Super fun ways to keep the kids busy while you work from home

There’s nothing more stress-inducing than a video chat with a colleague or customer, only to have your toddler or preschooler burst in demanding some attention. Of course, most people are sympathetic, these are, after all, strange times, but if you’re trying to get your work done on time and look professional, it’s not an easy balance to get right.

Planning ahead and creating plenty of playtime options for your children to keep them occupied is the most effective way to work from home without (too many) interruptions. So, with this in mind, I’ve gathered some super fun ways to keep the kids busy while you work from home. Remember, some of these will require a little supervision or require you to be in the same room. Read on to find out more.

Colouring and activity sheets

If you want them to have something new to try every single day, then printing off an array of colouring sheets starring their favourite characters or age-appropriate activity sheets while you make that important phone call will keep everyone happy. If you need ink for your printer, don’t worry you’ll find a selection of the best Epson cartridges here, so make sure you stock up, so you don’t run out! You’ll find plenty of colouring pages and activity sheets for free online, all you need to do is download and print off as many as you like!

Toy wash time!

This one is simple, although if you have younger children you’ll need to supervise and be present in the room if they’re playing with water. Gather a selection of their plastic toys (nothing with batteries or electronic parts), fill up a bowl with a shallow amount of water, give them a sponge or cloth and they’ll spend at least an hour cleaning all their favourite toys! You could even make it a bath for their fashion dolls, a traditional car wash for their cars and trucks or let their dinosaurs make a big splash! Just remember to put down plenty of towels.

Cereal necklaces

Again, some supervision required here. This one is easy, and great fun. All you need a bowl of hoop-shaped cereal, a clean shoelace or cord and tie a knot in the end. Your little one will love threading the cereal onto the thread, and then eating their creation – or simply eating the hoops. Either way, it will certainly keep them entertained and boost their fine motor skills while you catch up on some paperwork.

Hire them as a cleaner

There’s nothing little ones love more than to copy their grownups, so why not make it into a game? Provide your little ones with some clean sponges, a broom, cloth or dry mop and ask them to clean up areas of your home. Obviously, avoid cleaning fluids and bleach. They’ll love being a grown-up, and you’ll get some cleaning done around the house!

Final thoughts…

Putting together a schedule of activities, one-on-one time and time set aside to complete your work tasks, you and your children will both enjoy your time spent together at home. Give these activities a try!

What are your top tips for keeping your kids busy while you work from home?