I don't know about you, but the most challenging part of my day seems to be when I am trying to make dinner. It's the time of day that everyone seems to need my attention and I'm just trying to get dinner made and on the table!
I finally realized that the easiest way to survive this "witching hour" is to set up a QUICK AND EASY ACTIVITY to keep the kids occupied while I cook. But the activity needs to be low mess, easy set-up, and not too consuming (because they won't want to leave the activity when dinner is finally ready if the activity is too exciting!)
Here are some of the best activities I found that accomplish the task with the perfect balance:
1. Pasta Threading (Laughing Kids Learn)
Prep this activity right before you prep your food. It will keep them busy the entire time-guaranteed!
4. Straws and Cheese Container (Sugar Aunts)
I finally realized that the easiest way to survive this "witching hour" is to set up a QUICK AND EASY ACTIVITY to keep the kids occupied while I cook. But the activity needs to be low mess, easy set-up, and not too consuming (because they won't want to leave the activity when dinner is finally ready if the activity is too exciting!)
Here are some of the best activities I found that accomplish the task with the perfect balance:
This simple activity just requires large pasta noodles, straws, and play dough (if you're looking for a great play dough recipe, check this one out)
2. Rubber Bands and a Soup Can (Hands on as we Grow)
So simple, yet I've seen my boys play with rubber bands for a good 10 minutes. Add in the challenge of stretching them around soup cans and you've got the perfect activity to keep your tots busy while you cook.
3. Foil and Toys (Munchkins and Moms)
Prep this activity right before you prep your food. It will keep them busy the entire time-guaranteed!
4. Straws and Cheese Container (Sugar Aunts)
Easy fine motor practice with objects easily found in your kitchen.
5. DIY Drum Set (The Iowa Farmer's Wife)
What kid doesn't love banging spoons on pots and pans? Give them several objects found around the kitchen to explore a variety of sounds!
6. Oil and Water Discovery Bottle (Play Trains)
A clean jar from the recyclables, plus oil, and water makes an interesting activity for toddlers to explore. Add in food coloring and knick-knack toys for more interest!
7. Scooping and Pouring Beans (Munchkins and Moms)
Tip: Use a clean formula scooper to practice fine motor/wrist development in this simple activity!
If you don't have a formula scooper, try measuring spoons like these fun ones by Little Tikes.
8. Pom-Poms and Recyclable Containers (The Imagination Tree)
Bonus points if you can add in kid safe tweezers or a small scooping spoon with this activity! (These ones from Melissa and Doug are seriously so fun!) Challenge older toddler to organize each container by color or make color patterns.
9. Sorting Cutlery (Chasing Cheerios)
We love offering our munchkins metal cutlery similar to these. The weight is more interesting for them to hold and gets thrown less often. And my munchkins just LOVE helping me sort the cutlery whenever they get the chance!
10. Muffin Tin and Baby Food Lids (Munchkins and Moms)
Another simple activity, but just watch how your tot will spend time clanking and organizing these lids into the muffin tray.
These activities should provide plenty of novelty and entertainment while giving you time to make dinner :-) Do you have a favorite activity for this time of day? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!
Don't leave now! Check out these other recommended posts:
Looking for more everyday activities for your munchkins? Follow me on Pinterest for more easy to implement ideas for your tots!