Diaper Swappers

Leiiki · 10-30-2012, 01:31 PM

Quiet things that work for DD:
Cooking with "Slime" and various cookie cutters, rollers, etc. (http://pinterest.com/pin/62487513549835892/)
Building with duplo/legos or wooden blocks
Matching colored pom poms or pipe cleaners on a tray
Beading/Lacing cards
Musical Instruments (we have a whole bin)

And, in desperate times, videos of herself on the iPhone or computer are super-entertaining.

One thing to think about: what is he *trying* to do? If he wants to draw on things, art activities would be a good diversion. If he likes to hit things, playing with a drum set of spoons and old pots would work better. If he's eating things he isn't supposed to, you could try having him pretend to cook for you and the older kids (so at least he brings you his "food" ideas), or you could let him prepare a real snack like breaking up celery stalks or plucking grapes into a bowl.

cedavid2011 · 10-30-2012, 03:39 PM

Something I do with my 2 year old is have the older ones take turns reading to her or playing something with her. That also helps me have one-on-one time with the child I'm doing school with. We try to stick to about 15-20 minutes per subject/lesson so it fits with young attention spans.

percussionsmith · 10-31-2012, 10:20 PM

Big thanks for this thread!

Stickers have been a big hit here for the little guy (also 2), crafting at my feet, sensory box, drawing with dry erase crayons, cups of beans, beads, rice, noodles.

Nightowl Jan · 10-31-2012, 10:45 PM

My daughter loves to button and unbutton toggle buttons, do zippers, unvelcro pockets and put stuff in them. You could find jackets with these features and give him a pile of things to do... I sewed a busy blanket with that stuff on it.

Also, a treasure hunt is fun with treats like pretzels, crackers, cheddar bunnies, etc...

Fridge magnets

I have a low cupboard with all the kids plastic stuff and tupperware, sometimes I'll open it and tell her to play with the stuff and she'll empty it all out and put it back....(just make sure you sweep and mop first)

Those shopping carts for kids are fun if you place the pretend (or real) groceries around the house.

*Willow* · 11-01-2012, 07:41 AM

Very helpful thread! I have had the same question for my 2yr old, and soon my newest bambino will be in the playful boat during learning time.

10-30-2012, 01:31 PM	#11
Leiiki Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: WI Posts: 4,469 Ratings: 40 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Need ideas to keep a 2 year old busy Quiet things that work for DD: Cooking with "Slime" and various cookie cutters, rollers, etc. (http://pinterest.com/pin/62487513549835892/) Building with duplo/legos or wooden blocks Matching colored pom poms or pipe cleaners on a tray Beading/Lacing cards Musical Instruments (we have a whole bin) And, in desperate times, videos of herself on the iPhone or computer are super-entertaining. One thing to think about: what is he trying to do? If he wants to draw on things, art activities would be a good diversion. If he likes to hit things, playing with a drum set of spoons and old pots would work better. If he's eating things he isn't supposed to, you could try having him pretend to cook for you and the older kids (so at least he brings you his "food" ideas), or you could let him prepare a real snack like breaking up celery stalks or plucking grapes into a bowl. __________________ Wife to my best friend , SAHM to DD1 (4/15/10) and DD2 (5/16/13) ISO YYMN Trades, Squirrels, Sushi, JJB Toki Perky Accesories

10-30-2012, 03:39 PM	#12
cedavid2011 Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 295 Ratings: 16 Feedback: 100%	Re: Need ideas to keep a 2 year old busy Something I do with my 2 year old is have the older ones take turns reading to her or playing something with her. That also helps me have one-on-one time with the child I'm doing school with. We try to stick to about 15-20 minutes per subject/lesson so it fits with young attention spans. __________________ Corrie, a country girl married to her city boy best friend, David, since 2002. Homeschooling mama to DJ (9), Natalee (8), Mason (6), Amelia (4), Eloriana (2), and Ryah-Grace (1).

10-31-2012, 10:20 PM	#13
percussionsmith Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 4,172 Ratings: 204 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Need ideas to keep a 2 year old busy Big thanks for this thread! Stickers have been a big hit here for the little guy (also 2), crafting at my feet, sensory box, drawing with dry erase crayons, cups of beans, beads, rice, noodles. __________________ Lisa, Wife to Kenny, Mommy to Miah and Z. Handcrafted Toys and Nursing Necklaces.

10-31-2012, 10:45 PM	#14
Nightowl Jan Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: wisconsin Posts: 2,299 Ratings: 31 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	My daughter loves to button and unbutton toggle buttons, do zippers, unvelcro pockets and put stuff in them. You could find jackets with these features and give him a pile of things to do... I sewed a busy blanket with that stuff on it. Also, a treasure hunt is fun with treats like pretzels, crackers, cheddar bunnies, etc... Fridge magnets I have a low cupboard with all the kids plastic stuff and tupperware, sometimes I'll open it and tell her to play with the stuff and she'll empty it all out and put it back....(just make sure you sweep and mop first) Those shopping carts for kids are fun if you place the pretend (or real) groceries around the house. __________________ Night Jan

11-01-2012, 07:41 AM	#15
Willow Registered Users Formerly: MadreJoyce Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: WNC.. By The Fire Posts: 2,466 Ratings: 130 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Need ideas to keep a 2 year old busy Very helpful thread! I have had the same question for my 2yr old, and soon my newest bambino will be in the playful boat during learning time. __________________ Willow <3Wife& HS'ing<3Mom of 4, CNA, MA, Birth Doula, Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. -Psalm 90:2 NLV