Being a busy parent is tough, and taking care of your children while trying to complete everyday chores and errands can feel almost impossible at times. In this day and age, it may feel natural to sit your toddler down in front of the TV or the tablet screen if you want them to sit still and be quiet. While this is not always a bad idea, it definitely shouldn’t be your only option. As long as your kids are watching or playing something that is engaging and educational, that’s fine, but setting kids in front of a screen should not be the default. There are plenty of other activities you can have your kids take part in that will keep them quiet and entertained when you need them to be. Whether you are trying to get work done or if you are simply trying to get your kids to calm down, these tips can certainly help give you some ideas.
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| Kids with Bubbles |
Have them Splash Around
It may sound a bit strange at first, but if you are working in the kitchen, plopping your toddler by the sink may be a great idea. Kids love water and toddlers are still young enough where even little, everyday things will mesmerize them for hours if possible. Prop them up safely on a stool or chair and equip them with some soap, sponges and maybe even some of their bath toys – they’ll certainly be entertained. Bubbles!
Bubble Mania!
Speaking of suds, kids always love bubbles. If your child is old enough they can blow their own bubbles or wave their arms around to make the bubbles form. There are also plenty of battery powered toys that create bubbles for kids to jump around and play with as well. Stock them up with a full container of bubbles and an open space, they will be sure to have fun for a while.
DIY Band
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| Kids with Pots and Pans |
If you don’t mind the noise, just give your kids the pots and pans that you always find them eyeing and let them go at it! If you want a bit of a quieter atmosphere, then plastic containers and bowls will do, too. Kids are natural percussionists, rhythm notwithstanding, so allowing them to bang away on some safe kitchen appliances may even help them tap into their innate musical talents!
Personalized CDs and Music
If you don’t want your kids to stare at a screen but still want them to experience a fun story, then there are plenty of story and music CDs that can keep them engaged, and even active. KD Novelties has a series of personalized music CDs that feature your child’s name into the story or song with well known characters, which can help keep them stay focused on the activities and make them feel like a true part of the fun.
Back to Basics
Toddlers often don’t need anything complicated or state-of-the-art to keep them busy. You can always resort to classic activities like coloring books or even simply equipping them with paper and crayons. And if you’re on the run, you can go even simpler. Kids can have loads of fun with everyday items like empty boxes or keys (if they have gone through the stage of putting things in their mouth).
No matter what it is that you’re doing, it is always important that you keep an eye on your kids. Even if you need them to stay calm and quiet for a period of time, its always safest to check in on them from time to time. Even if you are in the same room, make sure you keep tabs on what your child is doing and if they are being safe. It can sometimes be deceiving when a child is quiet, it can be a good thing or a bad thing, so always be vigilant! But with these simple tips, you can keep your children occupied and entertained while you get some important work done.