Originally posted on https://www.16bitdad.com/blog/how-to-keep-toddlers-busy-5-parenting-hacks-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner/

When you’re a parent, one of the most important things to know is how to keep toddlers busy so you can get things done. These 5 parenting hacks will help.

After a night of little sleep due to your little angel waking up throughout the night, your creativity might not be at its highest. Trying to figure out how to keep toddlers busy can feel like a full-time task.

Cleaning the house? Unlikely.

If you feel like you’re overwhelmed and your toddler doesn’t have anything to do, we can help. Continue reading this article to learn the best ways of keeping toddlers busy.

THE 411 ON HOW TO KEEP TODDLERS BUSY

We’re glad to be the creative part of your brain today. Use these following tips to make your life easier.

1. SING-ALONGS

Kids love sing-alongs like the farmer in the dell and Disney songs. You don’t have to have sing-along DVDs anymore since you can easily find their favorite songs on YouTube. Put them on the TV and watch your little one dance around and sing while you get things done.

2. PAINTING

You might be wide-eyed and afraid at the mention of paint but there are ways to keep the paint mess to a minimum. Toddlers love to create art their own way and most of the time, they like to put their art on their bodies. Since toddlers get excited to put art on their bodies, why not let them?

Put them on a light-colored tarp with some skin safe paint and let them go to town. They’ll love the feel of the paint as well as all the colors.

3. SMALL POOL OR TUB OF WATER

If you don’t want to go for the paint, try something a little cleaner — water. Water can allow you to have hours of free time while your toddler is by your side playing in the water.

Get some little floating toys that can join in the fun and you’re all set. You can even get special seats to put in the tub or pool so that your little one is able to splash around without sliding all over if they want to sit still.

4. EDIBLE GOO

Toddlers love to put everything in their mouths. You look over and their toes are likely in their mouths. You don’t want them to suck on toys — but what are you going to do?

Create some edible goo and allow them to play with it and they can eat it too without it hurting them.

5. TUBES & TINY TOYS

Paper towel rolls are a great tube to use for your toddlers. Tape the tube to the wall and allow them to drop their little plastic toys down the tube. It’s fun and you’re recycling.

LEARN MORE PARENTING HACKS

These tips about how to keep toddlers busy are just the beginning. We have many other great parenting hacks that you can learn throughout our site. Even one helpful tip can change your life as a parent.

Browse our site, find your favourite section, drop a bookmark and come back soon for more great reads.