Today was particularily trying. I had a set of five articles to write by noon and my 14 month old son wanted “Mommy time”! Part of working at home is dealing with interruptions, but no one can interrupt as well as a toddler!
Babies at least sleep a good part of the time, if you´re lucky, but once they start walking and talking, you are in for a lot of broken work hours! Here are some suggestions on how to keep a toddler happy and busy so you can get some work done.
1. Keep a bag or a box of toys that can only be played with while you are working on the computer. These special toys won´t get boring as quickly if they have a limited use. However, if you are working all the time on the computer or at paperwork, you might consider dividing toys into three or four sacks and alternating them on different days to keep things fresh.
2. Set up a spot beside your work area and let your toddler “work” with you. At this age, they just love to imitate. Give him your old cast-offs to play with. For example, if you are scrapbooking, your child can sit across the table from you (out of reach of valuable supplies!) and play with the small bits of paper, photo clippings and crayons. I find it really helps if your toddler is on the same level as you, they just don´t like being on the floor while you sit at the table!
3. Take five minutes to sit down and read a story or play with a toy with your toddler. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes of attention and you can have a bit of time to yourself. Getting your little one started with a toy is a good way to ensure he´ll keep playing with it.
4. Get a windup or pull-string toy. Set it off on the floor, headed for the opposite side of the room and let your child chase it. This is good for crawlers or walkers. It usually takes them a few minutes to retrieve the toy, examine it and bring it back for you to send out again! Cars that wind when you back them up are good, too.
5. Snacks are a big hit with my son. I keep a container or two of diced fruit and veggies in the fridge and when he gets too fussy, I sit him down with a handful on a plastic plate. That usually keeps him busy for a good ten minutes at least.
6. I hate to admit it, but there are times, when a deadline looms, that the television can be your best friend. I´m not talking about leaving it on all the time, in fact, this tip works best if you seldom allow your child to watch. Putting on a favorite video or show once in a while won´t turn his brain to mush and it could save yours!
7. Set up a water play station near your work area. It´s important to supervise your child while he´s got water, so keep him within sight. If he likes baths and your work is portable, stick him in the tub for half an hour while you sit on the toilet and work.
8. Portable work like crochet or typing on a laptop is great if your toddler is bored. Pick up the office and the kids and head outdoors. Letting your toddler run around in the grass will keep him happy for quite a while, just watch out for dirt and bugs getting dropped on your work.
I would be thrilled to hear more tips from moms out there who have toddlers, so please feel free to add feedback.
