We all have those days where we just need to get stuff done. Whether you have to do a bit of work at home, pay the bills, or clean the oven—it’s a job that the kiddos just cannot help with. But children have an uncanny sense for this type of adult activity and seem to NEED you when you need to get your stuff done. Here is my solution to that problem. I have standby activities ready for this moment that will help you get your work done while your kiddos are playing happily.
Beanbox
This activity is just as easy as its name. Pour some dry beans into a large box with some trucks, scoops (old laundry detergent lids work well), spoons and whatever else you think of. I use an under the bed storage box and then I save the activity by putting the lid on the box.
Toy Washing
This one is great for the summertime and outdoors. Just put your children into their bathing suits. Get a big tub or kiddy pool and put some toys in with some dish soap and washcloths or sponges and let them play.* Set the wet toys in the sun to dry and you have clean toys AND happy kids!
Cardboard Shoebox
Model of the Natural History Museum
Give them markers, bits of old carpet, wall paper, dolls and toys and let them make a house, or museum, or another planet!
Pots and Pans
I think this one explains itself. Add some table cloths and a play table with dishes and napkins and they can make a restaurant. I know they have play toys that are pots and pans but using your stuff is more fun! Sometimes I even take the pots and pans to the bean box and they have a BLAST!
Mixing and Pouring
My daughter is doing her Kitchen Chemistry while I get dinner prepared!
Here’s my BLOG post on this activity that I use as a stand-by when I need to get some cooking done and the kiddos can’t help.
Building Sticks
Home Depot and Lowes offer FREE paint stir sticks. Next time you are working on a home improvement project and you need a little time to get some stuff done, grab a few paint stir sticks. While you are working on your project they can ‘work’ on theirs!
*Warning- anytime your children are using water you should keep them in your view. A child can drown in an inch of water.