Anyone who has kids knows the difficulty of trying to get things done when the children are around. You can have a long list of things to do, but the kids are demanding your attention first. Whether you’re a parent or just a babysitter, you need to get them engaged in something so that you can get on with what you have to do. You don’t want them interrupting you every two seconds, especially if you need to do something important that you’ll do better without distractions. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can get the kids to do on their own, and you shouldn’t have to watch them constantly. 

Photo by ThreeIfByBike

 

Give Them a Job

If you’re busy around the house, one of the best things you can do is get your kids involved. Instead of sitting them out of the way while you get on with it, you can give them some responsibility. Even toddlers can do some simple chores, even if they’re more pretending to them than actually doing a good job. You can get them to do all kinds of easy things, from dusting a table to folding clothes. Think about their age and abilities before you set them a task. Certain activities could help to improve their motor skills, their hand to eye coordination, and other important markers of development.

 

Put on a Movie or TV

One of the easiest things to do is to put on the TV. It’s also often the best choice if you don’t want to have to constantly check on a child. Once a movie or their favorite show goes on, they’re often captivated. If you want to have easy access to anything they can watch, you can do it with a smart TV. Going online from your TV or streaming from your phone allows you to choose just about anything your kids could want to watch. If you use an app like ShowBox, you can find movies to watch whenever you want.

 

Get Out Some Toys

If you’re not keen on putting the kids in front of the TV, you might prefer to get some toys out. They probably have lots of toys they haven’t even played with in a while. However, if you want to engage them more thoroughly, something new might hold their attention for longer. You can give them any kind of toy, from building blocks to doll houses. But if you’re leaving two or more children to play together, it’s a good idea to keep an ear and eye out for any squabbles.

 

Put Some Music On

Music is another entertaining option that some kids will enjoy. Jigging about to their favorite tunes will give them some exercise too. Just make sure you don’t put it on too loud, or it could be bad for their little ears. Depending on their age, you will want to either make sure they can’t reach the controls or show them how to use them, so you don’t have to do it for them.

Sometimes, you need to keep the kids busy so you can be productive. Just remember to check on them now and then to make sure they’re alright.