I never appreciated what true freedom meant until social distancing and required isolation were globally mandated for the greater good.

But as these temporary restrictions continue to challenge us, imaginative hacks can bring a series of welcome escapes home. This week, my family created 3:

A Dance Studio

TikTok just became my ideal Covid-19 coping tool. The app is addicting, distracting, active, and fun for the entire family.

Apparently, moving 3x chairs and propping a phone against the wall can also turn a dining room into a legitimate dance studio. And while my sister-in-law and I can be in the throws of a mind-altering cardio workout, my husband can enjoy some comic relief and my son can jump around (AKA the cutest cameo)!

@leya_kaufman

 

How to workout when you’re a working mom who WFH ❤️ @kajjj25

♬ NANANA – __liene__

A Playground

My son radiates with excitement whenever we take him to a playground. I understand why traditional playgrounds are temporarily unsafe, but keeping our 18-month old away from other children is hard enough. Not giving him a space or adequate playtime is honestly unbearable.

This week was particularly hard as my son was even further removed from his pre-Covid-19 schedule of playdates, music classes, and trips to the playground. But on Saturday morning, my husband changed the quarantine game with a 2 Step Paw Patrol Playset. He built this in his parent’s backyard, but it could arguably fit inside of an NYC apartment too. It took him less than 10 minutes to build and has already offered over an hour of distraction for all of us.

Best. Dad. Ever.

An Indoor Basketball Court

The indefinite suspension of every sports season continues to be another harsh (alternate?) reality for all of us. But an immediate solve for any family with a toddler is to bring a bit of sportsmanship home.

While it isn’t the NBA, the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set has been a placeholder for normalcy in our household. Highly recommend.

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.