This can be a difficult task for any parent. Whether your working from home or are simply trying to get your everyday tasks done but can’t, here are some ways you can keep the kids occupied.
- Cook something with them – Most toddlers love playing in the kitchen. When you’re home all day, you’ll definitely have meals to prepare. Instead of trying to keep your toddler busy while you cook, invite them into the kitchen to cook with you. This is also a great bonding moment.
2. Break out the bubbles – keep them occupied while they blow and pop bubbles.
3. Set up an obstacle course, indoors or outdoors- Kids often love climbing, crawling, jumping, and rolling. Help them engage their physical side by setting up an obstacle course. Not too difficult of-course!
4. Enlist their help with chores – While chores might not seem like fun for most grown-ups, kids often enjoy pitching in and helping with adult jobs.
5. Arrange a movie day – let them stay in their pyjamas, choose a couple of favourite films, get some popcorn and put your feet up with the kids.
6. Have a look in your cupboards and play dress up with your old clothes.
7. Toy wash – Fill a sink, plastic bin, or bowl with water. Provide towels and a box of toys that kids can wash (toys with electronic pieces should be hidden for this activity).
8. Sensory tub – If you have a sand table that you use outdoors in nicer weather, pull it in, clean it out, and fill it with fresh sand.
9. Sometimes your old pots and pans might do the trick! Although this is one of the louder options that you might regret!
10. Sensory bag for high chair tables or floor: Fill resealable bags with items that a baby can safely squish or shake. Make sure the bag is fully sealed before your little one plays with it
11. Cereal necklaces – Set up a bowl of O-shaped cereal with plastic lacing cord (or gimp) and have your child string the gimp through the Os’.
12. Sock-matching – Tick one item off your to-do list if you have lots of mismatched socks in your house needing to be paired, or separate socks already matched. Scatter the socks on the floor and have your kids match them up.
13. Dance videos – Kids seem to be able to operate tablets and phones from younger and younger ages. Set them up with some music and let them learn new dance routines from YouTube videos.
Have you got some tried and tested ways of keeping your kids busy? Share them below in the comments!
