Things for the Kids to do in Lanark County and Online
It’s been over a month and looks like another month of social distancing for sure in Lanark County.
There is so much information, training, zoom calls that some are in information overload. You may have already sourced some of this info out but I have put together a list of some things to do while you are navigating this crazy time with your kids locally in Carleton Place and Beckwith and online.
Get Outside in Lanark County
The Trails are open to the public; of course you need to keep your social distancing in mind however, there are several trails and enough for everyone to get out and walk, run, bike and enjoy nature. Any of the trails I have been on lately are dry and easy to walk.
The municipalities need to follow instructions from the Health Unit and they have not recommended closing the trails. Here are two trails in the Beckwith Area that are currently open as of April 18th:
Animals
Zoo’s – Animals can make most people smile so have a look at these virtual tours and live sessions for some zoo animals and aquariums
Toronto Zoo – live on Facebook everyday
San Diego Zoo – live webcams
Farm Food – From pig farming, sheep farming and apple orchards Farm Food has tons of virtual tours to explore
Virtual Field Trips
Canadian Home Schooler’s website is filled with great information and resources for virtual trips and more.
Netflix Party
Get your kids tribe together and have a Netflix Party. Watch Netflix with your friends online and you can have group chats.
Digital Story Time and Books
Carleton Place Library is offering you Library cards and you can access movies, ebooks, audiobooks and more. They also have a Virtual Book Club.
“Virtual Book Club is happening this Monday, April 20th at 6:30 pm! April is Author Month – we will be discussing the works of Philippa Gregory. Everyone is welcome to attend. Email Meriah at mcaswell@carletonplace.ca for connection details. We hope you can make it!”
Find them on Facebook
Ottawa Public Library – Check this link out on the Ottawa Public Library site to find links to many things for kids to do online. Some resources you do need an Ottawa Library card.
Story Time – Here is a great website that has listed dozens of authors and teachers reading stories. We Are Teachers
Virtual Paint Night
Painting stresses me out but I know it relaxes a lot of people and can be a boatload of fun.
Exercising
Yoga – Hamsa Yoga in Carleton Place is offering yoga on their Youtube channel. Some classes are free however, they also have a paid monthly subscription.
Workouts – May Fair Clubs have yoga for kids, tennis lessons etc.
Fitness – App for kids – GoNoodle
Privacy and Keeping Kids Safe Online
Sometimes in this extraordinary time, we can become complacent and forget that the internet cast a huge web of letting people into our homes we wouldn’t normally. I have listed some top things to keep kids safe using the internet and listed some resources. (credit from www.kidshealth.org website)
Basic guidelines to share with your kids for safe online use:
- Follow the family rules, and those set by the Internet service provider.
- Never post or trade personal pictures.
- Never reveal personal information, such as an address, phone number, or school name or location.
- Use only screen names and don’t share passwords (other than with parents).
- Never agree to get together in person with anyone met online without parent approval and /or supervision.
- Never respond to a threatening email, message, post, or text.
- Always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that was scary or hurtful.
Basic guidelines for parental supervision:
- Spend time online together to teach your kids to appropriate online behaviour
- Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use, not in individual bedrooms. Monitor any time spent on smartphones or tablets.
- Bookmark kids favourite sites for easy access
- Check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges and phone numbers
- Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child’s school, after-school center, friend’s homes, or any place where kids could use a computer without your supervision.
- Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
In closing, I hope some of these things help you in a small way to navigate this trying time for everyone. If you know of other links or resources especially local business please let me know and I can update it.
To everyone in all our communities that are sacrificing your physical health your mental health and everything you are doing from my family to yours, I thank you and appreciate everything you are doing.
See you on the other side of Covid-19. Lynn
