Take a fresh look at your space.
Where can your newly mobile child have a safe space to explore with boundaries?
Or how about agiant play pen?
(It also comes in beige if you are not a fan of the circus color scheme.)
Is your yard enclosed?
Many work-at-home parents let their kids explore nature while they sit in the shade with a laptop.
(The backyard is also a great place to spend the early days of potty-training!)
It might be the only way you get him nap some days.
High chairsare good for more than just snacks and meals.
Set your kiddo up with some art supplies, play doh, or blocks.
For as long as I could, I took a big comfyjogging strollereverywhere.
With a snack and a few toys on hand, a stroller can buy you a few quiet minutes.
A toddler harness.You know, the little backpack with what could be called a leash attached?
Listen, I have a runner.
Second, re-channel their energy
Developmentally,toddlers crave both novelty and routine.
For example, in the afternoon, my daughter expects some kind of sensory play.
This is great for me because she will be occupied for a nice chunk of time.
I keep things novel by switching out the components.
Oursensory binis stocked with paper grass, beans, pasta, cotton balls, and kinetic sand.
Some days she plays with scoops and spoons, sometimes trucks and dinosaurs.
Manyhousehold itemscan entertain a little one while you get things done nearby.
They learn that Mommys professional fulfillment is also important, and they develop skills like patience and independence.
Maybe your child needs to burn off some energy before they settle down for a quiet activity.
Give her a full-body fidget toy like theBilibo.
Set up a pillow obstacle course to build balance and gross motor skills.
If hes bouncing off the walls and furniture, why not redirect that bouncing to atoddler trampoline?
Have a dance party!
Several moms told me they have rules for wrangling multiple children once they are out of the car.
you’ve got the option to also use visual cues to teach your child whats off limits.
Eventually, he learned not to cross the lines.
Even with the most careful childproofing, kids are crafty and adults can be forgetful.
Use Mr. Yuk stickers and otherPoison Controlresources to mark unsafe substances and areas of your home.
Poison control has even developededucational materials just for toddlers and preschoolers.
Almost every toddler will test boundaries, throw tantrums, and climb the walls with no fear of falling.
