Top 6 methods to keep your child company: for the only child, quarantine, or age gap between siblings.

  Are you having a hard time trying to entertain a bored child? Well here are 6 methods to keep your child happy and socially fulfilled so that you no longer have a bored toddler, or bored preschooler. These methods will help you keep your child entertained especially where there is no one around their age that they can interact with on a regular basis.

Pets (fish, rocks, geckos, cats, dogs)

Having a pet not only teaches responsibility, but all pets are friends to those that love them.  Whether it is gazing at a fish dart from side to side in a fish tank, or caressing the soft fur of a pet ferret, pets are an in-home solution to helping reduce feelings of social isolation or loneliness. Pet geckos are now a new trend, and if that doesn’t float your boat, then a good ole pet rock could do too!

Playdates (Virtual or in person)

If your child goes to daycare, take down the number of another mom that you vibe well with and that your kid enjoys playing with. Schedule a playground playdate, or lunch date, so that your kids can play together.  If your kid is an introvert, by scheduling a playdate outside of school, this provides a friendship security blanket when they return to school. They are more familiar with the classmate and are more inclined to engage with him/her in play.  Virtual playdates can work the same way. Allow them to speak in their pre-school language of long run on sentences. As long as they understand each other, then it’s a sold win!

Parental Engagement

Sometimes, we must get off the couch, onto the floor and build the fort with them.  As human beings we are social in nature. Even if we create something in secret, we soon desire to show someone. We all have the “Look mom! Look what I made” mentality. Of course it is the same for them.  Although they may master individual play, every once in a while, join in and ask “Can I play?” and you will get an overwhelming welcomed response.

Plants

Get them a very fun looking plant. Feel free to start from a seed or get a hand held plant from your local nursery. Experiment with different potting options that would match their room décor. You could design and paint one together, or you purchase a fun one online. Let them know that this is their plant. They should talk to the plant, give it lots of water, sun, and check on it often. 

Play leagues (indoor/outdoor sports, soccer, cheerleading)

Depending on your child’s age they might be of age to start a league or extracurricular activity such as Karate or Girl scouts. This is a great way to help your child develop recurring friends, if they do not have much social activity inside of the home.

Play museum/gym subscriptions

Much like the play leagues this is an indoor gymnastics subscription. A few major companies have baby and toddler “gym memberships” to help them develop coordination, and sensory development. These subscriptions are available to all children. Companies such as “My Gym” and “The Little Gym”. Indoor play gyms for tumbling are a great option to allow your little one to socialize and develop friendships.