Budget: Finding Free Resources For The Family

I had planned to do a grocery shopping budgeting post for today to follow my post about how I meal plan. I’m going to hold off on that because I strongly feel that this may be important for now with everything that is happening with Covid 19. So, here are some free resources to keep you busy and your wallet happy.

Most of these free resources will be geared towards children, because let’s be honest if they are happy and content then chances are you will be also. Here are some more resources for this crazy time: here, here, here, and here.

I’m going to be upfront that I have small children. They are 2, 4, 6, and 8 years old. And when I was teaching I taught first grade for 9 years. I’m much more in tune to the younger kids. I’m sorry, this will be more geared to the younger crowd. I will let you know when it might be good for older kids.

I am not sponsored by any of these, I just like them and use them personally.

Free Resources For Children

Jack Hartmann

Okay, you guys, he is pretty goofy! You might get some songs stuck in your head, but the good news is that so will your kiddos. He has TONS of videos on You Tube. They are educational (sight words, numbers, letters, and the list goes onnnnnn) and fun.

These videos will get your kids moving and learning. My kid’s favorite is the Peguin Dance. They are great brain busters, getting energy out and awesome for when the weather isn’t great for outdoor play.

Cosmic Kids Yoga

If you have followed me for a minute then you might know of my growing love for yoga. I have felt better mentally and physically. As I have been doing more yoga my kiddos will come try it with me. But, they say it’s too hard.

I knew I needed to find some children’s yoga to help teach them. My friend suggested Cosmic Kids Yoga. We have really loved it! Here is the link to the You Tube page. The yoga teacher is darling and you will love her voice. 🙂

PBS Kids

I am certain you have either heard of PBS Kids or have been on their site. There many things you can do, indlucing:

• watch shows
• play games
• e-books
• has TV show times
• apps

One reason why I love PBS Kids is because many of the shows are educational, fun, and light hearted. I don’t have to worry about things getting inappropriate. There are some other cartoons that we like but I find myself saying, “Oh, that wasn’t nice (insert your own word) of that (insert character)” to my kiddos.

Beachbody For Kids

Normally Beachbody is a paid membership for online workouts. But starting in March 2020 they are going to do have a selection of free kiddos workouts on Beachbody On Demand.

I have joined Beachbody less than a year ago and really love all that they have to offer. I didn’t even know they had children’s workouts until everything started happening with Covid 19.

My kids like to work out with me. These are fun videos that the whole family can do. They will be great for the days that have crummy weather, just to start your day, or give your bodies a break.

Free Resources for Adults

Yoga with Adriene

Adriene is one of my favorite yoga instructors. She has sooo many awesome yoga videos. I just finished doing her True Yoga 30 day program. It’s fun to be able to build on the day before. She has many 30 day programs. Plus a ton of other videos.

There are videos for just about anyone. Check her out and get yourself some relaxing time to help you through any stress or depression that might be sneaking up with having to stay home.

You Tube

I know you know about You Tube. Who doesn’t? Here are just a few things you can find on You Tube that might give you some self care, laughs, or give you something to do:

• workouts
• cooking/baking
• dance lessons
• art
• DIY crafts
• home improvement projects
• comedians
• sewing
• learning how to start an online business
• learning basically anything new
• music videos
• random things that will make you laugh, cringe, or cry

Coloring Pages

Coloring is not my most favorite thing. However, it can have a calming effect. Get those colored pencils sharpened and print off a few coloring pages. Then put some calming music on and color away.

You can also Google free coloring pages for kids and teens. This might be a fun family activity you all can enjoy.

Pandora

The Pandora app has a free version. That’s what I have used ever since I got my first smartphone years ago. You can make different stations, like or unlike songs. It will learn more about you and play songs that you most likely like.

I have many stations that I regularly listen to. My Pink station, love her and the fun songs that have played on her station. I have a kid’s Disney station that we like to blast and sing or dance to. One that I am listening to right now is my Piano Guys station. So great for working and cutting down on the noise of my family.

I’m going to totally name drop… haha! I grew up in the same neighborhood as one of them, and they married a good friend of a friend that I am friends with. They are the sweetest family! Another member played the last song that I was learning while taking piano lessons on the piano that was my parents and now sits in my living room. Also, both of these guys went to my high school but before my time.

Free Resources for Teens

Okay, I know I said I would just mention the same ones that might be good for children as well as older kids or teens. But I changed my mind and they get a section of their own. I may just repeat them again.. haha!

Yoga with Adriene

Seriously I find yoga to be so healing and fun. I really feel that your whole family will benefit from yoga at any time. But especially now as we are supposed to practice social distancing and staying at home for a long time.

You Tube

Okay guys, here’s my beef with You Tube… We do not let my children get on You Tube without my hubby or I there, but again they are 8 and younger. So they basically never get on…

If I had older children I would really think about it and talk about it with Eddy. You Tube can be amazing but it can also be scary. Use this with caution. I do think teens could also benefit from some of things that can be found on You Tube. Maybe make it a family activity??

Coloring Pages

Again, fun for the whole family. Give it a try and maybe your teen will fall in love with coloring if they don’t aready.

Free Resources For the Whole Family

Meditation

Meditation has been a great resource for our family. We start to meditate with the kids at the beginning of 2020 before the kids went to bed. We love it. Okay, I love it and the rest is getting warmer to it.

I love when my 6 year old is feeling anxious or has a tummy ache and I find her laying on the ground doing some of the breathing that we have learned. 🙂 Google or search on You Tube for free meditation videos.

Now we try to meditate at least once before quiet time and at bedtime. I truly believe this will hep us learn to calm ourselves down when we are mad, scared, angry, anxious, depressed, or many other emotions.

I really hope that this list will help you and your precious families at this time of uncertainty and at anytime. Please let me know what free resources you have that you love and use. I’d love to add to this list.

Xxx, Steph