Children demand a lot of attention, and at first it's a warm feeling knowing that your toddler is always running to you in their time of need. But let's face, we don't always have the time they demand. We need to get things done and sometimes need our children to find something to keep themselves busy.

We need to introduce something to our children that they will be interested in, and most of the time they are interested in what we are doing. For example, when we're on the cell phone, they want to hold the cell phone. If we are in the kitchen making dinner, they want to help.

Through the years raising 3 children, I've come up with 10 ways that I have been able to keep my children busy, so I can get things done. Granted, they are toddlers and still need to be watched, but it will keep them busy long enough so you can get things done.

Introduce play animals. Play animals have been a long time favorite for all my children. They come in different shapes and sizes and most of the time they come in an assorted set so it will keep them busy longer.

Tupper ware. Tupper ware is great for stacking, building, examining. They also like the different shapes and sizes.

Colored Medium Size Balls. Balls are great because they never stop moving which will keep your child focused on watching them move.

Laundry Basket. There are plenty of times when I find my toddler sitting in a laundry basket after we finished putting clothes away. Most of the time he'll be playing with a toy while he's in there.

Wooden Spoons. We have an assortment of wooden spoons that my son plays with. He'll mimic my wife and pretend to be cooking.

Old Cell Phone. Old cell phones that have been disconnected but still work have always been at hit with my children as well as my nieces and nephews. Be aware that 911 still works on phones that have been disconnected.

Remote Control. Children love to play with these. They focus on the little light that flashes each time they press the buttons. Just remember to keep the remote out of range from your electronics.

Books. Books are a great way to introduce your child to reading. The books with the cardboard like pages and big pictures work best.

Cardboard Box. All of my children, when they were toddlers were more interested in the box that their presents came in. My wife and I used to joke around and say "next year we'll give them a cardboard box for Christmas".

Plastic Container with Change. I have to give credit to my father in law for this one. He took a plastic jar, like the kind you get from peanut butter, and dropped some spare change inside and sealed the lid. I know it's a noise maker, but it does keep your toddler busy.

I hope you can use some of my ways to keep your toddler busy. And once again, they are toddlers so they still need to be watched, but at least they will be occupied.

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