Some Fresh Ideas on How to Keep a Toddler Busy (other than the T.V.)

 As you can see, my littlest guy is busy!  And really into what he should not be into!  And he has a three year old brother, and a five year old sister!  They really enjoy school, and it would occupy them for a few hours every day.  But then there is the seven year old in first grade, two sixth graders, and the tenth grader!  

The following list is meant to help you when you need to be doing something (nursing the baby, cooking, doing school with an older sibling), but need your toddler to be busy also and not into mischief.  The ideas here are not all my original ideas; some were compiled through conversations with other moms, some from online forums, and some from websites. 

• Do your task during naptime (OK, duh, but sometimes we overlook the obvious)

• Keep a tub of toys that are just for this special occasion (i.e.- nursing the baby)- “OK, it is time for mommy to nurse the baby so you may get out the special tub and play while I am nursing, but when baby is done and burped and changed then you will have to put the toy back in the tub”.  This keeps it special and makes them feel a little less left out.  Keep it simple, but a favorite, and DON’T let them play with it outside of this time.  Rotate these weekly or so to keep it fresh.

• A swimming pool is your best friend.  What?!?  No, really.  Get a small blow up pool on clearance, and keep it for special play.  Here is the premise:  if you allow legos, only allow legos in the pool.  This keeps the mess contained.  You could allow finger painting on an easel, in the pool. Once they are done paining give them a small spray bottle and sponge to “clean” up the easel with.  OR let them pour rice into containers.  Beans are a choking hazard so I don’t recommend them, but rice just gives you a tummy ache if you eat it raw (from experience).  Use the pool for any small or messy thing you would like to keep contained.  Put it in the kitchen with you while you are in there, and you can keep a decent eye on what is going on.  Again, only allow those activities/toys played with in the pool to be used at those times and only in the pool.  We call ours the “school pool”.  A table cloth could also work on some of these things, it is just not as good at containing the messes.  The pool should not be used as a regular pool would be- keep it special! Another pro- if it gets too messy take it out back and hose it off, then hang it up in the garage to dry all the way.  Or dry it out with a towel, but store it out of sight. 

• Allow them to “wash” dishes in the sink.  Get play dishes, put a small amount of soap in a dishpan, run the water at a trickle, and pull up a step stool.  Your little guy will think he is in heaven! (then they can dry them when the washing is no fun anymore!)

• A largish tub filled 1/3 full of bath warm water (like a storage tub).  Use this in your kitchen in your full sight (no slipping on the tile).  Give them some containers and or a toy.  This is a 20 minute treat!  Keep some towels handy and in the end you get a clean kiddo and a clean floor!  Seriously!

• During school time my toddlers have usually had some kind of coloring activity that is only allowed during school time.  OR Do-A-Dot, watercolor painting, washable markers, etc. 

• PLAY-DO!  Homemade is the bestest, there are lots of recipes on the web, even for edible play do!  Just reserve for when you really need an activity!

• Don’t underestimate the power of older siblings.  We take turns and have a buddy system at our house (we have six, about to be seven).  For example, I need to work with Timmy on his math, so it is Sara’s turn to play with the toddler for 20 min.  Then I switch them around when I need to work with Sara, and use another sibling.  This allows me to spread myself a bit thinner.  They don’t have to be really old; a four year old can entertain a two year old for 20 min if they are trained to do so.  You won’t want them at the other end of the house, but it can get you 20 min! It also spreads sibling friendship and loyalty. 

• Enlist your older kids to help you in your task!  Ten year olds can cook simple meals, or do meal prep.  Five year olds can use a dust buster or swiffer wipe, put away books and pillows, and usually can be convinced to teach little brother how to do these things as well!  They love being helpers and teachers!  My older ones hardly give me a chance to teach the younger ones how to read! 

You may not have older siblings to help in these areas; if not, don’t lament!  They will grow!  Life with littles is hard, but worth it!  Take the time now to train them in the small things and you will reap wonderful rewards in the future!  They can sit still for a few minutes and work on their own!  They are not in your way!  Don’t cast them aside- include them in your day!  They days are long but the years are short. An example of the fruit you stand to reap: my older ones are responsible for making their own beds and helping a younger one with his bed.  They help them get dressed, brush teeth and comb hair. 

But it started with training them when they were two.  I walked them through the picking up of pillows, carrying dirty clothes to the laundry, making their beds, etc.  Train them up correctly now, and when you have more children they will be a wonderful blessing to you!  I am often asked how I “do it” with so many children.  I don’t!  I have help! It is self made help, true, but help none the less.  Also realize that a five year old sweeping job of the kitchen is not the same as a ten year old, or a fifteen year old!  But praise their efforts!  Any help you get is more than nothing! And it builds relationships in your family.  And relationships are all you get to take with you – all the rest is simply ash.