10 Easy Activities to Keep Kids Busy While you Work

There are absolutely no doubts in my mind, from my own experience, that trying to work from home and manage children is a train wreck waiting to happen. Between phone calls and the fifth time your child asks for a drink, it can take a toll on your performance, whether it's college or a work from home job.

If you asked me years ago if I wanted to work from home, the dream would be yes. I would wake up at 11 A.M. after sleeping in, then make myself some coffee and watch my child play quietly with their toys. However, with the current state of the pandemic, this is the new reality for some mothers and fathers. While going through IEP meetings or even contacting customer service for the latest issues with everyday life, I often have to apologize for my children or hear other children in the background. This has become the new normal for us.

And it's anything but quiet.

Very often I am woken up, with my oldest a few breaths away from my face, scaring me out of bed. I walk over to the coffee to find the coffee grounds are STILL in the coffee maker, and I forgot to empty the coffee pot. I look for the one shoe missing and the backpack missing. When I talk to the developmental therapist, I often run outside to hear, and often, I am followed. Even bathroom breaks are not private anymore. By the time I get out the door? I am a hot mess. Trust me... #MomBoss is not exactly what you think it would be.

Sound familiar? If so, I have a list for you to keep your babies occupied while you get the job done.

1.) Coloring.

Yes. The standard get-it-done coloring book. Make sure you get washable crayons and ultra washable markers, because if it can go on the paper, it can go on the walls.

2.) Magazine-Ma Shay.

Sounds weird, but that old magazine that you have been allowing to collect dust on your coffee table? Grab some safety scissors, a stick of glue, and have them make crazy pictures of people and places. You will often find yourself bursting out laughing in a Zoom call when you see the final product.

3.) Box-Car

This is for you boy moms. Grab some masking tap (or just regular painters tape) and put a "road" on the floor. Give the kids a box and ultra washable markers, and tell them to make a car. This gave us HOURS of play time.

4.) Camping in the Livingroom

Lets be honest, remember that tent you bought last year that you SWORE you were going to take the kids camping with? Yeah that one. Put it up in the living room, with some pillows and a few flashlights. Turn off the lights and put a nighttime sound on that you can find on YouTube on the TV. Makes for great ambiance.

5.) Monster No-No Spray

Have kids who are scared of the dark? Grab a spray bottle of water and put a few drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite essential oil of choice) and give them a rag. Have them run around the house clearing the walls and fridge of horrible monsters, all while getting your house smelling clean.

6.) Lazer Touch- or no touch

Remember that painters tape? Take the tape and tape the walls in the hallway to create an obstacle course for them to go through. Remember, no touching or you lose!

7.) Blocks

The more traditional, but no fail route. Have them create little towns and buildings with your favorite set of blocks. Bonus if they have hot wheel cars!

8.) Livingroom picnic

Have the kids set up a little tea party in the livingroom with silverware and plates to make a little social event within the confines of your house. Cute little sandwiches and tiny mugs make a great addition to this.

9.) Dance Party

YouTube has amazing videos keeping the kids on their feet. Put on a cute dance party or even a children's dance tutorial (make sure its kids appropriate) and let them have at it. The kids will have a great time playing and dancing away. Make sure you have water on hand!

10.) Balloon Beachball

Blow up a few balloons, trust me they might fight over it, and release them in the living room. Using the painters tape to create a net and let them just play! Turn on Spotify to your favorite music playlist, and it will give you early summer vibes.

Enjoy your quiet and stress free time!