For parents of a certain age, you probably had an “analog” childhood compared to the digital world today’s kids are growing up in. We’re constantly being told how important it is to limit screen time for both kids and adults, yet it’s much easier said than done to actually follow through. We’re all a little bit addicted to our technology, whether it’s your kid’s Switch or your own smartphone. Fortunately, there are ways to limit kids’ screen time without earning yourself the title of Most Hated Parent. 

How to Limit Screen Time in Your Household

Provide fun alternatives. 

The very best way to unglue your kids from their screens is not to nag, cajole, or threaten. Instead, provide alternatives that are so fun and enjoyable that your kids willingly choose them. There are many ways to do this, including: 

• Going outside. Pixels pale in comparison to the beauty and adventure of nature, and spending more time outside will naturally reduce the amount of time your family spends staring at screens. Visit your local park for a hike or nature walk, roller skate or ride bikes together, or even just take the dog on a walk around the block. 
• Making space for IRL fun. (That’s “in real life” for those who aren’t fluent in internet-speak.) Think about ways you can rearrange your home for maximum unplugged fun. If you have room, set up a gaming area with board games, puzzles, a flat surface like a coffee table, and some comfortable seating. You can tailor this “rec room” area to whatever your family is into—arts and crafts, musical instruments, gardening, reading. 
• Speaking of rec rooms, why not add some fun features like a ping pong table, pool table, dart set, air hockey, etc. to your home? These items can be pricey, but if you keep an eye out on Facebook marketplace or your local thrift shop, you may be able to score a good deal!

Lead by example. 

One of the most annoying aspects of parenting is the fact that kids are always watching, listening, and learning from the adults around them… Even when you’d rather they didn’t. As any parent who’s ever slipped up and used some “choice words” in front of their kids knows all too well, they’re going to do as you do, not as you say. 

One of the most effective ways to get your kids to unplug is to do so yourself first. When they see how much you’re enjoying reading an actual book, gardening, doing yoga, or whatever offline activities you enjoy, they’re more likely to put their own tech down and join in… Or at least find their own offline fun. 

Focus on quality, not quantity.

Finally, don’t get so hung up on the time your kids are clocking with screens, and instead, focus on quality over quantity. According to some researchers, the supposed dangers of screen time are less relevant than how that time is used. Are your kids using tech to watch or play educational content? Are they getting some much-needed social interaction via Animal Crossing, FaceTiming with their friends, etc.? If you’re aware of what they’re consuming and are helping them make good choices, and their screen time isn’t interfering with family time, sleep, or physical activity, it’s all good!

Those of us who love to skate miss the social interaction and the fun atmosphere of the skating rink, but just because coronavirus has taken a toll on the summer doesn’t mean that you have to kiss rollerskating goodbye. By simply changing from indoor skate wheels to outdoor skate wheels, you can enjoy skating outdoors until coronavirus restrictions are lifted and our North Tonawanda skating rink is able to reopen. 

Quad Skates

What are quad skates? 

Quad skates are the classic roller skates that most people think of, as opposed to inline skates or “rollerblades.” Consisting of a boot (the shoe-like part your foot goes into), a plate, and four wheels (hence the term quad), these skates come in a wide variety of styles for different types of skating. Some of the most popular types of quad skates include speed skates, jam skates, dance skates, artistic skates, and derby skates. 

The main differences among these various types of skates lie in the ankles, which may be cut higher to provide more ankle support (useful for landing jumps in artistic skating) or lower for increased range of movement (useful for jam skaters doing fancy footwork).  

What are quad skate wheels made out of?

Most quad skate wheels are made from polyurethane, a long-lasting, durable material. In addition to its endurance, polyurethane also offers plenty of grip, or traction, on the skating surface. The hardness and size of the wheels you’ll need depends on whether you’re skating inside on a maple skating rink floor or outside on a paved sidewalk. 

Why do the wheels matter? 

Just as the tires on a car affect performance, your wheels have the most direct impact on the performance of your roller skates. Check out these tips to learn which type of skate wheels you need. 

• For outdoor skating, you’ll want a softer, larger wheel. This type of wheel will allow you to roll over the bumps, cracks, and other imperfections you’re likely to encounter while skating outside on your driveway, neighborhood sidewalks, or paved paths at your local parks. Look for wheels with a hardness rating between 74A and 84A. The extra width also offers improved stability, which comes in handy when you’re skating out in the great outdoors. 
• Indoor skate wheels tend to be harder and smaller. They don’t need as much traction and stability, because the surface of the skating rink should already be smooth and clean. Harder wheels equal more speed. When shopping for indoor skate wheels, look for a hardness rating above 94A. 

With the right roller skate wheels, you can convert your indoor skates to outdoor skates and get that wind-in-your-hair feeling even without visiting the skating rink. Outdoor skating is a great way to keep your skating skills sharp and get some much-needed exercise during the corona virus pandemic. And of course, we hope to be open to the public again soon, so when that day comes, you can easily switch your skates back to indoor wheels! Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our announcements.

Summer is supposed to be a season of freedom and fun, at least for kids. While we adults can only dream of a summer-long vacation from work and responsibilities, kids end up getting bored with all of the unstructured free time. Plus, since many summer activities and attractions are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are even fewer distractions to keep your kids occupied. If you’re tired of hearing “We’re bored!” all summer long, we’ve got you covered. 

July is National Anti-Boredom Month, so check out these ideas to beat summer boredom and keep your kids entertained and engaged despite the circumstances. 

Preventing Summer Boredom

No excuses. 

While it’s tempting to tell your kids “Only boring people get bored,” that’s unlikely to solve the problem. Instead, help set your kids up for summer success by creating a system to help them take charge of their own days.

There are plenty of ways to do this, but here are a few ideas: 

• Write chores, activities, and creativity prompts on popsicle sticks and put them in a jar on the counter or coffee table. If your kids feel boredom coming on, they can choose a popsicle stick and do whatever it says. 
• Work with your kids to create a daily schedule. This doesn’t have to be super strict, but if your child thrives on structure, having an idea of how to organize the day can be quite helpful. For example: 
  • Eat breakfast and brush teeth before 9 am.
  • 9-10 am active play/exercise
  • 10-11 am reading or tablet time 
  • 11-noon work on a craft or hobby
  • Noon-1 pm eat lunch, do chores
  • 1-2 pm screen time
  • 2-4 pm outside activity
  • 4-5 pm practice instrument, read, or work on summer school work if applicable. 

Encourage activity.

Sitting on the couch all summer is no good for your kids’ physical or mental health, leading to way too much screen time, and can even affect their mood. Include plenty of physically active ideas in your activity jar (or whatever system you use), like: 

• Roller skating
• Yoga
• Jumping rope
• Playing a dancing video game or learning choreography from YouTube
• Riding bikes, scooters, etc.
• Playing outside
• Walking the dog

Get their creative juices flowing. 

The school year is so structured, why not take advantage of summer to help your kids flex their creative muscles? There are so many ways to strengthen creativity, no matter what they’re interested in. These ideas can potentially keep them entertained for hours on end:  

• Keeping a daily journal
• Writing and illustrating a comic, book, or zine
• Writing songs or poetry
• Practicing an instrument
• Gardening
• Learning to whistle
• Building a fort
• Drawing, painting, sculpting, sidewalk chalk, coloring, crafts
• Play dress up or have a fashion show

We know our local skaters in North Tonawanda are missing the skating rink like crazy, and we miss seeing all of you! Hopefully these ideas can help your kids stave off the boredom and enjoy the summer until we’re able to reopen! 

We are still temporarily closed for the safety of our community, employees, and customers, but we miss seeing all of you here at Rainbow Roller Rink! It’s hard to wait while we look forward to the day we can finally re-open safely, and we know many of you are struggling to keep your kids entertained and active during this stressful time. Our bounce zone indoor playground and obstacle course is a local favorite for kids, but since it’s not accessible right now, we thought we’d share the next best thing: How to create your own obstacle course at home! Check out these ideas to build an obstacle course in your yard, driveway, or even your living room. 

How to Build an Indoor Obstacle Course for Your Kids

Building an at-home obstacle course can be as simple or as complicated as you want! Think back to when you were a kid and had to amuse yourself on a rainy day. Almost anything can become an obstacle element with some creativity; just remember to keep safety first and foremost, and tailor the course to your kids’ ability levels. Some ideas include: 

• Take the sofa pillows off and lay them out on the floor to create a “lilypad” trail that your kids can use to hop from one to the next like little frogs. 
• Line up chairs and have them “army crawl” underneath. 
• Use yarn, string, or even a broom laid across two chairs as a limbo-esque obstacle. 
• Set up rows of stuffed animals, starting with the smallest and increasing in size. Have your child jump them like hurdles. If they fall, the stuffies are sure to break their fall and put a smile on their face. 
• If your child plays soccer, have them dribble a ball down the hallway and “shoot” it into a laundry basket goal, or if they play basketball, see if they can sink a shot into the wastebasket. 
• Play “the floor is lava.” 

How to Build a DIY Obstacle Course in Your Yard

Want to take the fun outside? A homemade obstacle course works just as well—maybe even better—outside, where you can incorporate natural and landscape elements into the course.

• Do you have any existing play equipment like a slide? It can easily be incorporated into the obstacle course. For extra fun, you could even make a slip ‘n slide the grand finale! 
• Use pool noodles to create arches for crawling under or jumping over. 
• Use tent stakes with string to create a zig-zag maze to climb through. 
• Set up practice cones for your kids to dribble a soccer ball through.
• Lay a two-by-four across a couple of stepping stones or bricks to create a “balance beam.” 
• Lay hula hoops flat and get your kids to jump from one to the next (similar to the lilypad idea above). 

The only limit is your imagination, so look around your yard and start building your very own obstacle course. Just remember to keep safety in mind, and have fun!

The most common bane of any modern parent’s existence is the avalanche of toys cluttering up their kids’ rooms, the rest of the household, and, most unfortunately of all, making their way underfoot to stab or trip you when you least expect it! (Let us take a moment of silence for our fellow parents who have fallen victim to the dreaded stepping-on-a-lego-block experience.)

Besides the clutter, the environmental toll of all that plastic, and in some cases, the annoying sound effects of the toys, there’s also another downside. How many times has your child begged for that Hot New Toy™ only to lose interest in it a week later? If you’re looking for a way to make your child’s birthday special without adding to the toy clutter, you’re not alone! A lot of other parents feel the same way, and there are some great ideas out there for non-toy birthday gifts. 

Check out a few of our favorite ideas below, and come celebrate your family’s birthdays (belated or yet-to-come) with a roller skating birthday party once we reopen! 

Non-Toy Birthday Gifts for Kids

Choosing the right birthday gift for your kid depends on the child’s age, maturity level, and interests, but you’re sure to find something on this list that your little one will love! 

Books

One of the best gifts you can give your child is the gift of reading. Sure, your child will learn to read in school and will read some of the classics along the way, but instilling a real love of reading is a gift that will benefit them for life in so many ways. According to We Are Teachers,

When children have a home library, as few as 20 books of their own at home (think: one bookshelf full), they achieve three more years of schooling than children who don’t have any books at home.

Add to that the fact that reading lowers stress and improves vocabulary, and it’s easy to see why books make excellent birthday gifts. 

For younger kids, choose beautifully written and illustrated children’s books that you can read together at bedtime. Older kids will enjoy chapter books, from classics like The Secret Garden to silly-scary hits like the Goosebumps series. Whatever their interests are, you’re guaranteed to find books about it.

If your child isn’t in love with reading (or even if they are), comic books and graphic novels are a fantastic option to get them excited about reading. The best option is to visit your local comic book shop, where they’ll be more than happy to recommend some options for young readers. If you shop online, just keep in mind that comics have a rating system, similar (but not identical) to movie ratings. Selecting All Ages- or Everyone-rated comics will ensure that they’re age-appropriate for younger kids.

Creative Materials

Providing whatever your child needs to get creative is another good alternative to toy gifts. If your kid loves to draw, paint, or get crafty, they’ll be thrilled with some cool new art supplies, a sketch book and markers, or a craft kit.

If your child is musically inclined, gifting an instrument can build a lifelong passion. While a guitar, drum set, or piano would make a pretty awesome gift, it doesn’t have to be that big…Or loud. Shaker eggs, a kid keyboard, bongos, or a tambourine can be super fun, too! 

Of course, your child doesn’t have to be an artist or musician to appreciate a creative gift. Puppets, dress up clothes, gardening tools, or even a carpentry kit are all great ways to get your kids unplugged from the TV and using their imaginations. 

An Experience

We saved the best non-toy birthday idea for last: Experiences! Most of us can’t remember what we got for our birthdays as kids, but we definitely remember some of the fun experiences from our childhoods. Gift your child with a day trip somewhere cool; tickets to a concert, sporting event, or performance; or an afternoon at the skating rink!

Working from home can be hard enough to begin with—there’s always the temptation to load up the dishwasher, do some laundry, or just play with the cat or dog—but if you have kids, the distractions multiply exponentially! You don’t have to resign yourself to low productivity while you wait for the office to re-open, you just need to work smarter. Check out these tips to help you make the most of your work from home time, so you can enjoy more quality time with your kids and spouse! (Or maybe just treat yourself to a quiet glass of wine, a book, and an hour alone… We all need a break from the togetherness every once in a while.)

Work from Home Tips for Parents

Teach them to fish. 

If your kids are old enough to safely get themselves food and water, they should be doing that. Make it easier on everyone by creating “snack stations.” For instance, devote a drawer in the refrigerator to healthy snacks the kids can grab when they’re hungry, like pre-cut fruit, cheese sticks, apple sauce, or lunch meat. You can even create your own Lunchables-inspired snack kits by portioning a few items out into snack bags ahead of time, like this mom/work-from-home legend suggests. A pitcher of water and kid-friendly cups located in an accessible place will also keep your kids hydrated without interrupting you every hour for water. 

Set clear boundaries.

If you have a home office and your kids are able to be left alone for short periods of time, going into a room and shutting the door is the best case scenario. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but you can still create some boundaries. For instance, you may want to commandeer the dining table during business hours. Instead of just telling your kids to stay out of the area (good luck with that), set up areas to keep them focused on other activities. Set up the coffee table or the desk in their room with all of the computer and school supplies they need to do their work. You can also create areas for other activities, like a drawing area with paper and colored pencils, or a reading area with pillows. 

Keep them entertained. 

It’s hard enough to deal with bored kids in normal circumstances, but when you’re trying to have a meeting or respond to emails, there’s nothing you want to hear less than “We’re bored!” Nip boredom in the bud by creating a system that your kids can use when they don’t know what to do. This activity board is a fantastic idea and you can easily customize the cards to fit your family. Include chores (make bed, put away laundry), quiet activities (reading, drawing, listening to music), and physical activities (bedroom dance party, practice yoga, take the dog for a walk, play tag with siblings outside).
We hope these tips help you survive until the coronavirus restrictions are lifted! It helps to have something to look forward to, so think about what you’ll do when you’re able to go out normally again. A visit to the skating rink never sounded so good.

In these unprecedented times of the global coronavirus pandemic, it’s hard to know how to explain the situation to kids. Most of us adults are struggling just to keep up with the news, the latest health recommendations, and local or state restrictions on gatherings and businesses. Kids pick up on the tension and worries of the adults around them; they know something big is happening, and they probably have some big questions for you. 

If you’re looking for some pointers on how to talk to kids about coronavirus, these tips from the CDC can help. 

Talking to Children About the Coronavirus Pandemic

Keep calm and carry on (a conversation).

One of the best things you can do for your kids is to keep calm. Kids may not have the vocabulary or capacity to understand the finer points of the situation, but they pick up on a lot more than we typically give them credit for. If you’re saying reassuring words, but are giving off panic vibes, your kids can tell. The same goes for your conversations with other adults. 

Foster an environment of open communication.

It’s important to let your kids know that you’re available to talk about the situation and that they can ask questions or express their concerns. Remember, these conversations don’t have to be a big, scary ordeal where everyone sits down for A Talk. Ask your kids how they’re feeling while out on a walk, or at the breakfast table. You don’t want to dwell on it, but checking in every so often can help, especially if your kids aren’t particularly forthcoming on their own. 

Don’t allow information overload.

Today’s 24 hour news cycle means that anyone can stay glued to the TV, computer, or phone nonstop, reading endless articles and watching back-to-back doom-and-gloom news shows. That information overload isn’t good for you or your kids. Marinating in a constant stream of coronavirus information can lead to anxiety, and you’re probably already anxious enough. Instead, limit screen time, both in general, and in regard to COVID-19 coverage. Choose one or two news sources you trust and set a certain time of day to check them. Then, force yourself to do and think about other things.
It’s also important to teach kids that not everything they see on the internet is true. With so much misinformation (and in some cases, full-blown conspiracy theories) floating around, it’s important that kids have accurate information as appropriate for their age and maturity level. The CDC and WHO are the best places to get up to date and scientifically-accurate information about COVID-19.  

Share useful information—and practice what you preach. 

Last, but certainly not least, make sure your kids know and practice the current health best practices, from sneezing into elbows to washing hands for two renditions of the “Happy Birthday” song. Discuss the reasons for these precautions, and help them understand how important it is. 
Have you checked out our coronavirus lockdown guide for parents and tips for avoiding cabin fever with kids? If not, we hope you’ll take a look!

With the state lockdown set to last until at least May 15th, parents and kids alike are getting antsy. What’s a stressed parent to do? If you feel like your kids have Watched All the Things, Played All the Games, and are now in the Let’s Bother Mom/Dad Until We Get a Reaction phase of the lockdown, we feel your pain. 

Check out these ideas to keep your kids entertained, and if you missed it, be sure to also go back and read our tips for staying sane despite coronavirus.

How to Keep Kids Entertained at Home: A Guide for Parents

Get crafty.

If your child is the creative type who can get absorbed in a project and work for hours, now is the time to let them loose in their very own “studio.” Whether it’s their bedroom desk, the kitchen table, or the back porch, create an area that you can leave in “studio mode” to allow your kid to work on projects that don’t require much supervision. Set up some cups full of crayons, markers, or colored pencils, lay a dropcloth down to protect the floor, and make sure to put some kid-safe scissors and glue nearby. Give them a stack of construction paper, or even printer paper if that’s what you’ve got. You can even cut open paper grocery bags to create a cheap, large format canvas for drawing, painting, collaging, and more. 

If your little artist needs some inspiration, check out these easy craft projects or art journal prompts for kids.

Be dramatic.

Instead of watching the same movies or shows over and over again, why not expose your kids to some new (to them) types of media? There are tons of great options, including: 

• The Shows Must Go On! This YouTube channel shares a classic musical each week by famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. 
• The Center for Puppetry Arts What kid doesn’t love puppets? The Center for Puppetry Arts isn’t just a museum full of famous puppets (though it’s definitely worth seeing beloved characters like Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch in person if you ever get the chance!), but it also offers weekly performances, workshops, and informational videos for kids, from Aesop’s Fantastical Fables to sock puppet tutorials.

See the sights.

As fascinating as the stunning vistas of your own home may be (BEHOLD the mountain of laundry! MARVEL at the canyon of junk your kids have created on their bedroom floors!), a change of scenery is a treat these days. Enter virtual tours from the National Park Service. Your kids can experience some of the most iconic locations in the country, and hey, they might even learn something. 
While we aren’t yet able to open up and let kids burn off some energy roller skating, we look forward to making up for lost time when it’s safe to reopen! Stay well and hang in there; you’ve got this.

They say fever is a symptom of COVID-19, but what if your temperature is normal and you’re simply going crazy from cabin fever? Social distancing has already started to take its toll on most of us, and we still have a ways to go before the end is in sight. 

Our North Tonawanda skating rink is currently closed due to the state shelter in place order, and our hearts go out to all of the patients, families, and medical professionals impacted by the pandemic. While necessary, we also know that this is a stressful time for all families, with many parents either out of work or working from home, and at the same time, having to learn how to effectively homeschool their kids so they can finish out the school year online.

It’s a lot to handle, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Check out these tips for how to deal with being stuck at home. We hope they help until we’re able to re-open and welcome you back for some in-person fun with friends and family!

Coronavirus Cabin Fever: How to Deal with Being Stuck at Home

Stay active.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself at this time is to stay active. Yes, gyms, yoga studios, skating rinks, and even parks are closing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some workouts in. Take a virtual yoga class, take a nature walk at the park (only if it’s not crowded and you can maintain social distancing of 6 feet), or go old school with some “bootcamp” style push ups and jumping jacks in your living room. 

Be social. 

Just because you’re social distancing doesn’t mean you have to live like a hermit. Technology saves the day, allowing us to reconnect via FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and so much more. You can even set up a watch party on Netflix or Facebook so you can watch a movie or TV show with your friends. 

Take care of yourself. 

You probably know how important it is to take care of your physical health right now, but don’t forget about your mental health. Most doctors are offering telemedicine to patients, and that typically includes mental health services and counseling. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and talking to someone can really help to alleviate those feelings. 

This is also a good time to treat yourself to some self care. Have a family spa day with homemade face masks, give each other mani/pedis, or whatever makes you feel pampered. 

Spend quality time with your loved ones.

While you’re stuck at home with your spouse, kids, or roommates, take some time to spend quality time together that you normally don’t get to due to the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Play cards, bust out the board games you haven’t touched in years, flip through family photo albums, play charades, or watch old home movies. Get to know each other better with some of these conversation starters. 

Spring clean your house. 

Last, but certainly not least, it’s a great time to do some spring cleaning and organizing! You’ve probably heard the warnings to clean frequently-touched surfaces like light switches and doorknobs to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. In addition, you can also check off some deep cleaning tasks like wiping down baseboards, dusting ceiling fans, washing windows, and cleaning kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

North Tonawanda City Schools and many others all over the country are closing due to coronavirus, and with these closings, parents are having to learn how to homeschool along with their kids. It’s a challenging time, and the challenge increases exponentially depending on the number of kids you’re trying to teach. And in true parent form, you’re probably having to juggle not only this newfound role, but also your usual cooking, cleaning, and family management. If you’re really lucky and still have a job, you also get to add working from home on top of all the rest! 

There’s no denying that times are tough, and our hearts go out to you! Fortunately, thanks to the world wide web, you can still give your kids some cool experiences even while you’re stuck inside. Keep reading for some online/homeschooling tips for virtual field trips that will educate and entertain your kids. And hey, maybe you’ll learn something too! 

Virtual Field Trip Ideas for Homeschooling During Coronavirus

First up, be sure to explore the Educational Resources for Home Learning provided by North Tonawanda City Schools. You can search by grade level, and even apply for free internet service if you need it. But the internet is a big place, so there’s a lot more to see and do! Like…

Explore Museums.

You can see some of the most famous natural history, historical, and art objects at the world’s leading museums without even leaving the kitchen table. Check out this list of 12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online from Mental Floss and explore any subject your child is interested in, from dinosaurs to Egyptian antiquities. Haven’t you always wanted to visit the Louvre or take your kids to the Smithsonian? 

Experience Theater.

Theaters all over the world are streaming live and pre-recorded performances in any genre you can imagine, much of it free! Check out the puppet shows from the Center for Puppetry Arts, Shakespeare plays from the Globe Theatre, or even live “digital concert” performances from popular musicians. Use your library card to sign up for Kanopy, where you can watch award-winning films for free, including musicals. You can also sign up for a free trial of BroadwayHD to watch classic Broadway musicals, as well as ballets and plays. 

Discover Zoos, Aquariums, and National Parks.

Since you can’t explore the great outdoors, bring the great outdoors in to you. Your kids can tour National Parks, watch the live cam feeds from the San Diego Zoo, and get up-close-and-personal with aquatic creatures via the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager live feeds.

We hope these resources will help keep your family engaged until things get back to normal. Once it’s safe to get out in the world again, you can book a STEM field trip here at Rainbow Roller Rink for active and interactive learning that can’t be beat!