Tips for Keeping Kids Busy (So You Can Get Work Done)
No matter how well you set up your home office or how carefully you manage your own time, there will days when little Bobby and Susie want all of your attention, not just some of it. Here are some strategies for keeping them occupied so you can do what you need to.
Toddler Age
- Arrange play exchanges: While the thought of bringing another toddler into your house might make you gasp in horror, hear us out. A play exchange means you’ll have someone else’s toddler for a bit, sure, but the two kids are likely to provide each other with some good old, distracting entertainment—meaning you’ll be able to do some work. And the bright side is, your toddler will be away for a reciprocal play date in the near future, giving you have guaranteed peace and quiet.
- Give them their own keyboard: When toddlers see you working away, the first thing they want to do is imitate you at the keyboard. Bring an old keyboard out of the attic or pick one up a thrift store for cheap so they can have their own.
- Blow bubbles: Get a giant tub of nontoxic bubbles, and blow bubbles intermittently while you’re working. Though it’s a minor distraction, it doesn’t take much effort or brainpower, and it will keep your kid entertained during the times when they just won’t let up.
Preschool Age
- Make lunch an event: Lunchtime is a great opportunity to spend some time with your kid, in the hopes that they will leave you alone for much of the rest of the day. Pack a bag lunch and walk to the local park or library, or let them “help” you cook something simple, like pasta.
- Art time: This is the prime age where kids enjoy creating, before they have begun censoring their artistic urges. Markers, crayons, clay, watercolors—the mediums are endless.
- Play outside: If the weather permits, sprinklers, kiddie pools, water slides, and other outdoor activities can mean hours of fun. Scavenger hunts are another possibility; make up a list of hidden items in the house and yard, and send your excited child off on the hunt.
School Age
- Let them go “free range”: A movement called free range kids focuses on raising kids who are self-reliant, by not overprotecting them. While you don’t have to let your kid ride the Greyhound alone across the state, consider letting them bike to the library, ride the bus across town, or cook themselves lunch.
- Use the library: The library doesn’t only have books—it also has CDs, DVDs, and sometimes even video games! Help your kid explore these resources, so that they can enjoy the free, entertaining goodies the library has to offer.
- Let them help: Oftentimes, kids just want to feel like they’re helping, and not a burden. If your kids are younger, let them open envelopes, pack boxes, or look up information for you online. If they’re older and more capable, you could even consider employing them and paying them an hourly wage!
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