The Children's Post of India, 17th March 2020

Hello Readers,

It is such a bummer that the days that we should enjoy the most, the break after the exams, are turning out to be such a drag. I am sure we all have a list of cancelled movie plans and play dates, or cancelled trip to amusement parks or a vacation with family. Feeling sad, disappointed, and angry are all justified expressions but not a solution to our problem. The solution is US. Let’s take this as an opportunity to get the most out of everything.

How? Let me help you –

1. Take over kitchen responsibilities from your mom and dad for 1 meal. Try your hands at a scrumptious meal that you really want to make or eat. Remember to take help when required e.g. for cutting veggies and working with the stove. If you need ideas, you can find fabulous recipes at https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/kids-cooking

2. Enjoy quality time with your parents and siblings. Take your old board games out. I find Monopoly, UNO, Pictionary, Twister, etc. very interesting and they not only bring fun and laughter in our lives but also teach us strategy, focus, patience, and creative thinking.

3. Learn a new sport. I know we shouldn’t step outside but there are plenty of pointers that we can pick by practicing at home e.g. You can step on to your terrace and play Badminton if you have a partner, or you can play Ping Pong with a wall if you do not have a partner. I am learning Snooker, as I have a table and I haven’t tried my hands on it since we bought it. Also, I am making my daughter learn Ping Pong.

4. Watching TV much! I don’t blame you. But let’s watch something which is informative and also keeps your interest level up. You can try the following YouTube channels – Crash Course Kids, Science Channel, SciShow Kids, National Geographic Kids, Free School, Geography Focus, The Brain Scoop, Kids Learning Tube, Geek Gurl Diaries, Mike Like Science, and Science Max.

5. Don’t let cancelled vacation plans dampen your mood. You can still visit your favorite museum scenic spots and more. How? Just go to https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/cool-gadgets/virtual-reality-vacations and enjoy the virtual tours.

6. Do not forget to add a bit of studying too. I don’t mean hardcore curriculum-based studies but more of an interactive and fun based learning. You can pick a book on Google eBook store. How about we all read Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan and discuss it here next week. You can also try your hands at writing. March 14th was Write Your Story Day, how about we give it a try. Write your story in 500 words or less and we will publish them in our edition.

What I am trying to say is that Life has given us lemons, let’s try and make the best lemonade ever.

Enjoy the edition!

Priyanka