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Q:

How do I keep my toddler entertained while I work from home?

Hi everyone,

I am a work-from-home parent with a toddler who always wants my attention. Due to the current pandemic situation, my work has become my top priority and I need to ensure that I am productive while also keeping my child entertained.

I have tried giving her toys and books, but she still seems to get bored easily and comes to me for attention. I also try to involve her in some of my work activities, but it's not always feasible.

Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how I can keep my toddler entertained and happy while I work from home? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

All Replies

frederik04

Hi there,

I hear you! I am also a work-from-home parent with a toddler and it can be a real challenge to balance work and childcare. What has worked for me is setting up a toddler-friendly play area next to my workspace. I fill it with lots of age-appropriate toys, puzzles, and books that my little one loves. This keeps her engaged and entertained for longer periods of time.

I also try to stay flexible with my work hours, so that I can take frequent breaks to spend time with my child. When I do have work to do, I put on some children's music or a favorite show to keep her entertained in the background. Additionally, I involve her in small tasks like helping me sort papers or counting objects, which she loves.

Another thing that has been helpful for me is to schedule time to play with my toddler before and after work. This way, she knows when it's mommy's work time and when she can expect my undivided attention.

I hope these tips help you manage your work and parenting responsibilities!

waters.arturo

Hey there!

I completely understand where you're coming from. As a work-from-home parent with a toddler, I know how challenging it can be to juggle work and childcare responsibilities, especially when your child is demanding your attention.

One thing that has worked for me is creating a schedule for my toddler. I set up specific times for her meals, naptime, and playtime, and I try to stick to that as much as possible. This way, my little one knows what to expect and when, and it keeps her from getting too restless or fussy.

During her playtime, I make sure to give her lots of different activities to keep her engaged. I love setting up sensory bins for her to play with or giving her art supplies to work with. These activities keep her busy and also help with her development.

Another strategy that has been helpful for me is enlisting the help of family members or friends. If someone is available to watch my little one for a few hours or entertain her for a bit, it gives me some much-needed uninterrupted work time.

Overall, it's all about finding what works for you and your child. It might take some trial and error, but with a little patience and perseverance, you can make it work!

okuneva.dianna

Hi there,

As a work-from-home parent of a toddler, I completely understand the challenge of keeping your child entertained while you need to work. One strategy that has worked for me is to provide my child with an opportunity to create and explore on their own.

I created art stations where my toddler can paint or draw with supervision, of course, and play dough or clay. Along with that, I have sensory bins and water play stations for my little one to experiment with. This allows them some independence and promotes creativity.

Another strategy is to make use of naptime or when your child is distracted with a movie or show. Use those times where your child is not in need of your attention to work on high priority tasks rather than low priority tasks.

Finally, creating some structure worked best for me. Establishing a routine to help my child know what to expect helped to create predictability and comfort. I made sure that I involve my child in some of the tasks I need to do in the day, like preparing meals or sorting laundry.

Working from home with a toddler is challenging but it’s definitely doable. With some patience, creativity, and effective planning, you can strike a balance between work and parenthood.

noble.deckow

Hello there,

I can definitely relate to the struggles of working from home with a toddler. One of the things that has worked for me is setting aside some dedicated one-on-one time with my child every morning. This could be as little as 15 minutes, but it gives them some time to get your attention and affection before you have to dive into work.

Another activity that has been a lifesaver for me is creating an activity bin filled with puzzles, stickers, and other toys that my toddler can only use while I'm working. This makes it feel like a special event and keeps them entertained long enough for me to finish my work.

Sometimes, you have to get creative. My toddler loves to help me cook and do chores, so I find ways to incorporate them into my work. For example, I'll give her a duster while I'm cleaning or let her "read" the recipe while I cook. This helps me get my work done while also keeping her entertained and feeling like a helpful little one.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your partner, family member, or friend could take care of your little one for a few hours while you concentrate on work. Alternatively, you could try finding a reliable babysitter to watch your child while you work.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to be patient with yourself and with your toddler. It's not an easy situation, but with a bit of trial and error, you can create a work environment that is successful and comfortable for both you and your child.

dibbert.kyle

Hi there,

Being a work-from-home parent with a toddler is definitely no easy feat! What works for me is using routine to create some predictability and structure for my toddler. I find it helpful to stick to a daily schedule, where I include designated work hours, meal times, activities, and rest time. For example, my toddler knows that we always have playtime after breakfast, followed by a nap, and then mommy works while she listens to storytime.

Another thing that has helped me is taking advantage of nap time. When my toddler is sleeping, I try to get as much work done as possible. I don't always have this luxury, but when I do, I make sure I'm as productive as I can be.

Additionally, I try to mix up the activities that I use to entertain my child. For example, we might play with different types of sensory bins, read stories, have water play, or do a scavenger hunt. I also find it helpful to introduce a new toy or activity every few days. This helps keep my toddler interested and engaged, and it gives me a chance to work for longer periods of time.

Finally, I've found that it is important to communicate with my child about my work schedule. I make sure to let her know when I'm going to be working and what she can expect from me during that time. This helps her understand that I still love her, even if I'm busy with work.

In conclusion, being a work-from-home parent with a toddler can be tough, but with a little bit of preparation, organization, and communication, it is possible to make it work!

mohr.brandy

Hello everyone,

As a work-from-home parent with a toddler, I can certainly understand how difficult it can be to keep your child entertained while also being productive. One strategy that has worked well for me is to enlist the help of technology. There are many kid-friendly educational apps, videos, and games available that can keep your little one entertained while you work.

Another tactic that has been helpful is to involve my child in my work, when possible. It might not always be practical, but sometimes I'll let my toddler play with some of my office supplies or type on a spare keyboard while I work on my computer. This keeps her occupied and also allows her to feel like she's helping me with my work, which can be a win-win situation.

Finally, I try to make our time together as active as possible. We might play a game of catch or go for a short walk together. I find that physical activity helps to burn off some of my toddler's energy, which can make her more relaxed and better able to play independently.

In my experience, it's important to have realistic expectations and be flexible. Know that some days will be more challenging than others, and that's okay. Be patient and remember that your child ultimately wants your time and attention, so try your best to find a balance that works for both of you.

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