How to Keep Kids Occupied While You Work

Kids are a blessing; they are a constant source of inspiration and bring us much joy. However, if you have children at home (especially young ones) getting some work done can be challenging at times. There may be days when it seems like, just when you're in the middle of something crucial, your little one decides it's time to go to the potty, throw a tantrum or ask a litany of questions that begins with the word "why." So, how can you work while keeping your kids happily occupied? Here are some suggestions:

Infants - Toddlers

• Make sure your baby has been fed, bathed and dressed in comfortable clothes before you sit down to work.

• Place your baby in a crib or a gated play area near your workspace; that way you can still keep an eye on your child while you work.

• Childproof the area where you place your baby. Or better yet, why not childproof your whole house? Make sure there are no items that your baby may trip on or bump into. Remove small items that are choking hazards or sharp objects that can cause injuries. If you place your baby on a crib, don't set it near a wall as she might bump her head on it. If you choose to place her in a gated play area, make sure the equipment is sturdy and free from any damage.

• Give your baby safe, child-friendly toys appropriate for her age. At this age, they will love toys that are colorful, make noises, musical and toys that are touch-sensitive.

• Place your baby's necessities on a table near you, like diapers, baby wipes, clean baby bottles and milk formula. That way you don't have to go to the nursery or run upstairs when your child needs a diaper change or when it's time for feeding.

• Take frequent breaks from what you're doing and spend quality time with your baby. Play with her, sing to her or just plain cuddle. It's very important for young children so feel your loving presence because it makes them feel secured.

Toddlers - Preschoolers

• Make sure your precocious little one has eaten, been bathed and dressed in comfortable play clothes before you start working.

• Place your child in an area where you can keep an eye on her.

• Childproof the area where you place your child. There are many products being sold to help child-proof your home such as door stoppers, socket covers, safety gates, etc. It is wise to invest on these items especially since kids this age are very curious and physically active. Take note that the common household area where accidents often occur are in the bathroom, kitchen, stairs, garage and pool. Make sure the doors leading to these areas are closed, especially when you have to work.

• Give her child-friendly toys appropriate for her age. Toddlers and preschoolers will love toys that are manipulative, colorful, musical and hands-on.

• Place extra sets of clothes, handy snacks and other necessities on a table near you. That way you can change your child's clothes or give her a snack without going to another room.

• Every 30 minutes or so, take a break from your work and spend some quality time with your child. Build a castle out of wooden blocks, finger paint or go out to the yard and play catch. Your children will greatly benefit from the knowledge that even though you're busy, you still take time to play with them

School - Aged Children

• It's not as difficult to get some work done when you have school-aged kids. For one thing, they are more self-sufficient and thus, will need less supervision than younger ones. This is not to say that school-aged children don't need to be supervised. In fact, this is the perfect time to give them chores. Make sure you assign chores that are age-appropriate and as they do their chores, you'll have some time to work on your own tasks.

• Game boards, puzzles and books are also great learning tools for school-aged kids. Make sure you have an assortment of these items in your home so that your child can engross herself on something fun and educational while you work.

• You may also let them watch kid-friendly TV shows or videos which are parent-approved. But don't let them spend too much time in front of the TV; limit their viewing time or make TV time a reward when they've finished their homework and chores.

• Going outside to play with other kids is also a good opportunity for you to get some work done. It is likewise beneficial for kids to be physically healthy and active at this age. Make sure though that you know who your kids are playing with, where they are and that they are supervised by a trustworthy adult. It's important to talk to your child about safety and what to do in certain situations.

• If you have older kids and little ones as well, let the older kids baby-sit the younger ones. Not only will it teach your kids responsibility, it will also be a good bonding moment for siblings.