7 Fun Ways To Keep Your Parents And Grandparents Entertained During The Lockdown

Spending most of 2020 locked down at our homes with our fams gave a new meaning to family time. We came to cherish and appreciate our family now more than ever, and going forward, even as we hope and wish for this next wave to end and to leave behind the pandemic soon, we have carried on the lessons from the pandemic & have grown to appreciate and look forward to meaningful time spent with our parents and grandparents. It is still a very grim scene outside for a lot of people, which gives us all the more reason right now to try and create a hopeful and happy environment at home. Here’s a list of ways in which you can spend time with your family, parents, and grandparents, and lift up the spirits of your family & yourself. 

1. Watching Throwback Comedy/Family Shows Together 

Picture Credits: flyingparatha

Last year, Ramayan and Mahabharat on DD National made their way into the daily routine of all Indian families on lockdown. They proved to us that old and classic shows are a super fun way to spend time with your family, with them becoming nostalgic, and us appreciative. Old-time comedy shows have a simple and glorious charm of their own, while also being insanely hilarious. So binge-watch shows like Dekh Bhai Dekh, Shrimaan Shrimati, Tu Tu Mai Mai, Hum Panch, Office Office, Movers And Shakers, or even Shararat and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. You are guaranteed to have a great time with your family and it will surely lift your spirits in these tough times.

2. Game Night 

Another amazing way to spend time with your parents and grandparents while at home is challenging them for a competitive game of antakshri, Monopoly, dumb charades or Pictionary. Challenge your sibling for a game of atlas, sing happy songs out of tune or try to guess movies through drawing - each experience will be amusing and will surely leave you giddy with fun. Share happy smiles and joyous guffaws of laughter as you bring out the competitive streak of your family members. 

3. Storytelling Nights

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Our grandparents have a treasure trove of stories. Huddle together as they tell you tales of theirs and your parents’ childhood! Share funny family stories or gossip about family politics ‘cause the anecdotes are endless. Spice up the session by making them share ghost stories, as well! We’re sure your family will have your own version of the lady in a white saree tale. You can share thoughts about what’s weighing on their minds and have a heart-to-heart sesh that will leave everyone fresh.

4. Play Card Games Together 

Card games are fun because the stakes are high. Indulge in a card game with family members and increase the stakes by involving money and betting. Challenge your fam to a round of rummy, bluff, Uno or teen patti. Find out who’s the master of playing cards in your family and who wins the most. With money involved, the game can get heated and competitive, hence, all the more fun! 

5. Flick Through Old Family Albums Together 

A super fun pastime with parents/grandparents is flicking through old family albums. Looking at yourself as a cute baby or observing a photo of your parents blushing at their marriage, is an exciting experience. Do you know what’s even better? Watching their marriage video! A gold mine of family drama, ‘the Indian marriage’, especially that of your parents is amusing and entertaining. Take your family on a nostalgic trip and imagine your dream wedding as you do. Petition to bring back the album days! 

6. Cook For them 

Picture Credits: shivesh17

Nothing makes your grandparents happier than eating something you cook. Take those pending cooking lessons from your grandma and blow your parents/grandparents away with those fantastic cooking skills. Try healthy and immunity-boosting dishes, fresh summery dishes like ice cream and kulfi, learn to make kadha and turmeric milk, and beat the vile virus with your strong immunity. Learn a few cooking tricks or give a taste of your fave Italian/Chinese dishes to your grandparents - the possibilities are endless. 

7. Do Yoga/Breathing Exercises Together 

Picture Credits: samatvamediyoga

There could be no better time for yoga! Make your lungs stronger as you engage your whole fam in early morning yoga sesh and breathing exercises. Learn the proper way of doing Pranayam, Anulom Vilom, Sashtanga and Simha Kriya - all the exercises which make your lungs stronger and are good for the oxygen levels of your body. Strengthen your immune system as well as your families, as you stay strong, happy and healthy while spending quality time with your fam. This one is a MUST do!

These are dark times when we see a lot of misery in our surroundings. Trying to stay positive & hopeful will go a long way as we battle this pandemic. We wish you all good luck and good vibes and see you and your family safely on the other side. Speedy recovery and loads of strength to those who are recovering!