How Do I Keep My 2 Year Old Busy?

I have a very active 2 year old who never seems to slow down so I definitely understand the question, ‘How do I keep my 2 year old busy?’ because I’ve asked myself the same thing more than once.

It has become particularly difficult to entertain our toddlers now that we’re stuck at home because of Coronavirus.

In today’s post, we’re going to be looking at how to keep a two year old busy at home so that they can be distracted long enough for us to actually accomplish anything.

Let’s get started:

How To Keep A Two Year Old Busy

1. Give Them A Job

One of the best ways to keep a toddler busy is to give them a job they can handle.

Lately, I’ve noticed that my toddler is always present when I’m in the kitchen preparing dinner.

She looked so interested in what I was doing that I decided to involve her in some of the activities.

For example, I ask her to help me set the table she does it so enthusiastically that I don’t have the heart to tell her that she’s doing it wrong 😂.

I try to motivate her as much as possible any time she’s doing a task so she knows that I value her help.

2. Give Them An Important Mission

Whenever I want to do some work and I need my two year old distracted for a while, I give her a task and make it up to be a huge deal so that she’ll be completely dedicated to the task.

For example, I may ask her to watch our Pitbull ‘Rusty’ so he doesn’t get into the kitchen cabinets.

Since she loves the dog to death, she’s willing to take up this ‘important’ mission so that he doesn’t get in trouble with me.

As she’s doing her mission, I can concentrate on my job but I make sure to check up on her every once in a while.

Embrace Screen Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that screen time for toddlers, ages 2 to 5, should be limited to just 1 hour a day of “high-quality programming.”

I try to limit screen time as much as possible because it’s not good for her, but I still use it once in a while when I’ve completely run out of ideas.

I also try to put on some educational shows so that she can learn something in the process.

She only gets 1 hour of screen time every day so I try to make the best use of that time to do my other chores.

3. Give Them Creative Toys

I’ve found that there are some toys that engage a child’s mind more than others.

For example, a puzzle will keep her busy and engaged for hours whereas she’ll be bored of her teddy bear in a couple of minutes.

Such toys are also beneficial because they improve cognitive ability.

4. Set A Schedule

Children thrive with routine and structure, and that’s what your toddler needs right now.

It helps to have a set routine where you set aside time for playing, reading, watching television, sleeping, etc.

You need to avoid straying from the routine/schedule because you want to get your toddler used to it as much as possible.

I use the Khan Academy Schedule for school closures and it’s been a Godsend.

5. Use Boredom Busters

It’s inevitable that your toddler will be bored at some point because of being indoors all day.

That’s why you have to get creative.

For example, you can design a treasure hunt where you hide something like a toy and leave various clues to help her find it. This will keep them occupied for some time.

If possible, let them try some easy DIY crafts that they can enjoy.