16 Things to Do While You’re Stuck at Home

Well, hello, new normal. I know we’re all feeling it. The uncertainty, the worry, the stress, the pressure and the what if of it all. The kids are home and we are going to take each day together and try to make the most of it. It’s not going to be easy, but we can do hard things, right?! I polled my followers on Instagram and based on the responses, I’ve come up with several posts I’m working on to share some tips and ideas of things we’re doing over here! Today, I thought it would be helpful to share 16 Things to Do While You’re Stuck at Home.

Because it’s happening, right?!

For starters, we put together a daily schedule for the kids, with Henry [our oldest] leading the charge. God love this kid! Yesterday, was Day 1 of our new normal and he was at the dining room table in his seat already starting in on his worksheets by 8:59 am! 

If our schedule goes well the first couple days, I’ll type it out and share with you!

Whether you’re following instruction from your child’s teacher or reading books together and doing coloring activities to fill the time, it’s all great! My kids need some structure, but we’re all just going to the best we can.

I have a 21 month old home as well and my “4th child” is working from home all this week or longer, too.

We’re all trying to navigate this chaotic time by seeing what works!! Hang in there ladies! Here are some of my ideas for what to do over these next few weeks and into the foreseeable future beyond that.

Things for you, the kids and the family as a whole!

16 THINGS TO DO WHILE STUCK AT HOME

1 || READ A BOOK

Since we penciled in reading time in the boys’ schedule, I’m going to aim to do the same. I don’t know that I’ll be able to sit down and read everyday, but I’m going to try to read for 30 minutes at least 3 times per week. 

I’ll definitely be getting my children’s book time in, but I want some time for me, too!

Here is my reading wish list of books I’m working my way through. I jumped back into my reading journey last year and while I haven’t gotten as far as I’d like, it still feels great to have read a few books last year. It had been awhile!

We added reading time into the schedule while the baby is napping, so hopefully it’s a little bit of downtime for the whole house. 

Built-in quiet and rest time will be much needed for all of us!!

2 || TRY A NEW RECIPE

I plan to step up my cooking game a little bit over these next few weeks. In doing so, I hope to be able to share another “My Crew Approves” recipe indicating all 5 of us ate it and loved it!

Other recipe ideas for some things to make: 

• Peanut Butter Energy Balls – everyone devours these and the kids can help!
• Chex Treat Mix
• Stuffed Mushrooms – they make an awesome side dish
• Chicken salad – perfect to snack on with crackers or for sandwiches

3 || CREATE SOMETHING

Doing something creative is good for the soul. Whether than means a piece of art,  sewing a pillow [or this no-sew felt mosaic pillow] making a piece of jewelry or maybe even that family photo book you’ve been meaning to get to. Take some time to at least start a creative project!

DIY Sharpie Art Tutorial

4 || CRAFT TIME WITH THE KIDS

Looking for something creative to do with the kids?

We got out the markers, colored pencils and paper to make cards for out-of-town family on day 1. We’ve penciled arts & crafts time into our daily schedule and we’re planning a different craft for each day.

Here is our craft schedule for the week:

MONDAY – make a card / draw a picture to mail to out-of-town family [They also made tabletop nametags to put at their seats at the dining room table [aka our classroom]
TUESDAY – St. Patrick’s Day craft [coloring page, trace & cut out shamrock on green construction paper + add glitter, etc. or a make a leprechaun trap]
WEDNESDAY – Rock painting [we have this rock painting kit]
THURSDAY – Easter egg craft [here are a few Easter egg ideas]
FRIDAY – Free for all! Raid my craft stash, coloring books, sticker books [we love this sticker coloring activity], pipecleaners, etc. Let them be creative!

5 || TACKLE THAT DIY PROJECT

Whether it’s big or small, take one step towards completing that home improvement project. I highly recommend updating a bathroom vanity or even cabinets with paint. I’ve written several posts on my painting projects and most can be done in a day!

A removable wallpaper project is another great one to tackle! So many pretty prints and does wonders to a space by creating a fun accent wall.

Since we’re all going to be spending more time at home, get after it! You’ll have something pretty to look at and enjoy when you’re done!

6 || BINGE A NETFLIX SHOW

If you’re like me, then you’ve got a looonnng list of all the must-see rec’s from friends and family.

Here are my Top shows to Binge Watch + what’s on our “watch next” list!

I’m considering Love is Blind and T and I are both anxiously awaiting the return of Ozark Season 3 😉

7 || GET OUTSIDE

Fresh air does wonders! Sit on the porch or deck, go for a walk around the block. Getting outside and moving around feels amazing. Even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes. Grab the kids and their bikes or stroller and get some excersise and rid yourself of that cooped up feeling. 

I did a 30 for 30 challenge last Fall, where all I did was get outside to walk or move around for 30 minutes each day for 30 days. It’s still in the 30’s here, but I think I’m ready to start another challenge this week!

8 || ORGANIZE A CLOSET [OR EVEN JUST A DRAWER]

I have yet to fully execute an entire master closet overhaul [and blog about it!], but I have tackled several kids’ and nursery closets. Some of my tips are applicable, so take a look to get some ideas!

Cute & Function Nursery Closet Storage and Organization Ideas
How to DIY a Nursery Closet
DIY Nursery Closet Organization with Accessories & Labels

Don’ want to get after an entire closet? How about starting small with just a drawer or organizing your bathroom vanity drawers.

Another helpful post might be my Favorite Organizing Essentials from Amazon!

9 || DECLARE A FAMILY THEME NIGHT

Game night, make your own pizza night or movie & popcorn night.

I have a build-your-own pizza bar post in the works and I’ll try to get it out soon!

Games we love:

We also love Heads Up! on our phones! Just download the app 😉

Oh and don’t forget to try an at-home date night after the kids go to sleep. We love doing some of the ideas I shared in my tips for date night at home, so give one of them a try!

10 || LEARN A NEW SKILL

If you could learn one new thing while being stuck at home, what would it be?! I would love to learn calligraphy, sign language and to crochet. Not sure if I’ll get after one of these, but I love thinking about the possibility.

11 || PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Find an at-home workout routine that works for you, take a bath, meditate, put on a face mask [this detox one or this metallic brightening mask are both great] or journal. Take some time for yourself to relax and re-energize you.

Our time at home whether with kids or without is going to be a different kind of exhaustion.

Our littles need us right now and they need the best version of us. Try to take some time for yourself first thing in the morning, during a break in the day or right before bed.

Coffee helps too ha!

12 || SHOP YOUR HOUSE & DO SOME *FREE* DECORATING

There is so much you can do to spruce up a space in your home using the things you already have. Maybe it’s going through decor you have in storage or maybe it’s shifting something from one room to another. 

Here are some ideas for shopping your own home to decorate and one of my recent posts on how to decorate for Spring for Free!

13 || FILL A DONATION BAG

After you clean out your closets and drawers, fill up a bag to donate. People are going to be needing donations now more than ever. If you want to try to sell some of your things, you can create an account with ThredUP or Poshmark. I’ve used both services to sell some of my things, while the bulk gets donated locally.

14 || CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS

Elderly, new moms, those living alone or anyone who could use a friendly text. Offer to get their groceries or see if you have something they may be in need of. A text alone may brighten their day and let them know they are being thought of.

15  || FACETIME A FRIEND

This goes for you AND your kids. I’ve been hearing about virtual playdates kids are having with their friends via Facetime. Allow your child a certain amount of time to “play” with a friend. They can chat while coloring, playing legos, house, etc. while using their iPads.

I’m also scheduled for a virtual wine night with some girlfriends in a couple days so I’ll be sure to report back on how it goes! Cheers 😉

16 || TAKE PICTURES – YOU’RE MAKING MEMORIES

I know these days are not going to be easy. We are going to be tired, stressed, worn-out and emotional. But we’ll be together. I’m going to have all 3 kids home for at least 3 weeks so I’m thinking of it as a mini Summer break. We’re going to laugh, have fun and make the most of our time together.

Taking pictures of everyone doing their “thing” is what will help pass the time and give us the opportunity to look back someday and remember the good in all of this. Life is short and quality family time is priceless.

Slow down and enjoy those around you. Hunkering down at home is going to have a whole new meaning, but what we do with that time is up to us. Let’s make the most of it with the ones we love!

Even if that means staying up a little bit later every few nights for extra snuggle time. I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.

I hope this post on 16 Things to Do While Stuck at Home was helpful to you.

Do you want to see more of these types of most during this time?

What are you doing to stay busy AND keep your kids busy right now?!

Wishing you all an easy transition into this new normal. Stay safe and take care!!

As always, please comment below or email me at thisisourbliss@gmail.com if you have any questions or need anything at all! I’m always here for you and SO appreciate all of you out there who are supporting me.

xo!!

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