually agreed upon schedule will be,  discuss minimum expectations, describe consequences for non-compliance, detail rewards for good behavior, etc. The more that you can spell out, the better.

These are all things that are in place at your child’s school so if you need some help with coming up with the terms, ask your child.  Ask them what happens when they break the rules or fail to complete an assignment. Ask them what rewards they get for doing a good job.

You should also spell out expectations of you.   For example, you will be available every night for 2-3 hours, you will warn them in advance when you need to change the schedule or expectations, etc.   This will show your kids that you are invested and willing to commit to the home school arrangement as well.

Once you have the terms all spelled out, have every family member sign it.    Having all of your family members sign the contract is important as it affirms their commitment to the plan. It also provides you with some support if they break the rules.

Stick to the Routine

Once you find a routine that works for everyone, try your best to stick to it.  Of course, you need to be flexible, but sticking to a plan provides consistency and structure which kids (and adults) crave.

Try to establish routines with housework, meals, school work,  your work, and even free time.  This will help everyone know what to expect each day.

Communicate Your Needs for Working from Home

At the beginning of each day, take a few minutes, and have a family meeting. At this meeting discuss your schedule and let everyone know when you are available and not available.  Let them know if you have a pressing deadline or an important conference call.  And then have each family member do the same.  Ask your children and spouse what their day looks like  Ask them if they need any support from you or others.

(Use this magnetic dry erase calendar to post everyone’s calls, deadlines, and activities)

This communication allows you to be on the same page and help everyone plan their day more effectively. Hopefully, it helps you avoid the last-minute mandatory Zoom call.

Work with the Teacher

If you or your child is struggling with the workload, don’t hesitate to reach out to the teacher. They are there to support you during this journey.  Tell them what is challenging you and your child and see if they have any suggestions to help.

This especially goes if you are having a hard time getting your child to focus or complete their work. Teachers know your child in a way that you don’t. They know what makes your child tick, what educational styles work best for them, how to get them to focus, etc.   Partner with them to ensure that you work with the student in the right manner.

Find Alone Time

I am an introvert.  I  need to be alone sometimes in order to recharge and be my best self.   It has been hard to find that time when you are homeschooling and working from home.  You are with each other ALL. THE. TIME.

Don’t feel bad if you need to work time in for yourself. Even if it a short walk in the evenings, a quiet bath, or a drive around town.   You need this space to recharge.

Also, make sure that your partner has that time and space as well.  Set up a schedule and communicate this with the family.   Doing something to take care of yourself does not make you a bad mom, rather you are setting a powerful example for your kids to make sure they are taking care of their own needs.

What advice do you have for how to Homeschool While Working from Home? What challenges are you facing?

 

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How to Be More Grateful During Times of Stress

How to Be More Grateful During Times of Stress

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may result in a small commission. 

We have all moved through a TON of emotions over the last few weeks.  (Check out the CDC site for stress & coping) 

Personally, I have felt overwhelmed, vulnerable, frustrated, hopeful, sad, annoyed, grateful, disgusted, content, and worried on an almost daily basis.   

One feeling that I keep forcing myself to get back to is grateful.  I’m tremendously grateful for what we do have right now.   In times of stress and crisis it can seem daunting to be grateful, but it is possible.

Here are some tips on how to be more grateful during times of stress.

Practice Gratitude Daily

One practice that has been helping me be more grateful is writing down five things that I am grateful for every day.  I try to think of 5 different things every single day (although I have been cheating because our health has been on the top of the list every single day).  

What this has done is keep me focused throughout the day of things that I can be grateful for. Knowing that I am going to need to write down 5 things a day,  It keeps me looking for the positive in my life, rather than fixating on all the bad that is going on.   

Capture these items in a beautiful gratitude journal or a scrap of paper. It doesn’t matter as long as you write them down and hold yourself for doing so.

Make it a Family Activity

Practicing gratitude is an entire family activity. Every night at dinner everyone goes through and talks about their favorite part of their day and what they are most grateful for.  We then talk about these things as a family.

It has been really cool to learn more about what my family is grateful for.  At least once a week they surprise me and I learn more about them.

Speaking about gratitude as a family also encourages me to stay grateful.  Knowing that I need to set an example keeps me looking for opportunities to be grateful and speaking of gratitude more often.

Gratitude Letters

Probably one of the most powerful exercises that I have completed around gratitude is my gratitude letters.  Each week I write a letter of gratitude to someone in my life. I handwrite them a note and let them know that I am grateful for them and why.

This has been one of the best things that I have ever done. For one, it is so nice knowing that I can put a smile on someone’s face. Who doesn’t like to receive a note of appreciation out of the blue?  I  love being able to make someone’s day.

Secondly, it makes me realize how lucky I  lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life. We all take people for granted sometimes. This exercise has encouraged me to be more grateful for others.  As a result, it has made me a more grateful person.

I  absolutely LOVE ‘Letters for a Year of Gratitude’. This book is filled with 52 perforated notes with writing prompts to help get you started. You simply write your note, tear it out, seal it with the included stickers, put on a stamp, and send it.

Use a Visual Reminder

Another way that you can be more grateful during times of stress is to keep a visual reminder around. We all want to be more grateful but sometimes we simply forget.  A visual reminder can serve as a reminder to look for opportunities to be grateful.

A gratitude bracelet is a great visual cue to trigger thoughts of gratitude.  Every time you look at your bracelet it can serve as a reminder to be grateful.

You can also use something like a post-it note on your computer monitor, a favorite picture posted on your fridge, or even a plant that you place in your home.  It can be anything as long as you tell yourself that whenever you see that object, you are going to take a moment and be grateful.

Worst Case Scenario

Sometimes, it can seem like there is nothing to be grateful for. This is especially true in times of stress and crisis. When you are having a hard time being grateful, try thinking about the worst possible scenario for your current crisis.

For example, with the Covid-19 crisis, it can be hard to think of things to be grateful for. Our lives have all been turned upside down.  However, it could always be worse.  Take a moment and think about how your situation could be worse at this very moment.  This exercise may trigger you to remember what you are grateful for in the present moment.

Sometimes we have to look a little harder than others, but there is always something to be grateful for.

I hope these tips help you learn how to be more grateful during stress.  Time are tough, but so are you!

Leave a comment!  How do you be more grateful during times of stress?   What tips do you have to share? What are your challenges in staying grateful during tough times?

 

Working from home?  Check out these posts to learn how to cope with working from home with kids.

Maximize Productivity When You Work from Home

Work from Home: Keep Your Toddlers Entertained

How to Homeschool While Working from Home

 

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Family Activities during Social Distancing: April 2020

Family Activities during Social Distancing: April 2020

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission for purchases made using these links. 

Looking for family activities to do when social distancing?   Check out this calendar full of fun things that you and you family can do to beat the boredom.

Click Here for the Family Activities for Social Distancing April 2020

Here are some of the suggested family activities:

Prank wars:  Happy April Fool’s Day!  Spend the day playing fun tricks and pranks on your family members.  It will keep everyone on their toes and create some fun laughs.

Write a letter of gratitude:   Gratitude is something that you need to cultivate. What better way to become more grateful than by sending a note of gratitude to someone.   Who has done something nice for you lately? Helped impact your life?  Or, who is just fun to be around and brightens your day?   Take a moment and have everyone write a note of gratitude to someone. Have everyone share who they chose and why.

Play Charades: Have a fun family game night with charades and your favorite treat.   There are so many variations of charades so choose the best one for your family.  You can even make up your own charades based on your own family memories!

80s Dance Party: Have a family eighties themed dance party. Have everyone dress in their best eighties dress, blast some eighties music.

Indoor Camping:  Set up a tent in your own living room.

Uno: Play a game of the family classic Uno!

Write a Story of Me:   Have everyone write a short story of their own life.  You can make it even more fun by using these bound blank journals.

Bake & Decorate Cookies:  Have everyone bake and decorate their own cookies. You can make it even more fun by having a contest for the most delicious and most decorative cookies.

Show & Tell: Have a show and tell with your family. Have each family member show off their most prized possession and talk about why it is important to them. You can take it one step further and have everyone prepare a presentation on the item.

Make Your Own Pizza:  Have a family pizza night and have everyone make their own personal pizza.

Stargazing: Weather permitting, head outside and do some stargazing. Check out these tips to make stargazing a fun family activity.

Thanksgiving in April:  Who said you can only have a Thanksgiving feast in November? Whip up some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and talk about what are grateful for.  Even in the darkest of times, there are always opportunities for gratitude.

Have a Picnic:     Have a good old fashioned picnic. Pack up a basket and have lunch or dinner in a park, your backyard, or even in your living room.

Family Paint Night: Get creative and host a family paint night.  You can have everyone paint whatever they want or follow a theme. Examples of fun themes could be favorite places, self portrait, or favorite movie.   Post your works fo art on social media.

Go on a Frog Hunt: This is a great activity for younger kids.  Go out looking for frog and see who can find the most.  If you have older kids who aren’t into slimy things,  see how many birds or squirrels they can find.

Chalk the Walk: Decorate your sidewalk with sidewalk chalk. You can post inspiring messages, a fun obstacle course for neighborhood kids, or whatever silly things you can come up with.

Make a Family Time Capsule: These are unprecedented times, create a family time capsule to capture your memories.  Have everyone write a letter detailing their thoughts of these times. You can also include newspaper articles and pictures to remember the times.  Lock them in a capsule and decide when you will open it back up.

Pictionary : Time to play Pictionary.  Play a fun game of Pictionary and have everyone’s favorite snack for the perfect family game night.

Red Carpet Party:   At this point, you have probably been wearing sweat pants and hoodies for a while.   Time to get spruced up. Have your entire family dress in their finest and walk the “red carpet”. Take lots of pictures, eat fancy foods, and dance the night away.  These would be great pictures to look back on.

Family Chore Time:  It’s time to clear out some space. Have every family member go through their clothes and toys to donate to a local homeless shelter or other non-profit. You can make it fun by blasting music, having a family snack station with lots of goodies, or giving a prize to the one donating the most stuff.

Lego Building Contest: Everyone loves Lego. Hold a family Lego building contest. Give everyone a theme and a time limit and see what they come up with. Some fun themes are castles,  vacation spot, animals, or whatever you can think of.   Post your creations on social media and have your friends vote.

Look at Old Baby Photos: Dig up everyone’s baby/childhood photos and take a walk through memory lane.

Fly a Kite: Have your family members fly a kite.

Learn a New Skill: Have every family member pick a skill that they have always wanted to learn but haven’t.  Once they have identified the skill, have everyone write down how they plan on learning that skill. Then find one Youtube video and get started!

Any suggestions for family activities during social distancing? We would love to hear more fun ideas! leave a comment.

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Family Activities for Social Distancing March 2020

Family Activities for Social Distancing: March 2020

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission for purchases made using these links. 

Looking for family activities to do when social distancing?   Check out this calendar full of fun things that you can do to beat the boredom.

Click Here for March 2020 Family Activities for Social Distancing 

Here are some of the suggested family activities:

Cleaning Games:  Make cleaning fun by enlisting the whole family and making a game of it.  Check out this list of fun family friendly cleaning games. Reward everyone with a sweet treat afterwards.

Go on a Hike: Pack up the family and go for a hike in a local park.  Make sure that you are staying safe and keeping distance (6 feet or more) between you and other hikers.

Family Yoga Session: Yoga is great for not only your physical health but your mental health as well. If you have Amazon Prime, Cosmic kids have fantastic yoga lessons that the whole family can follow along.  You can also check out Yoga for Families on Amazon Prime video.

Family Craft time:  There are countless craft projects that your family can complete ranging in complexity and required resources.   Find something that can be completed by the entire family and caters to their interests.  You can make it even more fun by making it a contest, you can post your finished projects on Facebook and have your friends vote for their favorite!

Complete a Family Puzzle: Complete a jigsaw puzzle as a family. Pick one that your entire family can participate in and one that fits your personality.  Once you are done, you can even use Puzzle Presto to save it so you can frame it.  A fun memento that can be talked about for years to come!

Play a Family Basketball (or other) Game: Play a game of basketball or another sport as a family. This will not only get you some exercise but it will help you beat boredom and bond as a family.

Organize a Family Treasure Hunt:  This one may take a little planning on your part, but create a family treasure hunt for your family to participate in. Your can do this indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.   Have a fun prize at the end for the winner.

Bake a Cake or Other Desert: Find a recipe and bake with a yummy desert as a family. This time would be a great time to teach your child life skills and you can start with baking.

Family Spa Night: Take a night and pamper yourselves by hosting a family spa night.   It could be as simple as face masks and manicures. You can have fun with it and have everyone wear their bathrobes and drink cucumber infused water.

Design Your Dream Home: Have the entire family design their dream home. They can design it on paper, Powerpoint, or a free website like Homestyler. Encourage everyone to include as much detail as possible.  At the end of the night, have every family member present their dream home. It will be fun to see how everyone designs their home and incorporates their own personality and passions.

What ideas do you have for family activities for social distancing?  What does your family like to do for fun?  Let’s share ideas.

 

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