Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to work from home with a toddler? Managing a toddler’s constant needs can feel overwhelming. However, it’s definitely possible. Having a set of fun activities can keep your toddler engaged while you focus on your tasks.
If you’re a working-from-home parent with a toddler, you’re in the right place. This article outlines simple, screen-free toddler activities for work-from-home parents that will not only keep your child entertained but also support their development.
Explore wholesome toddler activities that can help create a calmer, more productive day for both you and your little one.
It’s no surprise that balancing remote work and childcare is challenging for parents with toddlers. There are even studies published about that, notably one by Parker et al., which shows that teleworking parents experience significantly higher levels of parenting stress than their on-site working counterparts.
In addition, another study found that among mothers, the blurred boundaries between work and caregiving, along with a lack of support, further exacerbated the mental load. This leads to increased emotional exhaustion and strain.
This article focuses explicitly on mothers of toddlers, who face unique challenges that require attention. Unlike parents of newborns, who may not yet be working, or parents of school-aged children, who likely have more independence, mothers of toddlers often need to provide constant attention to their child while also working.
There are many challenges parents with toddlers often encounter:
Recognizing these challenges can help work-from-home parents establish realistic expectations for their workday. However, in the midst of these challenges, one effective strategy is to encourage independent play that offers both developmental benefits for toddlers and much-needed focus time for parents.
Read more: How to Manage Work-From-Home Jobs For Moms
Independent play, often called free play, is an essential component of child development, allowing children to take the lead in their own learning experiences.
This self-directed fun activity encourages creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and supports emotional and social growth. It also contributes to sustained attention and to the development of attention regulation and self-directed learning.
Independent play is one of the most effective ways for stay-at-home parents to manage household tasks. More particularly, screen-free independent play is the best way to give your toddlers something to do.
Research shows that screen-free play promotes a balanced lifestyle by reducing screen time and engaging children. This type of play supports the development of self-regulation skills without requiring your direct presence.
By encouraging this type of play, parents can step back, knowing their child is engaged in a meaningful activity that supports both their development and work.
Read more: Playful Minds: Nurturing Self-Regulation in Kids Through Play
It’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism when balancing work-from-home as a parent. However, it’s essential to understand that no day will be perfectly balanced. Some days will require more focus on work, while others will demand more attention to your child.
That’s okay! Accept that some days might not go according to plan.
Setting SMART goals can reduce daily stress, increase engagement, and enhance subjective performance. Completing one task or giving your toddler 15 minutes of independent play can lead to significant progress over time.
Make sure to celebrate your accomplishments and moments when your toddler happily plays, even if briefly. Be kind to yourself to prevent burnout.
Read more: Tips for Finding Balance Between Work and Family
Now that you understand the challenges of working from home as a parent, you’re ready for practical solutions. Below, you’ll find ten simple, screen-free toddler activities for work-from-home parents that will keep your little one engaged and entertained while you work.
Each activity promotes sensory processing abilities, particularly body awareness, balance, and touch, while also fostering creativity, divergent thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Sensory bins are a go-to solution for independent toddler play at home. You can fill a large bin with everyday items such as rice, pasta, or water beads to encourage tactile exploration. To make the activity even more engaging, add small toys, spoons, and cups.
Toddlers will enjoy exploring different textures while practicing skills like scooping, pouring, and sorting. This activity can keep your little one entertained for a long time, allowing you to focus on your work or take a well-deserved break.
Create a set of quiet-time boxes filled with puzzles, board books, and soft toys. Rotate the contents every few days to maintain your toddler’s interest. This approach provides calming and structured playtime that is perfect during your meetings.
Quiet-time boxes can help keep your child occupied and engaged without needing much involvement from you. They are especially beneficial for focused work sessions, reducing the risk of distractions during essential calls.
Choose a wall or window for your toddler to decorate with stickers, washable markers, or chalk. This creative activity allows your toddler to explore art independently while giving you some space to focus on your work. Be sure to use materials that won’t damage the surfaces.
It’s easy to set up and clean up afterward, making it a quick and hassle-free way to keep your toddler entertained. Additionally, this activity provides an opportunity for creative expression without requiring your constant supervision.
Set up a shallow-water station with cups, sponges, and small plastic toys for your toddler to splash and pour. Toddlers enjoy experimenting with water, and this activity can keep them entertained for a long time. It is both calming and engaging.
This can give you a moment of peace and the opportunity to be productive. You’ll be surprised at how much focus they can achieve while playing in the water.
Create a DIY obstacle course using pillows, cushions, and furniture. This engaging activity is a fun way for your toddler to burn off energy while indoors. It helps develop their motor skills and problem-solving abilities as they navigate through the course.
You can easily adjust the layout to fit your space, making it a fantastic way to keep your toddler entertained while you work. Additionally, changing the course regularly will keep things fresh and exciting for them.
Give your toddler some yarn and snackable items such as Cheerios, pretzels, or dried fruit. Allow them to string the snacks to create necklaces or bracelets. This activity not only enhances fine motor skills but also results in a tasty treat at the end.
It’s a simple activity that combines creative play with a snack break, making it perfect for moments when you need to step away from work. Additionally, it helps toddlers practice patience and focus during the activity.
Create sorting activities using colored cups, toy blocks, or socks. Toddlers can practice sorting by color, shape, or size, which helps build cognitive skills and attention to detail. These activities are easy to set up and use everyday items around the house.
Sorting games also promote early math skills, providing hands-on learning while keeping your toddler entertained. The simplicity of the activity allows you to stay productive while your toddler plays independently.
Prepare themed busy baskets filled with toys, such as cars, animal figurines, or kitchen sets. Keep these baskets easily accessible so your toddler can entertain themselves during your calls.
Busy baskets are helpful when you need uninterrupted time, like during phone calls or video meetings. Your toddler can play independently while you stay focused, and they’ll enjoy having access to their favorite toys.
Set up a cozy corner with pillows, blankets, and a selection of board books for your toddler. This space encourages independent play and provides a calming environment, and invites imaginative play through reading.
Storytime can help your toddler relax and engage with books during your work hours.
Play some upbeat music and encourage your toddler to dance or move around. These short, music-filled breaks help release pent-up energy and refresh both of you.
A few minutes of dancing can reset your toddler’s mood and provide a bonding moment. After the break, both of you can return to your respective tasks feeling refreshed and ready to focus.
Working from home with a toddler can be pretty challenging, but with the right activities and strategies, it can be managed. These simple, low-preparation ideas will help keep your toddler engaged in creative and educational activities while you focus on your work.
By promoting independent play and establishing realistic expectations, you can alleviate stress and guilt, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable day for everyone.
Start small: Try implementing 2-3 of these activities this week and experiment with routines that work best for your family’s needs. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
If you want to see more resources on toddler development, check out the Parenting Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Parenting Science Labs today.
Photo by Freepik
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