We’ve all had those days—perhaps you stayed out a little too late on Saturday night, or you woke up feeling under the weather and just want to curl up in bed for a few hours. As a mom expecting my second child, I can relate. Mustering the energy to chase after my rambunctious 15-month-old feels like climbing a mountain! In an ideal world, I’d set her up with a cozy spot in front of the TV, but alas, she’s not one for sitting still.
So, in the spirit of creativity (and a bit of laziness), I’ve come up with some fun, low-energy activities to keep even the most energetic toddlers entertained. And the best part? Dressing up these activities with fancy names makes them sound way more exciting! Here’s my list of toddler-approved fun for when you’re running on empty:
1. Mini Movie Magic; Time Spent: 10 minutes
There’s nothing quite like watching videos of herself to keep my daughter entertained. Now that she can pause and swipe through my phone’s gallery, I’ve added some catchy Elmo tunes to the mix. Pediatricians recommend limiting screen time, but I promise, a quick 10 (okay, maybe 30) minutes of fun won’t hurt anyone!
2. Treasure Hunt in the Trash; Time Spent: 10 minutes
You’d think we spent a fortune on her playroom, but guess what? She’s more interested in playing with…garbage! Yup, that’s right—empty tissue boxes filled with crumpled paper are her new favorite toys. If you’re feeling particularly lazy (no judgment here!), you can even use your purse as a treasure chest. Just remember to check for choking hazards!
3. Nature’s Snack Bar; Time Spent: 10 minutes
If you’re craving some greasy pizza or disco fries and want a few extra moments to enjoy, try this simple game. Crumble up some bread or chips into tiny pieces and scatter them on your toddler’s high chair tray. Watch as they take their sweet time munching on every little crumb. Repeat as you please!
4. Laundry Day Fun; Time Spent: 3-5 minutes
Why put away laundry when you can turn it into playtime? Leave a basket of clean clothes out and let your little one “play house.” If laundry isn’t available, an open drawer can serve the same purpose. Just keep an eye out (preferably while reclining) to ensure tiny fingers don’t get pinched!
5. The Ultimate Sleep Investment; Time Spent: As long as possible!
Ever thought about how much you’d pay for an extra hour of sleep? This is where reinforcements come in! Don’t hesitate to hire a babysitter after a wild night out. Look for someone who’s not likely to join in on your Sunday struggles, so you can catch up on that precious rest.
Remember, it’s all about survival mode sometimes, and a little creativity goes a long way! For more tips on navigating parenthood, check out some of our other posts, like this one on home insemination, or explore resources like Make a Mom for expert insights. And for additional information on pregnancy, ASRM is an excellent resource.
In summary, when you find yourself in need of some entertaining ideas for your little one while you’d rather be snoozing, remember these five creative solutions. They might just save your day (and your sanity)!