{"id":18349,"date":"2022-06-29T07:33:10","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T05:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents-blog\/?p=18349"},"modified":"2022-08-11T12:14:04","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T10:14:04","slug":"load-shedding-blessing-kids-famlies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/parenting\/load-shedding-blessing-kids-famlies\/","title":{"rendered":"Load shedding \u2013 a blessing in disguise"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/em>Yes, load shedding can be a blessing for both parents and children, If we make the most of the space it creates in our lives. Let’s change our mindsets from one of wasting our time complaining about Eskom and the country,\u00a0 to actually using this opportunity to play and connect.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the bright side of load shedding<\/span><\/h2>\n

Load shedding is a good chance to:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. show your kids how to plan head<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. give them your undivided attention for 4 hours!<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. play games with them<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. show them how to do things differently<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Getting involved in Planning Ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n

    No one likes surprises \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a power cut in the midst of a FIFA game, the equivalent of which is a half baked pie in the oven for Mum! Get your kids to download the free EskomSEPush<\/a> app, to be sure of the next load shedding, then get them to plan ahead with you. Example, you will do meal preps, or catch up with work whilst they can watch TV, and make sure all devices and especially lights etc are charged. Then, when the powers out, everyone will be less panic-stricken, and ready for unplugged activities. This planning process, in itself, is a great life skill no textbook can teach.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Getting Mum (and Dad) to unplug!<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Save battery folks. Forget the pot on the stove, the email on your desktop, checking your Whatsapp messages, Instagram and Facebook feeds. Load shedding is the ideal time to catch up with the kids and spend some quality family time. This is a time to actually unplug from your world, and be present in your kids lives. Use the time to chat about their day, to spring clean cupboards and school bags, to dream and laugh and play and just be a kid again. Tune in to their latest whim , tell ghost tales in the dark, or make shadow animations that will keep them guessing and giggling for hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It’s game time<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Wipe the dust off all the board games.\u00a0 The Eskom genie has granted your wish. Now your kid can have a childhood just like yours:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n