staying Connected

 We want you and your Little to grow and maintain your relationship during this time. BBBSChi traditionally does not allow for matches to video chat, however while the state is sheltering in place we are lifting that rule. As always you can still call, text, email, or even send them snail mail! Playing games online (in any form) is still prohibited. Below are some guidelines and suggestions on how you can connect with your Little while you cannot see them in person.

Rules for video chatting:

• Parent/Guardian most be home & give their child permission to video chat

• Calls must take place in the common area of the home

• Let your Little know that this is only temporarily allowed- until match outings resume

• Matches have been allowed to play web based games through apps. However video gaming, and being friends on social media is still prohibited. 

Approved platforms for video chatting (Zoom is not allowed due to security risks):

• FaceTime

• Google Duo

• Google Hangouts

• Skype

• Microsoft Teams

Ways to stay connected:

• Mail a care package, including things like a coloring/activity/word search/sudoku book, a craft kit, friendship bracelet materials, paint set, Little’s favorite snack/candy bar, a card/note

• Virtual book club – send yourself and Little the same book, connect over the phone to talk about the chapters you’ve read

• “Outing in a box” – one Big was going to buy a premade pizza crust, sauce, and cheese along with a board game to drop off at Little’s home to do with their family

• Do some of their school homework/packets together

• Use Microsoftpaint, YouiDraw, JS Paint or other drawing apps/websites/tools to create a piece of art that you can email back and forth and each person continues to add to it

• Words with Friends

• Game Pigeon: this allows IPhone/IPad users to play a variety of games within IMessage 

• House Party: better for older kids, play things like Pictionary and trivia. The application allows you to see other players while you play games. 

• Video chat – yes, some of these might be unfamiliar or awkward, but embrace it!

  • Read a book to each other

  • Both color or paint

  • Scavenger hunt – find things in your house and show them to the other person

  • Do a “talk show interview” (like, act like you’re on the Colbert Show) with Little or Big’s roomie, sibling, parent, partner to find out more about them

  • Play 20 questions

  • Put on a concert – Big/Little can play their instrument for the other

  • Work out – do some yoga sequences or challenge each other to sit-ups or pushups

  • Talk in the morning and plan out your day together to brainstorm healthy ways to stay occupied

  • Watch a show or movie together by pressing play at the same time or give Netflix Party a try! (it allows friends to have long distance movie nights!)

  • Figure out how to play a game together, like Uno or chess or Battleship

  •  Eat dinner together

  • Both pull up the same word search and see who can find the words faster; or the same crossword puzzle and do it together

  • Read age appropriate material about coronavirus (with Parent/Guardian’s approval) and talk about how to stay safe

  • Look up online virtual tours and watch together (eg. The Louvre)

  • Teach the other person how to cook your favorite meal

  • Look up common phrases and words from a language you wish to learn and practice together