Simple Hacks in Your Everyday Routine To Keep Your Toddler Busy
- Amanda
- Dec 22, 2025
- 6 min read
It took me about 6 months (maybe longer) into my transition to being a stay at home mom to learn this mindset shift that changed my whole outlook on what being a SAHM mom is. It changed everything for me and I love to share this advice when I can.
I essentially needed to shift my mindset from being the full-time activity coordinator and entertainer, to including my kids in my every day life and every day routine. So instead of waiting until naptime to switch or fold the laundry, I'd include them. Instead trying to distract my toddlers when unloading the dishwasher, I include them.
You know how it goes. Toddlers want to be involved in everything. Cooking? They’re there. Cleaning? Suddenly they’re obsessed with wiping off all the fingerprints and stuck-on food from the kitchen walls. Folding laundry? They will absolutely unfold everything you just folded—but with love.
What I learned that was when toddlers feel included, their behavior often improves. Meltdowns lessen, they gain confidence, and their need for your constant attention shifts into feeling like a true helper. It takes more off the coordination of activities off of your plate and it is much easier to feel like you get things done.
The challenge here is that it may not be done perfectly, the way you'd do it on your own or as quickly. But maybe that's the point. Slow down, be present and when you include your kids, they feel connected and a sense of accomplishment.
Not all jobs can be toddler sized ( maybe don't have them mow the lawn just yet). However, these hacks require almost no setup and work beautifully for busy moms who don’t have time to plan elaborate activities (hi, all of us).
1. Give Them Their Own Mini Swiffer or Broom
This is my favorite. Instead of buying those cute, child size cleaning sets. Just get an actual Swiffer and use the lowest setting. This creates:
Instant independence
A real “job” they understand
A surprisingly long stretch of focused play
Try this: Stick a dry cloth on and tell them to look for “crumbs” or “dog hair.” Make it a scavenger hunt.
2. The Magic Sponge Trick
A plain clean/new sponge or microfiber cloth = endless pretend cleaning.
Ways toddlers can use it:
Wipe the cabinets while you cook
Clean the fridge door handles
Wipe fingerprints off the front door
Pretend-clean their toy kitchen
Parent bonus:They think they’re doing a big job. You’re actually getting 3–5 quiet minutes.
3. A Montessori Knife for Little Chefs
If your toddler hangs on your leg at dinner prep, give them their own station.
Use a toddler-safe knife and soft foods like:
Banana
Strawberry
Kiwi
Avocado
Cheese
Steamed veggies
Pro tip: Add a tiny cutting board and one small bowl for “finished pieces.” The contained setup keeps things tidy and predictable. I didn't do this until my toddler turned 3 and I was confident I can watch her nearby.
4. A Low Drawer for Toddler-Friendly Kitchen Items
Create a single drawer or cabinet with:
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Snack containers
A little sponge
Now they can help:
Set their own place at the table
Get their own bowl during breakfast
Help unload the dishwasher (plastic items only)
This gives them a sense of ownership and dramatically reduces whining during mealtime transitions. I cleared out one cabinet in my kitchen that doesn't have a child-proof lock.
5. The Sink Pouring Station
If your toddler must be involved in dishes, turn it into controlled play.
Setup:
One bowl
A little cup
A splash of water
A towel underneath
They'll pour, transfer, dump, repeat.
Why this works:It taps into their sensory brain and keeps them busy long enough for you to finish real tasks.
6. Laundry Helper Jobs That Toddlers Love
Toddlers are obsessed with laundry. Everytime mind sees a clean pile ready to be folded, she nose-dives in or buries herself. What worked for a few minutes is giving them tiny tasks:
Push the laundry basket
Transfer clothes one handful at a time
Match socks
Close the washer/dryer door
Turn the dryer knob with supervision
Want a bonus activity?Ask them to find all the “baby shirts” or all the “blue socks.” Sorting is a huge developmental skill.
7. A Spray Bottle With Water
If your toddler loves grabbing your real cleaner, give them a bottle filled with plain water.
Things they can clean:
Windows
Chair legs
Toys
The highchair
The front of the dishwasher
Pair it with a cloth and they feel official.
8. Folding Towels the Montessori Way
Show them how to fold:
Washcloths
Bibs
Socks
Dish towels
Toddlers genuinely love folding because the movement is repetitive and calming.
Reminder:It won’t be perfect and that's okay. It keeps them busy while you are doing other laundry and creating connection and good habits.
9. Let Them Help With the Pets
If you have pets, this is an easy daily routine to involve them in.
Toddlers can:
Carry the bowl
Pour pre-measured food
Help brush the dog
Add treats into a puzzle feeder
These tiny tasks build empathy and responsibility.
10. The Helper Tower = Your Best Friend
You don’t need a fancy learning tower, but I did a lot of research and ended up loving this one ( bonus, it turns into a small table too). But, any stable step stool works.
Use it for:
Stirring pancake mix or flour
Adding pre-measured ingredients
Helping rinse produce
Pre veggies ( Bella loves peeling garlic)
Filling their own cup from the fridge dispenser
Suddenly the kitchen becomes a bonding space instead of a danger zone.
11. The Toddler Item Delivery System
Toddlers LOVE carrying things. A simple basket or canvas tote can become:
The “mail bag”
The “laundry delivery bag”
The “toy delivery bag”
Tell them you need a letter (or a bill) delivered to Dad. Or have them take clean towels to the bathroom.
12. The Grocery Helper Bag
Whether you’re unloading groceries or doing a quick delivery order unpack, toddlers can:
Carry one item at a time
Put fruit into a fruit bowl
Place yogurt cups in the fridge
Help carry snack boxes to the pantry
Make it fun: Say, “Find all the red items!” or "recycle this box" and let them do it on their own.
13. A Shoe & Coat Independence Station
Set up a small area with:
A low hook for their coat
A basket for socks
A spot for shoes
Now they can:
Get ready to go
Help you clean up after coming home
Practice basic life skills
Now our kids remind US to immediately take our socks and shoes off when we enter the house.
14. The Bedtime Reset Routine
Sometimes you're just surviving bedtime. But the advice of creating a routine ( bath, lotion book etc...) and have something predictable helps. Toddlers can also help prepare the room:
They turn on the sound machine
They choose a book
They close the blinds
They help “tuck in” stuffed animals
It gives them control during a time of day when a lot is happening to them.
15. Let Them Water Plants
A small watering can = endless entertainment.
Let them be in charge of:
One houseplant
One outdoor pot
Or misting leaves with a spray bottle
Toddlers love routine jobs they can “own.” We do this for both indoor and outdoor plants
16. Let Them Help Take Out Recycling
Supervised, of course.
Toddlers can:
Carry cardboard pieces
Put cans in the bin
Close the lid loudly (their favorite part)
This one feels like such a big-kid activity to them.
The Secret to Toddler Participation
This is probably more difficult for you than for them. Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s not about getting things done faster. It’s about letting them be part of your world in a way that builds confidence and connection.
These tiny everyday moments turn into life skills.
Final List: Toddler Jobs They Can Help With Today
Wiping surfaces
Sweeping with a mini broom
Watering plants
Cutting fruit
Pouring water
Matching socks
Unloading plastic dishes
Stirring ingredients
Carrying mail
Feeding pets
Putting groceries away
Cleaning windows
Folding washcloths
Setting the table
