My kids are home from college, what should they do?

Welcome to Muir Diablo Occupational Medicine, your trusted source of health information and guidance. In this article, we will provide you with valuable suggestions and ideas on what your kids can do while being home from college during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Exploring New Interests and Hobbies

While your children are home from college, it's a great opportunity for them to explore new interests and hobbies. Encourage them to engage in activities that align with their passions or that they have always wanted to try. Here are some suggestions:

• Encourage them to learn a musical instrument or improve their skills if they already play one. Playing an instrument can be both therapeutic and a creative outlet.
• Suggest they start a blog or a YouTube channel to share their knowledge, experiences, or creative endeavors.
• Get them involved in cooking and baking, allowing them to experiment with new recipes and flavors. This can also be a great bonding activity for the whole family.
• Explore various forms of arts and crafts, such as painting, pottery, or photography. They can showcase their creations online or even consider selling them on different platforms.
• Encourage them to engage in physical activities like yoga, pilates, or home workouts. Staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being.

Online Learning and Personal Development

Thanks to the internet, there are numerous opportunities for online learning and personal development. Your kids can utilize their time at home to enhance their knowledge and skills. Here are some educational ideas to consider:

• Enroll them in online courses or certifications that align with their academic interests or can boost their career prospects. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses.
• Suggest they join virtual book clubs or start a virtual study group with their friends. Engaging in intellectual discussions can help keep their minds sharp and active.
• Encourage them to learn a new language through online language programs or mobile applications. Being bilingual or multilingual is an invaluable skill in today's globalized world.
• Introduce them to podcasts and audiobooks on various subjects to expand their knowledge and keep them entertained during their free time.

Volunteering and Giving Back to the Community

During these challenging times, it's important to instill the value of giving back to the community. Here are some ways your kids can contribute and make a difference:

• Suggest they volunteer for local organizations that support causes they are passionate about. This could involve food banks, animal shelters, or virtual tutoring programs.
• Encourage them to use their skills, such as graphic design or web development, to create free resources or websites for non-profit organizations.
• Explore online platforms that connect volunteers with meaningful projects worldwide. They can contribute to causes globally without leaving their homes.
• Advise them to donate unused items or clothes to local charities. This helps declutter their living space while assisting those in need.

Developing Professional Skills

While your children are home from college, they can also focus on developing professional skills that will benefit their future careers. Here are some suggestions:

• Help them create or update their professional resumes and LinkedIn profiles. This way, they can showcase their achievements and skills to potential employers.
• Encourage them to participate in virtual internships or remote work opportunities. Many organizations offer virtual internships that provide valuable experiences and networking opportunities.
• Suggest they start building their professional network by attending virtual industry conferences or connecting with professionals in their field of interest.
• Advise them to enhance their digital skills, such as coding, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills are in high demand in today's job market.

We hope these suggestions have provided you with valuable insights on how your kids can make the most of their time at home from college. Remember, every opportunity for personal growth and exploration counts. Stay safe and keep learning!