How to survive self-isolation – with kids
Surviving the school holidays is no easy feat. Getting through the break during a global pandemic? That’s enough to award you the title of parent of the year.
With school holidays set to start a week sooner due to growing restrictions to flatten the coronavirus curve, we’ve put together a list of must-do activities to get you through, with a little help from your RAA membership.
1. Unleash their creativity, away from your walls
While you’ll probably want to hide the paintbrushes from your little one if they’re anywhere near the walls of your home, setting up a mini art station could work wonders for both you and them during house renovations. Hand them a blank canvas and watch them unleash their creativity while you get to work painting the spare bedroom. Painting can be a good way to improve their hand-eye coordination and a great bonding exercise. Plus, that dull-looking room finally gets a long overdue makeover. RAA membership perk: Stock up on supplies at Wattyl Paint Centre where you can get 10% off the shelf price of paints, stains and accessories.
Here’s a sight you don’t want to see. Hand them a canvas while you stick with the wall. Image: iStock
2. Bring on the waterworks – without tears
A trip to Sea World or even the local swimming pool is out of the question, so the next best thing will have to do – the garden hose. Get the kids suited up in their swimmers and watch them – we mean help them – give your car some love. Once they’ve lathered, rinsed and dried your ride, reward them with a good old-fashioned water balloon fight. Simply fill some balloons with water and you know how the rest goes. A word of advice though: steer the battle away from your newly washed car! RAA membership perk: Get your auto-care fix with 10% off at Repco. Best of all, you can shop online.
Have fun splashing around while your car gets cleaned. It’s a win/win situation. Image: iStock
3. Get out the board games
Are they bored yet? Don’t underestimate the power of a board game. A better alternative to computers, iPads and other gadgets, board games are great for passing the time – and can be educational, too. Fun fact: a game of Monopoly should last about 3 hours, however, the longest ever played went for 70 days straight in 1975. We know which game we’re buying at Big W. RAA membership perk: Get 5% off pre-purchased WISH eGift Cards, which can be used to save on everyday purchases at Big W and other retailers.
Board games provide hours of fun and distraction. Image: iStock