Make a no-power box
Pull these into one box you can find in the dark. Most of it you already own.
- Board games, card games and a few decks of cards
- Puzzles, word searches and crossword books
- Books for every age, from the library or thrift stores
- Coloring books, crayons, paper and pencils
- A favorite blanket or stuffed animal for each child
- Movies, music and audiobooks downloaded ahead, plus charged power banks
- A few treats for a hard day
Keep a routine
- Regular meal times, even if dinner is peanut butter and crackers.
- A family game hour after dark.
- A set bedtime. Kids sleep better with structure.
- Small jobs for everyone, like flashlight captain or water keeper.
Practice until it's normal
One night a month, flip the power off. Grill dinner outside, fold laundry by lantern light, play cards by flashlight. The first time feels strange. By the third time, nobody blinks.
Take care of yourself too
Stress is normal. Sleep when you can, eat regular meals, step outside for a few minutes, and talk to someone. Calm comes from being prepared, and from giving yourself a break.