I am sure I am not the only parent that has struggled with trying to keep your little ones occupied while you try to cook dinner or try to clean up the kitchen. Believe me, it’s been a struggle. Silas and Ellie have always been really “clingy” ( they always want to be where ever mama is or they always want to be held by mama) Needless to say we’ve had our moments of frustration and tantrums in the kitchen. I have tried many things to keep them busy while I clean or cook. Sometimes turning the TV on and letting them watch whatever show or movie on Netflix that they want to watch will keep them occupied. but not all the time. it doesn’t always work. However, I have found a select few activities that have worked wonderfully each and every time.
my number one favorite is play-dough. I like to set up the kids at the dining room table and set out their play-dough and their play-dough tools and let them play while I clean or cook. They seriously love it every time they get to play with their play-dough. Sure it can be a little bit of a mess to clean up after they’re done. But it allows me the time I need to get dinner fixed or to do the dishes.
Another activity that is really fun for Silas and Ellie to do is to color. When I set out coloring pages and crayons, they get super excited. I usually set them up with one to two coloring pages each and give them each a handful of crayons. half of the crayons usually end up on the floor but that’s okay.
Silas’s favorite is being able to play with his Legos at the dining room table. So I let Silas and Ellie bring out the tub of Legos and sit at the table and play while I clean or cook. I don’t know what it is exactly about being able to play with their Legos at the table instead of in their room that makes them enjoy it more. it’s still a mystery to me. but hey whatever works right? I mean if letting them play with their toys at the table allows me to cook dinner without a toddler pulling on my leg then hey whatever works.
Another one that involves toys at the dining room table, is letting Ellie and Silas race their hot-wheels across the table. I am not sure what it is about tiny little toy cars going super fast and falling off the table, but it makes Ellie and Silas cheer and giggles with glee.
With these activities, I can usually get about 30 mins maybe 45 to cook or clean without the little ones interrupting. which is a lifesaver sometimes. because being able to cook without interruption is such a blessing. Sure the kiddos make a mess of the dining room with some of the activities, but they usually are very helpful when having to clean up their mess. Especially, Ellie, she loves to help. What about you other moms or dads out there? Are there any activities you set up for your little ones to do while you cook or clean? If so, let us know in the comments below. We’re always looking for new activities for the toddlers to try.