When the health crisis began in the spring of 2020, many parents suddenly found themselves working from home and juggling the challenges of having to work and parent at the same time. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was easy to think that the working from home phase might be short and that maybe things would be back to normal by now. But as time has dragged on, a lot of people are now months into working from home and are discovering that wrangling a toddler during the work day hasn't gotten any easier.
Toddlers are delightful and funny lite people, but let's be honest and say that they are not exactly the best co-workers. Toddlers have short attention spans and lots of energy, which can make getting work done a challenge. We're here to help with a guide to 15 ways to keep toddlers occupied — without using screen time — during those critical conference calls. There's got to be at least one on the list that will buy 20 minutes of quiet!
Video Babysitter
This one takes a little pre-planning, but setting up a video chat for a toddler with a beloved babysitter or far-away family member might be just the thing to keep a little one occupied. Bonus points if the babysitter can read a story or two to keep a toddler engaged.
Washi Tape
Washi tape is so colorful and fun! And it's also a lot easier to remove from walls and furniture than stickers. Toddlers will love having a big piece of paper or cardboard and a stash of tape (maybe pre-cut if the little one doesn't have the fine motor skills to tear tape yet) to make some quiet art.
Indoor Swing
$93
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Toddlers have a lot of energy and play is critical to the way they develop their gross motor skills. An indoor swing that can be attached to the ceiling or a door frame is an amazing way for them to burn off energy, have fun, and stay busy while a nearby parent is working.
Sensory Box
A sensory box is the perfect indoor and quiet play activity, especially for older toddlers who are out of the "put everything in the mouth" phase. Simply take a sturdy cardboard or plastic box and fill it with dried beans, rice, chia seeds, or dried corn. Then fill the box with cups, toy cars, spoons, or other items that let toddlers dig and pour. This is an inexpensive indoor alternative to a sandbox, perfect for playing next to a working parent!
Cutting Practice
Two things toddlers love (and that keep them busy) are snacks and getting to practice cutting things. One easy idea is to give a toddler a safe knife (plastic or one that comes with a Play-Doh set, for example) and let them cut up some soft foods for a snack. Some good choices include bananas, cheese, and avocado, all things that are toddler-friendly to eat and cut! Perfect for keeping the kiddo occupied in a high chair, just out of view of a conference call but right next to a parent!
Tub Time
A lot of toddlers love having bathtub time, but obviously it's not safe to give them a bath when mom or dad is distracted. But the tub can be fun for dry play, too! Toddlers might enjoy the chance to play with cars or blocks or do artwork in the tub while a parent works nearby.
Magna-Tiles
Magna-Tiles are one of the best investment toys for older toddlers and beyond. They are fun to play with, offer endless opportunities for creativity, and are blessedly quiet. This Eric Carle set is adorable and a great way to occupy a child who already knows the caterpillar story.
Squash Hammer
A toy hammer meets a roasted pumpkin, a butternut squash, or a cucumber — what happens next? Well, probably a delighted toddler who takes a whole bunch of whacks, makes a bit of mess (set them up on some newspaper first), and stays happily occupied with some fun destruction. Yes, this is some playing with food that we are on board with!
Audiobook
Yes, a screen will keep a toddler occupied, but audiobooks are another way for a parent to get themselves some much-needed quiet. There are plenty of toddler-friendly options on most audiobook services and even through local public libraries, making this an inexpensive way to get some work done.
Pipe Cleaners
Pipe cleaners are a great art option for toddlers who like to be creative and for parents who are working and don't have the bandwidth to supervise painting or other messy crafts. Pipe cleaners can be twisted, bent, glued on to paper, and more.
Mini Trampoline
The best way to get toddlers to stop bouncing off the walls during the work day is to, well, let them bounce off something else instead. A mini trampoline is an option to turn an unused corner of a room into a mini gym for busy toddlers.
Dry-Erase Markers
Parents who are working from home can put some of their office supplies to good use and let their toddlers occupy themselves with some dry-erase markers! No whiteboard? No problem! A mirror or window works really well, too.
Pillows
Toddlers love to build and they love to destroy what they've built. This is fun, but if the thing they are knocking down is blocks or other toys it can be loud, especially to a parent on a conference call. Pillows are a better option, especially if kids get to go nuts and have a huge pile of couch and bed pillows to turn into forts or as jumping pits.
Water Play
It isn't safe to let a child swim while a parent is paying attention to work, but for water-loving toddlers, a water table or even a small bucket filled with water and cups to play with is an option on warmer days or for those who live in warmer climates.
LeapFrog Learning Friends
Toddlers who see their parents working away at a computer might want to copy them, and the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book might be just the thing! Toddlers can cozy up to mom or dad and work on early literacy skills at the same time!
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