With schools and daycares closing to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, parents are finding themselves in a difficult situation. It’s not easy to keep kids entertained, especially in the confines of your home. And what about keeping them educated; how can parents incorporate a little home-schooling into their children’s new daily routine?

With outdoor activities and family trips to the local museum or zoo out of the question, it can be tempting to rely on streaming services or video games to keep your kids occupied. Should you find yourself feeling stuck, don’t fret. Not only is it possible to engage your kids without leaving the house, but you can also use this moment as an opportunity to help out your community as a family, while passing on a lesson in compassion to your children in the process. This guide of parent-approved family activities will keep spirits high and minds engaged—your kids might even learn something about giving back along the way.

1 . Make your home inclusive

Did you know the voice command on your phone was originally designed for people with disabilities, but was later adapted to benefit us all? So was your TV’s remote control. These are both an example of inclusive design, a term used for products and experiences created with all people in mind—and the inspiration behind our WE are One campaign.

Accessibility is a right. To help ensure that individuals of all physical or mental abilities have access to equal opportunities, use your time at home to learn about inclusivity as a family. As a bonus, the WE are One campaign can inspire that budding inventor in your family to redefine the boundaries of inclusive design.

To begin, challenge your children to take a closer look at your home. Help them spot the aids and obstacles someone with a disability might have in the space (I Spy, anyone?). When surveying, don’t forget to point out the little things, like grip tape on your front steps to prevent slips or snacks stocked in the lower cupboards so they’re easily in reach.

Next step: consider what’s missing. Discuss whether people can move around the space comfortably without bumping into barriers. Assess if all rooms, like the bathroom, are accessible for people with physical disabilities.

By encouraging family members to expand their perspective of daily life from another person’s unique view, you’re sharing an important lesson in inclusivity.

2 . Help out in your community (at a distance)

Even while social distancing, there are plenty of ways your family can support others in your community. If you are able, use this time to teach your children about the importance of helping others.

Help an elderly neighbor by walking their pets. Offer to assist those with physical disabilities or low immune systems by making trips to the grocery store to help keep their cupboards stocked. If you’re not sure where to start, a “caremongering” Facebook group in your community can help match your family with someone in need.

If it’s financially viable for your family, look up causes to support together. Countless non-profits are mobilizing right now to help at-risk groups and they could use your support. Look for charities that provide critical health care, support for vulnerable populations, or food assistance for those in need.

Giving back as a family is more than just a way to keep your children busy. It simultaneously builds a brighter future for your children, while passing on unforgettable lessons in compassion.

3 . Get closer to homelessness

Even with field trips out of the question, you can still help your children learn about the issue—while they are stuck at home, others have nowhere to go. Head to your backyard, or even your living room, for a lesson on homelessness.

Help your children understand the issue in your community by spending a night in your own backyard. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space, or it’s still too chilly to camp out with small children, try pitching a tent or setting up sleeping bags in your living room. During your campout, start a conversation with your family about the realities and challenges of homelessness, especially during times of crisis. Our WE Schools online resources can help. Check them out together to learn more on how you can help break stereotypes around homelessness and advocate for a future where everyone has a place to call home.

4 . Learn about water conservation with a classic game

For many families in developing countries, clean water sources aren’t readily available, and girls often walk long distances to fetch water each day. However, water scarcity is also an issue that has the potential to affect us all. Just look at South Africa, where a drought in 2018 nearly caused the entire country to run out of water. Thanks to smart water conservation campaigns that taught residents to think carefully about their water use, the country was able to avoid a crisis.

With jugs and bottles of H2O flying off the shelves of grocery stores across the world, water is top of mind. What better time than now to teach your children about water conservation starting right in your home. Turn the lesson into a game; instead of B-I-N-G-O, try playing W-A-T-E-R.

The rules are simple. First, create a bingo card, but instead of number for each box, use water-saving practices. This can include everything from turning off the tap while brushing your teeth to reusing towels to cut down on laundry. Next, let the contest begin! Whoever fills their card first, wins.

When it comes to water scarcity and clean water issues, awareness is the first step to change. To learn more, try exploring WE Walk for Water’s online resources with your children. The global campaign runs in April to bring awareness and aid to those affected by water scarcity.

These activities do more than keep your children busy; they teach them to care about the world around them. With any luck, your little ones will carry the lessons with them long after they return to school.