Keeping Tots Out of Trouble: 27 Fun Things for Toddlers To Do At Home {& Printable}

So I happen to be blessed with a bunch of good friends . . .

who also happen to be mothers of young children.

Very young, as a matter of fact.

Little, little, little.

And so our conversation, quite naturally, often turns to the subject of toddlers and all things related.

Finger foods, potty-training, and throwing tantrums.

You know, that kind of stuff.

Although recently the topic revolved more around how quickly these little guys can get into mischief.

Like lightening fast.

And then my dear mom-friends shared how they feel they’re spending a rather large portion of their day keeping these babies out of trouble and telling their tots, NO.

As in,

NO, don’t touch that.

NO, don’t go there.

And, NO, you can’t do that.

And that’s when my mom-friends asked me, “How about you? Were you constantly chasing after your toddlers and telling them NO?”

At which point I replied, “Well, NO, not really.”

Then here’s what I shared.

It’s best to keep those little hands busy so that they don’t have as much time or opportunity to get into trouble.

Oh yes, raising toddlers requires brilliant strategy and creative thinking (and a whole lot of patience). These little people are smart, they’re quick, and they’re curious.

They are also BUSY.

So the key to toddlers is to keep them busy doing what you want them to do, rather than leaving them to their own imagination. Trust me. 

Keeping Tots Out of Trouble

Now in case you, like my sweet mom-friends, are looking for some fun activities to occupy those darlings at your feet?

I’ve come up with a few tried-and-true ideas for you.

Well, 27 to be exact.

You might notice that a number of them shockingly resemble chores and you may question why work would be on a list for tiny people who can barely walk.

But you know what I noticed early on? These children – starting at the youngest age – love to help. They want to learn how to do things. They also want to be given a bit of responsibility.

And, above all, they want to be with you and do what you’re doing.

So here are some fun ways to do just that . . . .

27 Fun Things For Toddlers To Do At Home

1.      Arrange the silverware drawer. It might not be easy for you to let go of your desire for perfectly arranged cutlery but, believe me, it’s worth it.

2.     Plant flower or vegetable seeds/starts. You might be surprised at the hours spent watching those seedlings come up out of the dirt. *Bonus: So many good lessons can be taught with this simple visual. 

3.     “Wash” dishes in soapy sink. Invest in a few unbreakables from the Thrift Store and let them have at it!

4.     Read library books. Come home from the local library with arms full of brightly colored and interesting books to pour over. *Don’t forget the non-fiction section. Some of the best are here: books on animals and plants and bugs are fascinating!

5.     Play in the sprinkler. No explanation necessary.

6.     Set the table with spoons and napkins. They might be slow to start off, but they’ll be experts at setting the table by the time they’re five! You’ll be so glad too….

7.      Blow bubbles. This can provide entertainment for a ridiculous amount of time.

8.      Eat popsicles in the backyard.  Although you might have to hose them off afterward.