After the trial and error that comes from 10 weeks of lockdown I’ve narrowed down the most successful quiet activities that have kept my toddler and preschooler happy during work calls and cooking prep.
1. Sort pom poms into containers according to colour, number or size. Add in a pair of tongs if you have them and they’ll be busy for a while. This also works with coloured pasta, paper clips, hair bands, you name it.
2. Spraying water on back door (preferably on the outside) and wiping with a cloth. Seriously, mine can’t get enough of this!
3. Fill the sink with water, bring a few toys or utensils and let them at it. We re-enacted the story of Jonah which led to lots of independent free play and interesting variations to the story!
4. Russian dolls. Although I don't understand the fascination, my kids do and that's what counts here!
5. Coloured paper, scissors, glue. It’s a very open-ended activity which lets them run with their imagination. My 4-year-old has made all sorts of vehicles on his own.
6. A more guided version of the above activity to practise cutting skills: strips of paper with straight lines or zig-zags drawn on them for children to cut along. Throw in a plain sheet of paper and glue and they can make their own mosaic! My kids get absorbed in this project.
7. Stickers and blank paper.
8. Sequins, Blu-tack and paper. This needs some fine motor skills, so easier for a preschooler than a toddler.
9. For toddlers: 2 containers, dry lentils/beans/pasta, 1 spoon/scoop.
Simple practical life activities like moving dry ingredients from one container to another keeps my toddler absorbed and feeling a sense of accomplishment. My daughter really concentrates when she’s doing this and will repeat it quite a few times. Also, it’s a great way to practise hand-eye coordination.
10. Play doh, rolling pin and cookie cutters.
11. Blank paper pads. This one’s quite obvious but took me a while to apply! Blank paper = more creativity. Pads = less mess than loose paper. Alternatively, I have a folder to put their art in so the paper accumulation stays under control.
12. TV. Because sometimes we all need a break!
Tips: In cases where you need extra quiet during activities, and your kids are going through the “she pushed me with her toe” “but he looked at me” phase simply seat them further apart from the start. Don’t feel bad, they can bond over other activities when you’re not on the phone! Note, special seating arrangements not required for TV.