Parents of toddlers know that keeping them entertained is so. dang. hard. It seems like no toy, episode of Daniel Tiger, or heck, playtime with mom or dad, is ever enough to get them to sit still.
Well one mom on TikTok is sharing the super simple way she managed to get her toddler to keep quiet for 15 minutes — yes! 15 minutes! And you probably have everything you already need in your house.
Mom Crissy Rodriguez from Texas was willing to share her hot tip on February 3.
The mom regularly posts content about sobriety, self-care, and her kids, but it’s not hard to guess why this video became a hit.
“My husband Googled ‘things to do with toddlers’ and they suggested giving them two boxes and then some stuff to put in each one,” the mom wrote on the video’s text overlay.
The video shows Rodriguez’s daughter Luca standing on a step stool in her pajamas, sorting and unsorting, between the two boxes.
“No joke, she has been doing this for 15 minutes straight. 10/10 would recommend,” the mom wrote.
“I cannot remember the last time it’s been this quiet,” the mom joked in the video’s caption.
Other parents were quick to chime in that this was a brilliant idea.
The video has been viewed over 2.5 million times and people agreed that sometimes keeping it simple is best.
"Filling and dumping is a cognitive development phase they love it," wrote one person.
"I did this when my youngest sister was this age," another commenter wrote. "Teaches them hand-eye coordination. Kept her entertained for a WHILE!!!"
"YES!!!" a third commenter added. "As a retired professional Nanny for 40 years, the simplest things keep tots entertained! No need for expensive toys! Outside is best place!"
While other people shared their own hacks for getting kids engaged.
"My mom used to get me to paint the back fence … with water," wrote one person. "Get half way and have to start again coz the 'paint' had disappeared."
"Also, get some plastic bowls/plates," someone else suggested. "Put in sink and turn water on a drizzle. They will ‘wash dishes’ for an hour."
"I would put water in two pots put rocks in the bottom give them a ladle they would play forever scooping and putting them in other one," recommended someone else.
But of course, there were a few people who weren't impressed.
"But can you walk away?" wondered one person. "I find my toddler will love this type of activity but wants me to marvel at it with her. I’m like no this is for you!"
"Mine would throw it on the ground and scream for me to get them," another person added.
One person wrote: "Damn! I'm shocked that someone had to Google 'things to do with a toddler.' Wow!"
OK, but has that last person ever tried to sit down without a child asking to sit on their lap or go to the bathroom solo or eat a plate of food that is actually still hot? It doesn't seem like it. Every parent knows that sometimes you have to go to great lengths to get a little peace.
