Friday, 22 August 2008
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Successful TV Alternatives for Busy Moms
by Mama KoalaEver since Baby Koala transitioned to just one nap a day, it's been more and more challenging trying to find ways to keep her entertained when I need to do work. I suppose this is a struggle that all work-at-home moms with small children go through, but I bet it's also true for moms with housework to do, bills to pay, papers to write, and so on.
Balcony artist at workThere have been a few weeks this summer when Papa Koala was out of town and I was trying to manage everything on my own. During these times, I literally relied on DVD's and Nick Jr. to "babysit" my daughter when I needed to focus on work. It was almost too easy. I'd turn on her Word World DVD, and she'd be content for almost an hour without any attention from me. But then she started "asking" for her favorites DVD's, and calling out names of her favorite TV show characters. I decided that I needed to find other alternatives before this became a habit.
I have nothing against TV for toddlers. In fact, I think it's healthy for moms like me to have a half hour to myself without interruption. I also love how educational some shows are. But Baby Koala's was watching over an hour a day, and I didn't want her getting hooked at such a young age. After some trial and error, here are a few TV alternatives that have worked for us:
- MUSIC: I found a 3-CD set of "150 Toddler Hits" for $4.99 in the bargain box at a local grocery store, and was so pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music. Bottom line is that Baby Koala loves to dance and spin to the music (with or without my company, although of course she loves it when I can join in), and sometimes she'll read books and play with toys while repeating funny sounds from the songs for a good 20 minutes or so.
- FOOD: Ok, so this one obviously can't be used all the time
, but hey, a good snack can keep a toddler occupied for 15 minutes. It has to be something that takes a while to chew, and it helps if there are pieces to break off or play with. For Baby Koala, if it's something she can pick up with a fork, the snack lasts longer. Towards the end of the snack, I give her a sippy cup with juice, and that gives me another few minutes to finish what I'm working on. - BALCONY ART: Not everyone has a balcony, but you can be creative with what you have. We moved a few weeks ago, and I've been thinking of ways Baby Koala could enjoy her new balcony since she loves going outdoors but I can't take her out all the time. So recently, I bought a box of sidewalk chalk for $1.50 (at the same grocery store!) and gave her a few pieces to draw with on the balcony. Surprisingly, she made no protest when I didn't join her, and also didn't care that I closed the screen door after her. I worked on my laptop so I could make sure she was ok (and didn't throw chalk down at people below), and it was perfect! She came to the screen door every 5 minutes or so asking for another color, and in the end, all 15 pieces were used all over the balcony.
This past week, her TV watching has been limited to less than an hour (some days, none!). I hope that I can come up with other ways to keep her content even during the cold weather months.
Can you think of any other TV alternatives that'll keep young children entertained on their own?
- MUSIC: I found a 3-CD set of "150 Toddler Hits" for $4.99 in the bargain box at a local grocery store, and was so pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music. Bottom line is that Baby Koala loves to dance and spin to the music (with or without my company, although of course she loves it when I can join in), and sometimes she'll read books and play with toys while repeating funny sounds from the songs for a good 20 minutes or so.
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Comments (8)
If you don't have a balcony or patio...a chalkboard works just as well. Or a swimming pool filled with plastic balls. I turned a storage closet into a dressup room for my daughter. Also, she is fully entertained with her barbie doll house. Play Dough or the Floam...both are great for my kids...I just put them down mats and tell them to stay on them. Also, my kids love to fold laundry...that takes a few minutes and they don't mind a bit. My daughter enjoys dusting as well. And when all else fails...finding food in fun shapes that they can both make things with and eat...Ex. Cheerios for a head, stick pretzels for a body, a dorito for a dress...etc. You can do the same mixing fruits and veggies.
Great post! As a work-from-home Mom I feel your pain and also don't like the days when my son watches a lot of TV so I can get work done. He really likes to look at books, so often I'll put a pile of books beside us while I sit on the couch with my laptap. He "reads" and I type. I also have a little "office work" kit that he likes. He's only allowed to play with it when I work and he is my little "assistant". I have things in it like pens, rubber stamps, tape, little tablets, old labels or stickers, old "credit cards" that I don't use any more (i.e. grocery store discount cards, expired cards, etc). He loves to sit and do his "office work". He also enjoys play dough, markers, etc.
I dont work from home but theres always things that need to be done around here. And my son is content playing with his cars, or helping me. Either one works for him.
we also used to set up a little wading pool on our balcony.i could cleanthe living room and watch nathaniel right there.he lved it.Another idea is hang some paper up on the rails and let her paint!!!
I get creative with my stepdaughter and set up an obstacle course for her out of sturdy chairs and clothes baskets filled with towels. Since she just started walking, its a great way for her to practice getting up and down. It also helps her with climbing and she really seems to like it.
if your not afraid of her getting messy, you could let her play with chocolate pudding or applesauce in her highchair. You could also find a edible recipie for playdough and let her do that.
Color wonder markers and finger paints are great for younger kids (though they do get pricey). But if you only get them once in a while they are a distracting novelty!