Kids have curious minds and boundless energy.  They are always in search of something to do, and they ask seemingly endless questions.  This is a natural part of growing up, but sometimes it makes us as parents wish there was a switch we could flip to turn them off, just for a little while.

It can be difficult to get all the housework done, take care of the kids’ basic needs, and have a little time alone or with your significant other.  And when the kids are constantly seeking your attention, it makes it even harder.  You might be tempted to sit them down in front of the TV or pop in a video game to quiet them down for a while.

Television and video games are not inherently bad.  In fact, if used properly, they can be educational.  The problem is that parents tend to overuse them, and they may not monitor the shows the kids are watching or the games they are playing closely enough.  So while it’s fine to let the kids watch TV or play video games on occasion, these things should not be used as babysitters.

There will be times when you need to get something done and the kids won’t leave you alone long enough to do it.  But instead of taking the easy route and telling them to watch TV or play a video game, consider pointing them in the direction of something more mentally stimulating.  There are plenty of activities that can keep them occupied while engaging their minds.  These include:

• Drawing or coloring
• Playing card games or board games
• Playing with Play-Doh
• Making crafts

Another idea is to give them chores to keep them busy.  If they have chores that they haven’t done yet, suggest that they go ahead and get them over with.  If they’ve done all their chores, offer them extra allowance to do some extra work around the house.  This will accomplish two things:  It will help you out, and it will give them something to do while you are busy.

If your kids will hear of nothing but you spending some time with them, see if you can rearrange your schedule a little to accommodate them.  Maybe you could do something extra after the kids go to bed, or maybe whatever you need to do can wait until tomorrow.  Use the flexibility of a stay at home mom’s schedule to your advantage.

Keeping the kids occupied sometimes seems like an impossible task, but TV and video games are not the answer.  There are lots of other ways to keep them busy until you can get your chores done.  They may take a little more thought than sitting them down in front of a screen, but it is well worth it.