As a mom to a very active 3-year-old, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance household chores with a toddler in tow.

When my daughter was younger, we found ourselves turning on the TV just to buy a few minutes of peace while I folded laundry or washed dishes. But over time, I realized that relying on screens wasn’t the solution I wanted for our family. Instead, I started experimenting with screen-free strategies to keep her engaged while I tackled my to-do list.

We have realized that the secret to giving our kids a very low screen childhood is to build a parenting toolkit that doesn’t just have screens as the fall back, but other options too so screens become the last resort. Here are some of the tips and tricks that have worked for us—and might work for you, too!

Turn Chores into a Game

One of the first things I tried was turning chores into a game. My daughter loves anything that feels like a challenge, so I started asking her things like, “Can you find all the stuffed animals and put them in the basket?” or “Let’s see how many books you can put back on the shelf before I finish washing these dishes!” To my surprise, she loved it.

Involve Her in Simple Tasks

I quickly learned that my daughter loves to feel helpful. One day, while I was folding laundry, she started handing me clothes from the basket. I decided to lean into it and gave her the job of pairing socks. It wasn’t perfect—some of the pairs were definitely mismatched—but she was so proud of herself for helping. Now, she “helps” me with all sorts of tasks, from stirring pancake batter to wiping down the table with a damp cloth. It’s not always efficient, but it’s a great way to keep her engaged while I get things done.

Encourage Independent Play

Independent play has been a game-changer in our house. At first, I wasn’t sure if my daughter would be able to play on her own for more than a few minutes, but with a little encouragement and practice, she’s gotten really good at it. I started by setting up an open-ended prompt for her, like a small train set or a dollhouse, and then stepping back to let her explore on her own. At first, she’d call me over every few minutes, but over time, she’s learned to immerse herself in her play. Now, she can spend up to 45 minutes playing independently, which gives me a much-needed window to tackle chores. Independent play is really like a muscle, the more your kids practice it, the stronger they get at it!

Create a “Busy Box”

One of my favorite discoveries has been the “busy box.” I filled a small plastic bin with random items like stacking cups, stickers, water wow books or other toys that we reserve for this box only. Whenever I need to focus on a task, I pull out the busy box, and my daughter dives right in. I remember one particularly chaotic morning when I was trying to get some urgent emails answered, and she spent a solid 20 minutes sticking pompoms into an empty yogurt container with a pair of tongs.

Set Up a Safe Play Area Near Me

I’ve also found that setting up a safe play area near where I’m working is a game-changer. When I’m in the kitchen, I’ll lay out a few toys or books on the floor nearby. Being close to me seems to make her feel secure, and she’s happy to play independently for a while. Sometimes, I’ll even give her a “mission,” like building the tallest tower she can while I finish making dinner.

Use Music and Movement

Music has been a lifesaver in our house. On days when my daughter has a lot of energy, I’ll turn on her favorite songs and encourage her to dance or march around while I work. One of our favorite games is “freeze dance,” where she has to freeze when the music stops. It’s a great way to burn off some energy, and it keeps her entertained while I tackle my to-do list.

Rotate Toys to Keep Things Fresh

I’ve also learned the value of rotating toys. My daughter has a lot of toys, but if she sees them all the time, she loses interest quickly. Every few weeks, I’ll put some toys away and bring out others that she hasn’t seen in a while. It’s amazing how excited she gets over a toy she hasn’t played with in months.

Offer Open-Ended Play Opportunities

Open-ended toys have been a huge hit in our house. Magnetic tiles, dolls, and art supplies are some of my daughter’s favorites because they allow her to use her imagination.

Narrate My Chores

I’ve also found that narrating what I’m doing helps keep my daughter engaged. When I’m sweeping the floor, I’ll say things like, “Look at all the crumbs going into the dustpan!” or “Can you help me push the button on the washing machine?” She loves feeling involved, and it’s a great way to teach her new words and concepts. Plus, it often leads to funny conversations.

Take Breaks to Connect

Of course, there are days when nothing seems to work, and my daughter just wants my attention. On those days, I’ve learned that taking a short break to connect with her can make a big difference. Even just five minutes of undivided attention—whether it’s reading a book together or playing with her toy animals—can help her feel secure and willing to play independently afterward.

Be Patient and Flexible

Finally, I’ve learned to be patient and flexible. Some days, my daughter is happy to play independently while I get things done. Other days, she needs more attention, and that’s okay. I’ve come to accept that not every chore has to be done perfectly or on time. What matters most is finding a balance that works for our family.

Final Thoughts

Getting chores done without relying on screens has been a journey, but it’s one that’s been so worth it. Not only has it helped me stay productive, but it’s also given my daughter the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow in ways that screens never could.

If you’re a parent trying to navigate the same challenge, I hope these tips inspire you to try something new. And remember, it’s okay to have days where things don’t go as planned. Parenting is all about finding what works for you and your little one—one step (or chore) at a time.

What are your favorite screen-free ways to keep your toddler entertained while you tackle chores? I’d love to hear your ideas!

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