17 Brilliant Ways to Keep Your Toddler Busy While You Work From Home
Hey there, fellow work-from-home parents! Ever feel like you’re juggling chainsaws while tap dancing on a tightrope? That’s basically what it’s like trying to work with a toddler around, right? Well, buckle up, because I’ve got some game-changing tips that’ll make your life so much easier!
1. Create a “Big Kid” Office
Let’s face it, toddlers love to copy everything we do. So why not use that to your advantage? Set up a little desk or table right next to yours with some paper, crayons, and maybe an old keyboard.
Tell them it’s their “big kid office” where they can work just like mommy or daddy. My little Emma loves pretending to type important emails (aka scribbling on paper) while I’m in Zoom meetings.
2. Busy Bags for the Win
These are lifesavers, I’m telling you! Fill small bags or containers with different activities like puzzles, stickers, or Play-Doh. Bring out a new one whenever you need some uninterrupted time. It’s like Christmas morning every time for them, and peace and quiet for you.
3. Sensory Bins: Mess-Free Magic
Fill a plastic bin with rice, beans, or pasta, and throw in some cups, spoons, and small toys. It’s like an indoor sandbox that keeps them entertained for ages. Pro tip: do this on a sheet or tablecloth for easy cleanup. Trust me, your vacuum cleaner will thank you.
4. Painter’s Tape Racetrack
Who knew a roll of painter’s tape could be so entertaining? Create a racetrack on the floor for toy cars or a hopscotch game. It’s cheap, easy to remove, and will keep them busy for hours. Plus, it’s way less annoying than stepping on Legos.
5. Dress-Up Time
Set out a box of old clothes, hats, and accessories. Let their imagination run wild as they transform into princesses, superheroes, or whatever their little hearts desire. It’s amazing how long they can stay occupied playing pretend. And hey, if you end up with a tiny Batman interrupting your conference call, at least it’ll give your coworkers a laugh!
6. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of simple items for them to find around the house. It keeps them moving and thinking, and you might even get a few minutes of quiet. Just be prepared for the excited “I found it!” shouts every few minutes.
7. DIY Obstacle Course
Use cushions, chairs, and boxes to create a fun obstacle course. It burns energy and improves motor skills. Warning: you might find yourself wanting to join in during your lunch break!
8. Toy Rotation Station
Keep a few boxes of toys hidden away and rotate them weekly. It’s like they’re getting new toys without you spending a dime. My kids always rediscover old favorites this way, and it keeps things fresh and exciting.
9. Bubble Wrap Bonanza
Got any bubble wrap lying around? Tape a large sheet to the floor and let them go to town popping those bubbles. It’s great for fine motor skills and surprisingly entertaining. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever for you too – don’t pretend you don’t want to join in!
10. Cardboard Box Creativity
Never underestimate the power of an empty box. It can be a fort, a rocket ship, or a cozy reading nook. Add some crayons and stickers, and you’ve got yourself a DIY playhouse that’ll keep them busy for hours.
11. Water Play (Without the Mess)
Fill a large plastic bin with a little water and some plastic cups, spoons, and toys. It’s like bath time without the bathroom! Just throw a towel underneath, and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to cool off on hot days too.
12. Masking Tape Art Gallery
Stick some masking tape on a wall or floor to create shapes or a canvas. Let them color inside the lines with washable markers. When they’re done, peel off the tape for instant artwork! It’s like magic, and they feel so proud of their creations.
13. Lego Challenge Cards
Write down simple Lego challenges on cards, like “build a house” or “create an animal.” It gives them direction and purpose, turning free play into a fun game. You might be surprised at their creativity – I know I was when my son made a “pizza-making robot”!
14. Dance Party Breaks
When all else fails, crank up the tunes and have a quick dance party. It’s a great energy release for them and a fun break for you. Plus, it’s hilarious to watch their crazy moves. Who says you can’t mix a little “Baby Shark” into your workday?
15. Nature Collage
Send them on a mission to collect leaves, flowers, and twigs from the backyard. Then, help them arrange and glue their findings onto paper for a beautiful nature collage. It’s educational, and artistic, and gets them outside for a bit. Win-win-win!
16. Quiet Time Tent
Set up a small tent or make a blanket fort designated as the “quiet time” spot. Fill it with books, stuffed animals, and maybe a tablet for educational games. It’s their special space where they can relax and play quietly while you power through that report.
17. Homemade Playdough Station
Get ready for some serious fun (and maybe a bit of mess) with a homemade Playdough station! This activity is a triple threat – it’s tactile, creative, and keeps those little hands busy for ages.
First, let’s whip up a batch of playdough together. It’s super easy: just mix flour, salt, water, and a bit of food coloring. Your toddler can help stir, which they’ll love.
Once you’ve got your dough ready, set up a little station with rolling pins (or empty bottles work too), cookie cutters, plastic knives, and maybe some googly eyes or buttons for decorating. The possibilities are endless! They can make animals, pretend food, or just enjoy squishing and molding.
What I love about this activity is how it grows with your child. My youngest used to just enjoy the sensory experience of squeezing the dough, while my older one now creates elaborate “bakeries” with her playdough creations. It’s great for developing fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play.
Just be prepared for colorful fingernails for a few days – a small price to pay for a solid hour of engaged play while you tackle your to-do list!
Survival Mode: Activated!
There you have it, my fellow warriors of the work-from-home battlefield! These tricks have saved my sanity more times than I can count. Remember, some days will be smoother than others, and that’s okay.
We’re all doing our best to balance it all. So pat yourself on the back, grab that (probably cold) coffee, and tackle another day of this crazy, beautiful chaos we call parenting while working from home. You’ve got this!
