Tips, Tricks & Toys for Surviving Coronavirus Social Distancing with a Toddler
A list of tips, tricks and activities for encouraging your toddler to play independently so you can get some work done at home during Coronavirus Social Distancing.
I know how tough it’s been the past few weeks trying to navigate our current situation with the Coronavirus quarantine; how hard it is to now be thrown into the homeschool teacher role while trying to work from home and maintain all the other parenting duties that are never ending.
We are all doing the best we can given all the new challenges that seemed to have been thrown at us overnight. I’m living it with all of you too!
My kids are a little older now so with that comes a little more independence but I remember vividly how hard it was to get any work done at home when they were little. I was always looking for ways to foster their independence so I could get some work done.
As we settle into the lifestyle of social distancing I’m sure you are thinking about how you will keep your children busy in the weeks to come. As we navigate through this together, I put together a list of general guidelines and activities/toys that will hopefully help keep your toddler entertained while you attempt to get some work done in your home.
GENERAL TIPS TO SURVIVE SOCIAL DISTANCING WITH A TODDLER
1. LIMIT THE TOYS IN YOUR HOME
The more toys children have, the more they can’t focus on any given one for any length of time. As an Occupational Therapist who has spent many years working with families and young children in the home, this is one of the best ways to boost a child’s attention.
During this global pandemic, less is more!
2. ROTATE TOYS
Put some toys away and start rotating them each week. Your child is bound to play with them for longer periods of time once they haven’t seen them for a while.
Another bonus...you’ll have less to clean up at the end of the long days!
3. BEWARE SMALL PIECES
It is tempting to browse through Pinterest and replicate some of the amazing sensory ideas, but make sure you never leave them unattended with any small pieces.
4. TRY TO MAINTAIN SIGHT (OR HEARING) OF YOUR TODDLER
Just a friendly reminder that while it is great to start allowing your toddler some time each day to play independently, please set up an area where you can view them (either by line of sight or through babycam).
As you already know, toddlers are quick and sneaky!
5. USE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AS NEW TOYS
Ever notice how toddlers love anything that’s not a toy?
Put together a small box with safe household items for your child to explore. The possibilities are endless. More ideas below.
6. SHOW THEM HOW TO PLAY
Children usually can play for a longer period of time after an adult engages in the play with them first. Show them how to engage with the activity and some fun things to do with it. They will be eager to try after watching you have so much fun and then you can slip away for a little while.
7. SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY
If you're lucky enough to have a job with flexible hours, try to schedule meetings and other important calls around your child’s nap schedule. Maybe some other tasks can wait until after an earlier bedtime? I always found that my toddlers were more cooperative after some outdoor movement time so scheduling that first thing in the morning could be helpful.
MY FAVORITE TOYS TO KEEP TODDLERS BUSY
Pound a Ball Toy
Good for strengthening and getting some energy out.
Bath squirters
Fun to use outside the bath too with a shower curtain on the floor.
Foam letters
Pair with a spray bottle of water and they can stick them to a glass door.
Pretend sink
Little ones love water and it can be a very calming activity. Make sure to put some towels down on the floor!
Squigz
I love these little suckers! You can stick them to a table, glass door, floor and each other. The possibilities are endless.
Fat Brain Stacking Toy
So mesmerizing to watch twirl down!
Little Tykes Cash Register
I haven’t met a kid that doesn’t love this. My five year old still plays with it!
Melissa and Doug Water Wow Books
Painting without the mess!
If you have someone handy in the family this one provides hours of entertainment for little hands!
MY FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD PLAY ITEMS FOR TODDLERS
Popsicle stick jar that helps children work on fine motor skills
Plastic tongs
Whisk
Measuring cups
Pots/Pans
Colander with pipe cleaners
Cell phones (remove the batteries)
TV remote (remove the batteries)
Brush/comb
Flashlight
Keys
Colored cups and match colored toys
Stringing fruit loops or pasta onto straws
Hammer golf tees into egg cartons or styrofoam block
Painting with Q tips
Stringing yarn through a piece of cardboard
Blowing cotton balls across a table with a straw
Make-your-own fine motor containers (Oatmeal containers work well)
OTHER TODDLER ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAY
Lego Duplo
Dress Up
Books
Wrap up old toys with wrapping paper
Flashlights
Make your own edible play dough
Build a fort with blankets
Obstacle courses
Highchair messy food play with whipped cream or pudding
Picking up cheerios with big tweezers
Cars with a small bucket of water for a “car wash”
Large knobbed puzzles
Coloring/watercolor painting
Music
Chores (wiping the table, sweeping)
Snack catcher - Make them work to get their snacks out and prolong that snack time!
Toddler busy board DIY - If you have someone handy in the family this one provides hours of entertainment for little hands!
Need more ideas?
I’d love to hear from you about what is working for your “new” at home social distancing schedule. Leave your comments below so we can all learn how to get through this together!