Buy some toys to honor essential workers and commemorate Memorial Day with your kids

© Mattel The second Mega Construx #ThankYouHeroes Building Set features a food delivery truck and kitchen, along with three action figures comprised of a firefighter, cook and food delivery worker. Cost: $20, $15 of which is donated to the charity #FirstRespondersFirst.

In general, my kids have been handling the pandemic pretty well. They enjoy the extra family time, and school from home hasn't been too stressful. But this week, they've started showing some signs of sadness — asking me when we can get out of the house and talking about the things they miss doing.

Something to do with your kids

As the state starts to open up, it's tempting to want to do everything right away. But there's still a pandemic out there, and we have to be careful about what we allow. Here's a great article laying out what research shows us about how COVID-19 spreads and which activities are the safest to do.

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

A few more things to do with your kids

The pandemic has started a new toy trend. Check out some of these essential worker toys you can buy.

As the school year winds down, make sure to listen in on your kids' online learning. You might learn some valuable lessons for your own virtual meetings — like interrupting too much lands you in time-out, a.k.a. the Zoom waiting room.

Have you always wanted to start a garden with your kids? Now's a good time.

Have you ever really paid attention to all the different types of birds in your backyard? Print out a bingo card and see how many your kids can find.

Memorial Day is the start of barbecue season. Stock up on meat to enjoy backyard cookouts with your family.

Something to make you think

There won't be Memorial Day parades this year, but we should still make sure to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. You can take part in the virtual celebration with your family, fly a flag in front of your house or just talk with your children about what the day means.

Something to make you smile

It's been a tough year for high school seniors, as proms, class trips and graduations have either been canceled or gone virtual. It's still nice to celebrate their achievements though — like these Milwaukee twins who have earned more than $1 million in college scholarships. Even better, they're staying in their hometown by going to Marquette in the fall.

Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Buy some toys to honor essential workers, and commemorate Memorial Day with your kids

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