)
Keeping Toddlers Busy
When I was pregnant everyone told me that the newborn stage was the more difficult. Um… why did they lie to me? Yes, having a newborn was exhausting and I cried a lot as we struggled with breastfeeding. But W slept fairly well and I could put him somewhere and he stayed there! I could go in the kitchen without fearing disaster or an ear-piercing scream.
The newborn stage was heaven compared to toddlerhood! When was the last time I got to go to the bathroom by myself? Well it was last week because W didn’t notice. So I stayed in there an extra 10 minutes just because I could! Now when I need to go into the kitchen, he attaches himself to my leg or stands at the baby gate and hollers at me. I’ve learned the key is keeping toddlers busy.
Pom Poms and Bottles
I’m always on the hunt for cheap ways to keep W entertained. I love activities that also promote his learning or skill development. I was at the craft store a few weeks ago and picked up a bag of sparkly pom poms that were on sale. When I got home, I scoured the kitchen for old bottles from spices or sprinkles.
I washed and dried the bottles and put them in a tupperware with some of the pom poms. W was entertained for at least 30 minutes! For the price of the bag of pom poms (that I have used in multiple projects) I found something to keep him busy! By changing out the bottles (we used clean baby bottles once) it’s a new activity every time!
Cheap, easy, and it actually keeps my toddler busy! It also helps him develop his motor skills which is just an extra bonus. I was actually able to make lunch without him under my feet. It was a pom pom miracle!
About Mariah
I don’t have kids but I find my cats to be very similar to this haha. If I try to close the door to the bathroom they are scratching on it or are at my feet in the kitchen – keeping them busy definitely helps too.
Michelle recently posted..InstantBucks Amazon Gift Card Giveaway – Enter to Win a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card! Ends 8/26/12 (US/Can)
Wow, and he just kept playing with the pom poms? Neat idea!
CinnyBBS recently posted..#Nutrisystem Month 8 #Video #Review #NSNation #Vlog #health #fitness #weightloss
That’s a great idea! I feel your pain – my 20 month old is keeping me running like never before. And he’s my 4th too! I may try this with him – thanks for the tip!
Erika @Musings From a Stay At Home Mom recently posted..Blogging 101: Why You Should Blog and How to Name Your Blog
When my kids were small I kept all of the tupperware and wooden spoons in a bottom cabinet, which they were free to open, empty and play with whenever they wanted. We all do what we can to make our (and their) lives more entertaining!
Sharon Greenthal (@sharongreenthal) recently posted..Six Tips for Adjusting to Your Child Going to College
What a great idea! I will have to pick some pom poms and other little items up at the craft store
regan recently posted..Black Friday & Cyber Monday Cloth Diaper Deals
Great idea!! My daughter also loves empty Kleenex boxes. She was captivating for quite a while just plopping balls in and then trying to get them out.