My kids also stay strangely entertained by looking out our window: a school bus parked on the street, garbage trucks driving by, the bunny living in our backyard named Hippity Hop eating the clover. It something that keeps them occupied and on the hunt! That’s why I created a scavenger hunt for the Mall of America, so I could get a good walk in on rainy or snowy days and keep my kids happy. “I Spy” is a popular game in our house, at store, on walks, etc. Yes, my kids watch TV/play on the iPad, trust me! And yes, they know how to entertain themselves, but that doesn’t mean they’re always willing! Sometimes I just need a screen-free activity that will captivate their attention and keep them somewhat quiet for a while.

So I work when they’re happily unconscious.īut sometimes, there’s something I need to get done ASAP, and need the kids to give me a few minutes to be productive without interruptions. When they sense productivity happening they need every question EVER answered IMMEDIATELY, they need you to grab something in their closet, wipe their bottom, get them something to drink, button their pants, turn a toy’s sound on, turn a toy’s sound off, teach them to spell their name, explain why choking is bad, explain why breathing is necessary, explain what death is, draw an owl for them, read a book, and that’s just in the first 15 minutes of you trying to work. I do my absolute best to NOT work when they’re awake because kids have this sixth sense called “productivity.” Children know when it’s bath time because they use their senses: they hear the water running, they can see it pouring, they can touch the warm water.Īnd whenever a mom is trying to be productive, kids can not only sense it, but it’s like catnip to them. Most days I wake up at 5:15am to get some work in before they’re up at 7am, squeeze in some more during naps/quiet time, and finish it up (if I have the energy) once kids are in bed.

I work from home part-time and my kids stay home with me full-time.

5 senses bingo free