Working from home is a dream—until your kids turn your Zoom call into an unsanctioned episode of WWE SmackDown. If you’re a busy parent juggling work, multiple kids, and a never-ending list of after-school activities, you already know that keeping your kids entertained while you work is a full-time job in itself. Here are some fun, creative, and (mostly) mess-free ways to keep your little bundles of chaos engaged while you get stuff done. Set a timer that they can see for how long they need to wait until they ask you for help.
1. The Magic of Independent Play
Ah, independent play: the unicorn of parenting. It exists, but only if you nurture it like a delicate houseplant. The key is setting up activities that capture your kids' attention long enough for you to answer emails without someone declaring, "I’m bored!" every five minutes.
Examples:
Toy Rotation: Instead of leaving all their toys out all the time, stash some away for when you really need it. Suddenly, their old toys feel like brand-new treasures! Bonus points if you tell them that you are going to donate whatever they don’t play with while you are on your call.
Building Challenges: Give them a mission—"Build a castle for a teddy bear invasion" or "Create the tallest tower that can survive an earthquake (AKA little sibling attack)."
Busy Bins: Fill a bin with puzzles, coloring books, stickers, and playdough. Label it "Mom/Dad’s Work Time Box" so they know it’s their special activity set for when you need to focus.
2. Creative Time (AKA Unleash the Mini-Picassos)
Creativity is a great way to keep kids occupied, and if you're lucky, you might even end up with some new office décor (or at least a few fridge-worthy masterpieces).
Examples:
Crafting Stations: Set up an age appropriate "art attack" station with paper, crayons, stickers, and glue sticks (glitter is a personal choice, but you’ve been warned). Tell them that you want something to hang on the wall or put on your desk. Seed them with inspiring ideas that make them want to please you.
Storytelling Hour: Give them a prompt and let them write or draw a story. Bonus points if they put on a puppet show for you later. Encourage them to come up with the funniest, scariest, adventurist (is that a word?) story to entertain you when you finish your boring work stuff.
3. Interactive Toys & Games (Because Screens Aren't the Only Babysitters)
Toys that keep kids engaged without your direct involvement are worth their weight in gold. Look for ones that require thinking, problem-solving, or hands-on building.
Examples:
LEGO & Magnetic Tiles: Is a $50 lego set an expensive toy or a cheap babysitter? You decide. These are lifesavers for kids who love to build (and destroy). Just make sure it is age appropriate or there is an older sibling there to help.
Puzzle Challenges: Set up a puzzle, treasure hunt, or escape room and challenge them to finish it before your next break. NO HINTS! You can find a variety to print from Etsy. No time? No problem. Tell the kids to set it up for you and get it ready to solve when you are on break. They will love watching you get caught up with all their tricks.
Acting out their favorite movie or show: TV doesn’t have to be just for watching. Tell your kids to act out their favorite scenes by playing Quidditch or casting their favorite spells.
4. Educational Screen Time (Yes, It's Allowed. No Guilt Needed.)
Let’s be real: sometimes, screens are the answer. But choosing educational programs means they’re learning while you work—win-win!
Examples:
Shows That Teach: "Bluey" (for problem-solving), "Wild Kratts" (for animal facts), or "Numberblocks" (for math skills).
Apps That Engage: Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, or Scratch Jr. for early coding fun.
Audiobooks & Podcasts: "Wow in the World" or "Brains On!" turn screen time into audio adventures.
5. The Great Outdoors (aka "Go Run Off Some Energy")
If you have a backyard, patio, or even just a decent-sized hallway, get your kids moving. Tired kids = calm, focused kids. Hopefully, they will be just as exhausted as you when you finish all your work. Not likely, but one can dream!
Examples:
Obstacle Courses: Let them up a mini Ninja Warrior course with frisbees, chairs, and jump ropes.
Play ball: If you are like me, you have literally every sport ball and more than one of some. Now is the time for them to go wild…outside…where you can’t here them at all.
Ride bikes, scooters, skateboards: Ok this is for the older ones.
6. Sibling Collaboration (Or How to Make Them Entertain Each Other)
Siblings can either be your biggest headache or your best allies. The trick? Give them something to do together that doesn’t end in tears (ideally).
Examples:
Co-op Challenges: "Work together to build the longest train track!" or “Work together to make a Rube Goldberg Machine!”
Role-Playing Games: Let them play "school" where the older one teaches the younger one.
Hot and Cold: Have the older one hide the younger ones toys around the house and play hot and cold to help the younger ones find their toys.
Final Thoughts: You Got This! (And If Not, There's Always Snack Bribery)
Keeping kids busy while you work from home is an ongoing experiment. Some days, they’ll be engaged for hours. Other days, you’ll lock yourself in a room with noise canceling head phones and hope for the best. Communicate with them how long you need to work. Setting up a timer that you can point to will help set boundaries. Let them know that you are excited to see what they have been up to while you were focusing on work. Hopefully, they will be ready to impress you when you are done.
Got a genius hack for keeping your kids entertained? Share your tips in the comments! And if you need more survival strategies, check out our other parenting posts.
Now, go forth and (hopefully) work in peace!