How to Avoid Cabin Fever and Depression When You’re Stuck Inside with Kids
Avoid Cabin Fever
Cabin fever is a real thing, and you may not even realize it is happening to you. But after a few days of being stuck inside all day with your kids, you start to get antsy. They start to get antsy. You both start to get exhausted and sick of each other. More fits are thrown and more attitude is given.
Pretty soon you’re watching reruns of Octonauts, letting your kids eat Cheetos out of a bag for lunch while you hide in the bathroom eating nutter butters. #truestory
If you let a few more weeks like this slip by, you’re feeling depressed and hate getting out of bed.
It’s hard for young kids to stay inside with all their pent-up energy for too long. (and adults) They need somewhere for that energy to go, they need structure, and they need to engage their minds.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the downward spiral of depression and avoid cabin fever. I have implemented these over the years and they have made all the difference. It really is the simple things that make all the difference.
Ways to Avoid Cabin Fever and Depression with Kids
Establish a routine and make a schedule
I think this is the biggest thing you can do. By creating a routine and schedule you create structure and are much more productive. Kids thrive off of structure (and flexibility). Don’t get me wrong, I know that kids are constantly recreating the schedule, but try to stick to some sort of routine. Have meal times and snack times around the same time each day and then plan from there. Create time for craft time/kid activities, and also alone time for mom. Then you can also slot in TV time, and going out and about.
Set Goals
Set daily goals. If you’re a list person, like me, make a daily to-do list. (and don’t worry about getting EVERYTHING on that list done). Set small realistic goals everyday that help you to reach your bigger goals. (If you don’t know you’re bigger goals, make it a GOAL today to sit down and write those out!) #saygoalonemoretime
Let there be light
Bring in the light. Open the windows and let the natural light in. Brighten up your house. Make your house a place you want to be and create the feel you want to feel.
Get Dressed
This is an easy one to avoid, but get dressed every day. Even if you aren’t going anywhere. Make the kids get dressed to. Don’t let them just hang around in their PJ’s all day. There is something satisfying about getting dressed and ready for the day.
Change up the look
Move things around in your house. Move your bedroom around, or the living room. Make it a new space to relax in. Maybe even go as far as painting an accent wall.
Organize
Organize something in your house. Clean out your closet, organize those books or DVDs you keep meaning to go through. Get rid of clothes you aren’t wearing anymore or things you don’t use. It feels good to let go of things!
Plan to do a toy drive
Teach your kids about donating to other kids by donating some of their toys to a toy drive. Every few months or so we try to clean out the kids room. We explain to them that there are so many toys they aren’t playing with, and they have gotten so many new toys over the past several months, so we should give some of our toys to other kids who may not have as much as us. My daughter really enjoys this and gets into it. When they decide to give things away, they are much more giving. It feels good to give, and live a little more simply.
Practice Gratitude
Start your morning off feeling grateful. Try to think of at least 3 things you’re grateful for, and have your kids do the same. It helps put you in the right mindset for your day. Try to think of different things than the day before. You could even journal them, write them on your mirror, or say it in a prayer.
Morning Mantra
Create a morning mantra for you and your kids. Something inspiring and that gets you pumped for the day. Some examples are:
I am strong
I am confident
I am fearless
I can do hard things
I am grateful for my body and all it can do for me
Try new foods
Stop baking/cooking from your usual list of go-to dinners. Switch it up, make something different. Create a little more time/room in your schedule to make dinner so you don’t feel rushed and try something new!
Call up a friend/family member
If you are the only adult in the house, it’s important to keep adult interaction. Call up your friend, mom, or family member and just shoot the breeze. You could also have your kids face time grandparents, or cousins. It’s like virtually spending time with people.
Start a new hobby
Start something new. You could start a new hobby with the kids, or start your own hobby: take up gardening, learn to draw, sew a dress, or start decorating cakes. Set goals with your hobby daily. It’s much easier to get out of bed to work on something you enjoy. Here is a list of several hobbies to start if you’re a stay at home mom.
Learn a new talent
Teach the kids (or yourself) a new talent, even a random talent. Teach them how to juggle, do a cartwheel, play an instrument, or fold origami. Make YouTube your friend. You can look up almost anything to find out how to do it.
Accountability
Have the kids learn more about accountability. Make a chore chart, create an allowance for them, or have them earn treats and outings.
Get Outside
Even if you’re stuck at home, you can take some time to be outside. Try to do more nature walks, do an outdoor scavenger hunt, teach your kids about plants or bugs. Collect rocks, different kinds of leaves, or pine cones. Nature does wonders for the human soul. If it’s winter, take the time to bundle up those kids even if its just for 15 minutes of sunshine. I know it’s hard, but it really is worth it!
New Daily Activity
Do a new activity everyday. You could create a jar full of activities that you draw from every day. They could be anything from movie night to a craft to baking cupcakes. Just plan to do something together every day. Here is a list of over 59 Indoor activities for kids.
Play Games
Play more games together. You have the typical hide and seek, Simon Says, Mother May I?, or the typical board games Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Uno. These games are actually really fun.
Don’t be afraid to think outside your box even if you’re inside. There is still so much to learn, explore, and do together. And it doesn’t take as much effort as you think. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right every day, heck most of us don’t get it right most days. And it’s okay if you have TV days, we all do it. #youknowyoudo
Think of how you can be creative and have fun with your kids and it’ll be easier to avoid cabin fever.
Related: How to Play with Your Kids When You’re Tired
Related: 59 Indoor Activities for Kids When You’re Stuck Inside (that doesn’t involve screen time)
Related: Q-tip Painting for Kids and Toddlers
Leave A Comment