So, getting anything done with a toddler isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I’ve seen all the funny videos out there of a toddler walking in the parent’s path essentially “undoing” everything they had just “done.” Yup. Happens here too. I was recently asked how I remain productive, yet still present, when I have so much to do at home with a toddler running around. My initial, don’t-think-just-answer response was, “I don’t.” After thinking about it a little more though, I came up with a few ways that I am able to do so, not perfectly, but somewhat effectively, and thought I’d share them with you today….
1. Enlist The Help: Of your toddler that is…. I know, sounds a little counterintuitive to being productive… yet it’s really helpful in being present and getting some stuff done. I like to have Harper help with things she oddly loves doing…. taking clothes out of the washer and transferring them to the dryer…. putting things (i.e. towels) back in drawers…. and vacuuming. Vacuuming is her favorite (always supervised, of course). We recently bought this Dyson Total Clean Vacuum from eBay and we couldn’t be happier. A reader recently mentioned to me the amazing pair of Madewell jeans she snagged from the site, and since we were in the market for a new vacuum (you don’t even want to know what we were using before….), we decided to check out eBay’s promotion of the line (it’s up to 50% off all Dyson products, be sure to check it out). I snagged this heavy duty baby and it’s pretty amazing (can’t you tell by little miss’ face??). I was able to purchase it via the “Buy It Now” option (by the way, 81% of all merchandise sold on eBay is new and available with the “Buy It Now” option, meaning no bidding necessary!), it shipped for free (like 69% of all items on eBay), and because eBay has a money back guarantee, I clicked purchase with confidence…. I also snagged these leggings + pullover combo for a better price than in store…..
Back to enlisting the help of your toddler. I recently read that toddlers who help with chores (I don’t mean they have actual chores… just help here and there with picking things up….) develop a higher sense of confidence, increase their gross + fine motor skills, and it helps them learn to work well with others. Sold.
2. Schedule: I try to have a format to my days when I am staying home with Harper (actually, I have one for everyday). If there is something I need to do without interruption (write a post, return e-mails, etc…) I do that during her nap time (or, for older kiddos, during “quiet time.”). That way I don’t feel “guilty” sitting at my computer, or on my phone, while Harper is asking me to build blocks (yet again….).
3. Mini Breaks: Let’s say I don’t have the luxury of waiting until mid-afternoon to do those “must complete” items (i.e. a deadline that needs to be met sooner rather than later….) then I do “mini breaks.” I spend 15 minutes playing with Harper and then let her know that I need some time to do something. I then give her something to do, or ask her to do something (i.e. “Can you color that spot in for me??”)…. or I have her watch a small segment of her favorite television show. That usually ensures no interruptions. Then, I touch base with her every couple of minutes, to chat about the show, before returning to what I have to get accomplished.
In the end, it’s likely that no situation is perfect, but, at least one of the three options ensures you’re trying to be as present as possible with your little one. Trying is always the key word… because we can’t always be perfect mommas!
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(Post Details || Leggings | Pullover (more deals here) | Sneakers | Vacuum | Bohemian Pouf (and more options) | Rug (other beautiful options) | Tipi (beautiful similar options) | Giraffe | Pink + White Storage Pin)
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