My kids keep asking when we’re going to go to the park next. They keep asking about going out to see friends and family (other than through video chat). It’s hard for them to understand why they can’t. And the conversations telling them “not yet” aren’t always easy.
That’s why I was so excited when I saw this bucket list idea from Katie Eborall.
Rather than telling my kids “not yet,” I’m going to tell them “let’s write it down” so we remember for later.
How to Create a Bucket List For When You’re No Longer Stuck Inside
All you need for this bucket list activity are slips of paper, a large jar, and a marker. When your kiddo asks for something they can’t do or have right now, write it down together and put it in the jar. This is your bucket list.
As Katie said on Facebook, once this is over, “we’ll work our way through the jar and be more grateful for the little and lovely things in our lives.” In the meantime, the jar will fill up with so many wonderful and magical things that the whole family can look forward to.

Source: Oops & Daisies
Why This Bucket List Idea Helps Kids
Kids of all ages may have a hard time understanding social distancing. They just want to play!
Conversations about social distancing and how germs spread is important to help them understand what’s going on. PBS Kids has a variety of resources, and this book explaining how we can’t do thing “right now” can help as well.
What Else You Can Do to Help Your Kids
Other ways you can help your kids cope and understand: use phrases like “We can’t do that now, but here’s what we can do instead.” The bucket list activity is a concrete way of reminding them of what they can do right now (create the bucket list) and that this isn’t for forever.
In the meantime too, we can help our kids foster social connection in different ways. In addition to the bucket list that focus on the future, encourage your kids to draw pictures and write letters to family members and friends. Create a scavenger hunt for the neighborhood. Draw chalk pictures for everyone in the neighborhood to see.
What will you and your kids put on your bucket list?
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU’RE STUCK AT HOME:
- Check out these kids education websites offering free subscriptions.
- Help your kids learn how to make bubbles at home!
- My kids are obsessed with these active indoor games.
- 5 minute crafts are so fun and easy!
- Coloring is fun! Especially with Easter coloring pages.
- You won’t believe why parents are gluing pennies on shoes.
- Rawr! Here are some of our favorite dinosaur crafts.
- Get kids off technology and back to basics with learning worksheets you can print at home.
- Make being stuck at home fun with our favorite indoor games for kids.
- Have fun coloring our awesome Fortnite coloring pages.
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