Practical ideas to make vidcons with kids more fun during COVID.

Keeping connected with the children we love during this difficult COVID period is a both a challenge and, believe it or not, an exciting opportunity to deepen our connection.

We have the technology, from FaceTime to Skype, from Zoom to Google Meet, WhatsApp, you name it… But what can we do to make vidcons more fun – and keep the kids we love coming back for more?

Try these simple ideas to stay connected – and to deepen your connection – with the children you love during COVID-enforced isolation.

1. Take some time to play porta-(as in ‘portable’)-you: Simply agree (with the children you love and their caregiver/s) on a time to call and make a video call to their internet enabled device. Encourage the children you love to carry ‘you’ around, to explore whatever it is that’s important to them on that particular day. They might take you outside to smell the roses, into their room to play, to the couch to read a favorite book, or to their desk for help with their homework. Let them call the shots, let it be spontaneous, surrender to their creativity, and immerse yourself in their world. It can be an incredibly empowering experience for them, where they feel ‘in charge’ of the relationship, and a fun experience for all (never before have they had a portable you!). Check out some more details in one of ConnectedApart’s earlier posts on this subject.
2. Make a ‘where in the world are you’ quiz: You might not find the place exciting –  but rest assured, wherever you are, the children you love will find the place exciting – because, ultimately, it’s all about you, not the location. Depending on the age of the children you love, you could send them questions in advance, and have them research answers – you’ll probably even learn a few new things! You could play the quiz at a pre-agreed time online, via a video call for example, or over a few days or weeks, via text message. One question a day, or even one every few days, with make your connection stronger.
3. Hold a long-distance treasure hunt: Before you leave – or, if you forget, just ask the caregiver/s in charge – hide a few presents around the home of the children you love (one for each game you intend to hold). You can either play the game in real time, via phone or video-call, or you could play the game by text, sending clues to the children you love, until they find the prize.
4. Set up a video-call dance party: Pick you favourite play list, throw off your shoes and get ready to boogy. Sure, you might feel embarrassed, dancing around in your house, hotel room, barracks, or container on your own, in front of a screen – but when the children start screaming in delight, or teasing you about how foolish you look (in between trying to hide their laughter), you’ll know how worthwhile the effort is. Aside from getting a good workout, you’ll possibly all laugh your heads off, which in turn will give you all a boost for days to come.
5. Set up a video-chat puppet show: take some puppets with you, wherever you go, and bring them into your calls. You can make an elaborate show, or simply use them to talk through the process of being apart, or anything else you think the children you love might need help processing. You can also use them as simply silly props, to get a laugh every now and then, as they explode onto screen unannounced and do something crrrrraaaazy – as puppets often do!

Find some more FREE ideas on this and other topics under ‘Commitment Three‘ at ConnectedApart.

Stay connected with the children you love when you’re apart – and throughout this challenging COVID period – by bookmarking ConnectedApart.com, by joining the ConnectedApart Community on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.