I get asked all the time what machines I use and why I chose those machines. My answers are pretty simple, I like the Silhouette features over Cricut. But I want to go more in depth into what they each can do and the cost of each. You can choos for yourself which one you prefer and would be right for you!

Let me start by saying I have NEVER used a Cricut, and neither company is giving me any compensation for my opinions, so you can be sure they are honest. I will link to my favorite vinyl supply shop later but again, no compensation, I just love them and recommend them to anyone who buys any kind of vinyl.

My First Machine

So my first cutting machine was a gift for my birthday. My MIL knew I was getting more and more into crafting and one of her friends had a Silhouette Cameo and my cousin had the Silhouette Portrait (the smaller version) and both were loving it. But Cricut was also already out and popular. So why did I choose Silhouette? As a Stay-at-Home Mom of 2 young kids, my main concerns were cost, ease of use, and continued investment.

So after researching, Silhouette won out because I wouldn’t have to continue to buy cartridges for it unlike the Cricut. Although, I think it may have been just after that they came out with their first machine that didn’t use cartridges. This was 100% the reason I chose Silhouette the first time. But a lot has changed in 6 years. I just recently got my new machine and I chose another Silhouette (Cameo 4 this time). So why did I choose it again?

Major Differences

Main answer: I am a creature of habit. I know how Silhouette operates, I am comfortable with the Studio and I have never felt like I couldn’t do what I needed to do with it.
Now there are just a few differences between the 2 companies and their current machines. I’ll go over those now!

Silhouette:
This company offers multiple machines that each do a different thing. You have Mint (makes stamps), Alta (3Dprinter), Portrait (8in cut width), Cameo (12, 15, and 24 in cutting width depending on model, and Curio (allows stippling, etching, embossing and more). For the sake of this post, I will strictly be talking about my experience with the Cameo although the Portrait is similar in abilities but has a smaller width for cutting.

The base Cameo (12″) retails for $299.99 USD although you can often find it on sale, or bundled with supplies. It comes with access to the Basic Silhouette Studio which in my experience has been great and I have never felt the need to upgrade. I am sure upgrading unlocks some features that might be useful but I don’t buy many of my designs and I find that that would be the #1 reason to upgrade. Only using Designer , Designer Plus, Or Business edition can you import SVG, PNG, etc that you have purchased from Etsy or any other site. HOWEVER, you also have full access to their design store which has A LOT of options which does work with Studio AND you can create designs freely on your own. I easily create custom and original designs regularly with the Studio and have yet to have any real issues being able to do something. If I do come across something I don’t know how to do, I can typically go to Silhouette School and find out how to do what I need to.

The Cameo comes with a 12″x12″ cutting mat ($15 retail) and a 12″x24″ mat is available. But for many materials, such as vinyl, you don’t even need the cutting mat. This cuts down on cost of use because you aren’t having to replace them every few weeks/months depending on your project use and count. The newest Cameo (4) has a built in roll feeder and cross cutter which are game changers. The roll feeder (prior to this machine was sold separately) allows your material to be cut in long lengths. While you may not use this feature often, it is nice to have when you need it. Some examples of times I have needed it are when doing wall decal in large formats or when cutting multiple designs for large orders. It is nice to be able to cut it in longer lengths and set it and forget it type thing. (Small note: even with the roll feeder I do still check the alignment manually for the length of vinyl I am cutting to make sure it isn’t off and I rarely cut more than 10ft at time becuase the margin of error goes up drastically the longer you make the piece). The blades (between $13 and $25 reatil depending on type) for the machine can get dull and will dull faster if used on paper, fabric, or for thicker materials. For my last machine though I was able to use the same rachet blade for 2+ years with no issues as long as I cleaned off the vinyl and adhesive residue every so often.

So when you get the Silhouette, you really are investing in a product that will have very little extra expense other than supplies and extras that you choose to add such as upgraded software or designs if you choose to buy instead of make them.

Cricut:
The Explore Air2 is the most popular machine Cricut makes and retails for about $249 USD. The company offers the Joy which is a tiny little portable cutter with a 5.5″ width and the Maker which has added features such as scoring and engraving but the same 12″ width. They also have their own branded Heat Press for HTV. You can find them on sale or bundled but I don’t see them with these deals as often as I do Silhouette, but that could just be because of targeted marketing.

Cricut Design Space comes with the machine and from many people’s experience is not the most user friendly program. You can use something like Adobe Illustrator though and import into the Designs Space if you are familiar with that software and more comfortable with it. You also don’t have to upgrade to a different edition to use purchased SVG and PNG files. I am sure there are a wide range of blogs, YouTubes, and Facebook Groups dedicated to help and tutorials using the Cricut Explore Air but I am not familiar with any personally (Hopefully some of my Cricut using peoples can leave some recommendations in the comments!)

The Explore Air 2 comes with a blade, pen, and a 12″x12″ mat. They do offer a 12″x24″ mat as well and multiple tacks are available in each size. They each vary in price starting at about $13. With the Explore Air 2 you MUST use a mat to cut which limits your size to 12″x24″ max. Most feel this isn’t a hinderance, nor is not being able to cut only using a mat. But it is an added expense with using your machine. Taken care of properly they can easily last 6 months or more. Blades are similar and they will eventually dull but again can last if taken care of and not cutting super thick or dulling materials. The blades start at about $15 for them as well and can vary depending on type and housing needs. While you will have additional costs with having to buy mats and blades, the cost is minimal and spaced out. So again your cost of use is mainly going to be the supplies you are using to cut and your designs.

Supplies

Supplies are going to be your main source of cost. They are unavoidable. You are going to need to buy paper, Vinyl, Transfer Material, Blades, Mats, etc at one time or another. I ALWAYS buy through The Vinyl Spectrum if I can. Nicholas, Allie, and the rest of their team have spent hours testing and retesting products. They only use products they back 100% and that have the highest success rates. The Vinyl Spectrum does cater to Silhouette users more because they have a partnership with them, however their Facebook group has many Cricut users in there as well and is a great resource for all questions vinyl related. Some things you may need to know is that the Vinyl Spectrum doesn’t do sales often and their prices may not always be the lowest. But they ship fast, have impeccable customer service, and their prices are still more than reasonable. They also have their own printed vinyl patterns that are ADORABLE. You should really go check them out!

So there it is. Those are the differences between the machines and my simple reasons why I chose Silhouette not once, but twice. I have done my best to find out info from Cricut users to make this as informational as possible and while I am biased towards my machine, I hope this helps you choose the machine that is right now you!

Now… which one are you going to get?

Did you ever think (Spoiler alert: for parents of 1 child under 2) during those sleepless newborn nights that you would be MORE exhausted when they got older? Like, seriously! I didn’t think this was possible. I was always so tired. My boys didn’t sleep… they didn’t like naps, they woke up at least once a night until they were over 1. I was TIRED. But that was a different tired.

This tired now is physical still, but also mental. You can’t fix all the hurts with a simple kiss to the knee or hand. Timeout doesn’t always right the wrong. Yelling doesn’t make them stop, and man do I yell! When they were little, their problems were little. Their hurts were little. Their emotions were simpler. Now we have to deal with anxieties, worries, fears, failures, triumphs, elation, and intense joy (and that is just before breakfast)! I try hard not to be a helicopter mom (no judgement if you are) but I also worry about what could have happened or what will happen. I try to let them grow in independence and learn to navigate life but still be there to give guidance and be a safety net.

I am a mom to just a 9 and almost 7 year old (and a 19 month old- who would have thought that would be the easy age?). And. I. can’t. I don’t even want to think about how hard it is going to be when they are teens and driving and dating (ok, stop, I’m going to make myself cry). Do they grow to be less tiring? Because I’m waiting for that day, but I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel (it must be blocked with LEGO, dirty clothes, and baseballs). I can’t imagine dealing with those problems because the problems we are dealing now already seem so big and significant.

Don’t get me wrong, they are AMAZING kids who are actually well-behaved in almost all situations. But man they drive me up a wall. They never stop moving, or talking for that matter. They fight with each other and argue with me. With other people, they generally get along and are quick to correct themselves, thankfully. But here, at home, this is their safe space. That means it is a battle zone. As a mom who deals with her own anxiety issues, and being an introvert, it is hard to constantly deal with other people’s emotions to begin with. But then, to be around it constantly and the stress of knowing they are looking to you on how to cope with those emotions? Some days, that is an unbearable mental load.

I just hope if you are a mom reading this, you know you aren’t alone. I see you. I see your tired. I know you love those babies more than life and that is why we keep going. You just do the best you can. There is nothing else you can do. When you learn better, do better. But until then, sleep when you can, make sure you are recharging your battery. And don’t forget to see thee good even in the exhausting times

After college, I was working in a daycare. I loved those kids. I worked with Infants, then 3’s then 2’s. I went back and fourth because of moves and having to change centers but I love working with preschoolers and toddlers. I love their sense of wonder and excitement about everything. It is also why I love being a stay at home mom. I get to do all those things with my own babies.

I wish I had the ability to watch other preschoolers but between my business, and homeschooling, and running after my own toddler, that just isn’t possible. But I am hoping to work on helping other moms who aren’t sure where to turn right now. So many schools aren’t opening, or between masks and social distancing, are too institutional to want to send children to.

I will start putting up some easy ideas to keep little ones busy. My older ones only do school a couple hours a day and they are pretty independent learners. But every once in a while, I have to get intense and sit down with them and that means I don’t need Mermaid crawling all over them or me. It is these times that all those little activities I used while a preschool teacher, come in handy.

We aren’t officially doing school but this was one of my favorite ways to keep her busy. Today it was because I needed to get some stuff cleaned up. This simple activity kept her busy for about 25 minutes while I cooked lunch and cleaned up the kitchen a little bit.

I used Painter’s tape to tape up construction paper to my cabinets (because I personally painted them last year and I don’t ever want to have to do that again, so I am careful with them, lol). Then I gave her a little plastic bowl with just a little bit of water in it and a paint brush. If she breaks the bowl, no big deal. If she spills the water, I give her a cloth and she helps clean it up. The water doesn’t hurt the cabinets. She stays entertained, makes a small mess, and I get stuff done. Not to mention it is a sensory play (because she plays in the water), works on fine motor skills because of using a paint brush, and develops creativity.

I get a lot of comments of “I don’t know how you do it.” “You’re Superwoman” or “How do you find the time?”. The truth is, I don’t know. As you know, I have three kids ages 8, 6, and 16 months. I homeschool the older ones, I entertain the little one. I have two dogs I let out, and in, and back out again and again each day. I have a business (2, actually, but one is an MLM and is pretty small and they do the hard stuff for me) and I try to maintain a relationship with my husband and try to keep up my house. But I do it because I have to. Let me rephrase that, I am not required to. If I didn’t do it, our lives wouldn’t end.

I do this because I want to do it. (Pre pandemic life~》)My husband goes to work all day and I am fortunate to stay home. I have been a work outside the house mom though, I do know what it is like and the unique challenges and feelings it presents. I have been a receptionist, nannied, watched kids at my home, and I was a 911 dispatcher for almost 3 years. And in those times I kept coming back to the same thought. I want to be at home with my kids. I want to raise them. I want to teach them. I want to provide for them.

This was not at all how I thought it would be though, this was not my life vision 10 years ago. When I was pregnant with my Monkey man 9 years ago, I didn’t want to be a stay at home mom. The only reason I had resigned to it was because at the time, me going back to the job I had at a daycare center would have paid for his day care and my gas to get there. Doesn’t make sense in any way. Then I had him. And I snuggled him and loved on him and I couldn’t imagine leaving him with someone else all day.

Then I had Monster 2 years later. I needed to work then. I needed to help provide but with 2 kids in just over 2 years, daycare would have been astronomical and the hubby worked weird hours and I couldn’t find a job that paid and had the schedule I needed. I had knitted a few blankets for friends’ baby showers and made a couple bibs and burp cloths that people liked after getting a sewing machine for my birthday. People kept telling me to sell them. So I started an Etsy. Six and a half years ago Haruko Designs started as a knit blanket and bib shop named HandKrafted4Kids. It has changed but it has always been mine and it has always been my little contribution and my happy place.

I did eventually find the 911 Dispatching job, which I did love. I met a couple people I know that they are the reason I got that job. Fate knew I needed them in my life. That job taught me a lot about myself. But mostly, it taught me that I didn’t want the “village” raising my kids. Then, we got word that my husband would be overseas for 12 months. Leaving 2 weeks before my oldest would start Kindergarten. For a lot of reasons delaying school seemed like the best option. I told the school district he wasn’t ready and we choose to homeschool Kindergarten at a slow, easy pace. It just so happened that right after my husband left, our babysitter quit and I couldn’t find anyone to watch the boys so I had to quit my job. I did eventually go back part time for a year and a half (that was not originally an option). But about 9 months after my husband came home we decided to try for our 3rd and so once Mermaid came Dispatch was no longer a priority.

This is longer and more drawn out than I really was going for. But it had to be. Because it explains how I do it. I do it because I want to do it. Each of these things that “amaze” people were choices made along the way because of priorities set by my husband and I. I could fold up shop and go back to a 9-5. I could put my kids in public school. I honestly could stay home and not work my business and send the kids to school and just have the toddler to run after and my house would be really clean all the time. But those are not my priorities or what I feel like I need to do in my heart.

My days are messy and chaotic. My alarm is set for 630 every morning even weekends (although I don’t always get out of bed right away). And I usually am not asleep before midnight (it is 11:28pm right now). From the time I am up to the time I go to sleep, I do what needs to be done. Today that was sitting on the couch with my husband doing crossword puzzles while the kids played this morning, working in my office on stuff during naptime, and cleaning up our backyard and cooking dinner this evening. Saturday it was me power washing our porch, working on orders during naptime and a family movie night to end the day.

It is all about balance. Your priorities dictate your choices. Your choices dictate your actions. Your actions dictate your time. Your time dictates your life. I am not perfect by any means. I have been humbled by asking for help and receiving it from some of the people dearest to me, (usually our parents). They literally would do anything they are capable of to help us and because of that we are where we are. I don’t do anymore than the next person and I still only have 24 hours in my day to get things done. I have 3 kids because we chose every single one of them. I have a business because it makes me happy to create things other people feel are special enough to want for themselves. I homeschool because I want my kids to love learning and I want them to learn naturally and through living books and exploration. Not sitting at a desk and learning facts and stats through repetition and regurgitation.

My flaws are many. My house is a mess. There are constantly piles of clothes, toys are everywhere, and almost guaranteed there is a sink full of dirty dishes. I skip homeschooling for things like sunny days and movie days and Mommy (or kid) doesn’t want to days. My husband is patient and loves me when I have vinyl stuck to my pants or thread in my messy bun and I have orders to get done so we don’t get our time that day. I get stressed, soooo stressed. I yell, more than I probably should. I forget things… often. You may see Superwoman, I see supertired mom.

So there you have it. I’m not Superwoman. I will continue to be a Mom to my 3 crazies, I will continue to build my businesses, I will continue to homeschool if it make sense for our family, I will continue to love my husband. I will continue to work long hours to build my life the way I want to build it because that is what is in my heart. I do what I do for my family because it is what I want and have to do because of my priorities. Maybe I am Superwoman. But guess what… so are you ❤

The past 2 weeks my office has exploded in a blur of cotton fabric, interfacing, and elastic. Between donations and ordering supplies I have stuff EVERYWHERE. I did get Mermaid’s play area done and so she can happily play away in her little kitchen and ball pit and other toys while I work. Most days she is content as long as we have music going that she can dance to… I think she is going to be a little ballerina (although if she is anything like me, ballet won’t last long and she will move onto tap or jazz).

I really wanted to do a big reveal of a cleaned up area and a beautifully organized office space! But masks are much more important right now. I am so blown away with the generosity of people. Almost every person who has gotten a mask from me has donated something to help others get masks as well.

I have been trying to be like every other quarantined person. You know, getting my house in order while homeschooling, and working. I keep starting in one area and then find another area, and then another, and only a little gets done at a time. I am a horrible about that. I lose focus easily when I start projects and then I feel like I have been working all day and have nothing to show for it. Does anyone else do that? So far I have started cleaning off our porch and power washing it, started cleaning out our basement (creating a mound of laundry and another mound of trash that needs to be brought up and out), started cleaning our closet out (which made another mound of clothing), cleaned out the kids clothes (yep, another mound of clothes) and moved a mattress that needs to be trashed to our hallway but now is just sitting there.

Like I said I am horrible with the follow through of tasks. Everything gets half done and so I try to work with to-so list. I am a visual person so having it written out each day with the ability to check off a list is a huge help to me. I think it is the perfectionist in me. I feel so accomplished when I actually am able to check off every box. But that also comes with having to be a realist and not an over achiever. This is not something that comes easily to me. I am competitive. I always feel like I have to do it better and be the best and that I can’t fail. I set unrealistic expectations for myself and very rarely meet them. No one has ever put more pressure on me than myself.

My parents pushed me to do my best, but never questioned if I was doing my best. My friends are all the most understanding people in the world. They are the beautiful souls I can stop talking to for months (and yes that happens, I am a horrible friend) and we pick up right where we left off. My husband loves that I do what I can during the day and supports me staying home with the kids. I am sure there are days he wishes the house weren’t a mess when he comes home, but he never complains about it. He asks if there is anything he can do to help, especially on those days he can tell I am done. And my kids… they are the real heroes. They put up with my crazy perfectionism through out the day. They see me fail and get upset with myself. They see me in every way possible and they still love me. They are happy with me not being perfect. They are okay as long as they are fed and loved. If they get a video game they are ecstatic. It doesn’t take much, and I love them for that.

So through all of this (and by this I mean life, not quarantine), whether you are barely keeping your head above water, or getting ALL the things done. Just do the best you can. Even without a pandemic going on, just do the best you can. You don’t have to be perfect. I tell myself this every day. You just need to do something. If your house isn’t perfectly in order, you are normal (and probably have kids). If you started a project and didn’t finish it, you are normal. If you don’t enjoy decorating your house to look like a Fixer Upper episode, then don’t. If you woke up and took a shower today and then sat on the couch, good for you. My only advice is do something each day that betters your mind. If taking a shower puts you in a better place, that is enough. Read a book, that is enough. Make something, that is enough. Play with your children, truly play with them, that is enough. Clean a closet or bathroom. Do dishes. Straighten or curl your hair. Put on mascara or lipstick. Get out of leggings and sweatpants (you would not believe the effect getting dressed has). Vacuum. Play a video game. Paint your nails. Hold hands with your partner. Do an at home date night (seriously Hunt-a-Killer is so fun). Make a meal from scratch. Paint a room. It doesn’t matter WHAT you do, just do something that makes you feel better.

Having bad days is expected. You are going to have them. It is what you do with them that counts. There are days that I make sure my kids are fed and the TV is on the whole day just so I don’t have to entertain them. There are days where I have fun school projects planned, I get 3 orders done, and I make a healthy meal from scratch. It is a balancing act that we all have to face. But one time every day, do something that makes your day, your life, and you better.

We live in a world where we are brought together virtually more than any other way. We don’t call people as often, we text. We don’t stop by someone’s house to say “Hi”, we text. We are more likely to check someone’s Instagram, Facebook or Snap Chat to find out what is happening in their life, than to actually speak to them. This is great for instant information and brevity but this is horrible for relationships. And that was before social distancing and quarantining.

But relationships aren’t only built on social media. That is a great way to maintain a relationship and to check in, but we all need the connection of face to face contact. The experience of finding joy in little moments. We are severely missing our play dates, park days, clubs and groups, and just being out of the house. So today we went on an adventure. Our goal was a simple one. To have fun making other people smile. The challenge: We couldn’t actually come into contact with them!

The boys had a blast being “Ninjas” and sneaking around trying not to be seen. (Were we successful? No clue. But in their minds they are the sneakiest kids on Earth) They had fun leaving little surprises (including the ideas from Beauty and Lifestyle with Ashley) for some of their favorite people. We talked about how fun it is to do something for someone else even if we don’t get anything out of it. We showed people we cared by letting them know they were thought about. For some we didn’t spend any money. For others there were little gifts. But for all, an intentional act was executed with the only goal of making them smile.

If you were on the receiving end of one of our Ninja Trainings today, we hope we made your day! Pay it forward and make an intentional plan to maintain personal connection and relationships even when you can’t see them. We hope you are all staying happy and healthy in these crazy times. Remember social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Set up a video chat, talk on the phone, meet up at a open area where you can actually have a conversation. Take care of yourself mentally as well as physically!

I have a secret… not like a true secret but something you won’t usually see unless you are REALLY close to me (like known me for years and I know you won’t judge me for it and will still love me no matter what). I am not an organized person. I am not a clean freak and I am not someone who keeps house easily. I have always struggled with keeping things I don’t need. I remember doing it as a kid. Not sure why but I have my own theories. I am what most would call a pack rat. Nope scratch that, I am a recovering pack rat. Because I am aware and have come to terms with it and I am now fixing it.

I am getting rid of stuff left and right and I am realizing just how much CRAP we have. Because I always kept stuff because I may need it one day. Except I am realizing that one day doesn’t come often. I don’t need to keep things that don’t “bring me joy”. (Yup, I went there). I struggled with this for years. We moved into our house almost 10 years ago and I still have unpacked boxes. Our house keeps filling and filling with junk though. Part of it is buying. I have bought things because I can’t find things. I have bought things for the small high I get just from spending money (let me tell you that is a DANGEROUS game.) But these are all truths and I know I am not the only one to deal with them.

A couple years ago I got fed up with it. I was so tired of being surround by things that literally collected dust and served no other purpose. I read Marie Kondo’s “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. I was desperate and likely to try anything but this one resonated with me. I read it and I love the concept but between kids and life I have not done it. No excuses other than I haven’t prioritized it. I have taken thing to donations sites, the dump and sold things that we just don’t need or use. I am realizing as I get rid of the clutter my mind is put to ease as well. The truth of physical clutter being the manifestation of mental clutter is astounding.

Fast forward to January of this year. We made a choice to clear out an extra room in our house. It was supposed to be used for a playroom for the kids and school room but every time they went in there, something triggered their asthma. Not sure what it was but I was going to get to the bottom of it. So I started by getting rid of stuff. Clearing it out. Got most of it out and I decided to go further and rip out the carpet because we knew there was nothing in the walls. That leaves only the covered floor to hide things. As I started ripping up carpet we found a little bit of minor water damage. So we fixed that and got rid of the carpet. Then I decided, I need to be able to make my work mess and close a door so that I wasn’t constantly looking at the mess. So we moved my office up there. It wasn’t cleaned out fully but it had space. So I decided to slowly move. Wellllllll, slowly turned out too slow and before I knew it, February and my daughter’s birthday party were upon us and so everything was just thrown in there.

This is what it looks like 2 months later when I haven’t had a chance or taken the time to sit and organize it.

Lord, help me. But this is where that ends. I need this space to be functional. I need it to house my tumbler and vinyl area, I need it to house my sewing area AND my fabric stash. I also need a play area for Mermaid so that I can work and she is still supervised but safe and not wandering around pins and needles (right now she plays in her pack ‘n play). One of the dogs crates is in here but needs to be kept away from the fabric. And ideally, the boys will eventually have their school area here if we find that it was the carpet making them flare up.

I started yesterday and am working a little everyday. Hopefully I will be able to finish the reveal of the space next week! That is my goal. But if you are having trouble getting things out of your house, you are not alone. If you are unorganized or your house is cluttered, I feel you. Just start with one thing. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear or even clothes that don’t fit. One step at a time! I am taking those baby steps with you!

So you have a toddler now! Exciting. They are so cute as they are learning to take their first steps. So uncertain but confident. Then you realize that stairs, couches, the dog (pretty much anything) are all fair game to climb as long as they can get to it. SUPER FUN! Okay, enough with the sarcasm. Having a child that walks is a huge blessing! But it also means you can no longer do things the way you could before. So what do you do?

In the past 8.5 years, I have dealt with a toddler alone, a toddler while pregnant, 2 toddlers together, a toddler and a preschooler, and currently a toddler and 2 school agers. All 3 of our kids learned to walk between 9 and 10 months, and they haven’t stopped since. It is exhausting and challenging because they no longer stay where you want them to stay. And now they have will power which makes the word “no” a fun little chant through out the day that is meaningless in most respects. So what do you do with them? Do they ever stop moving? No, not in my experience. Unless they are ridiculously sick and even that is 50/50. Trust me, them not moving is the worst when they are sick. That is how you know they really sick and it isn’t a relief. Will it end? I am sure they will at some point. Monkey is going on 9 and he seems to slow down enough to read or paint so once they get into activities and not just free play, you have a fighting chance. Maybe. I think.

Okay, so back to these littlest ankle biters bebes. What are some things you can do to keep them busy?

• Read! Short book, board book, picture books, cereal boxes, signs on the road, newspapers. It really doesn’t matter what you read, just read to them! I am a firm believer in reading and I honestly believe that reading to your children is the SINGLE most important thing you can do for and with them.
• Art. Sit and color with them. Show them how the crayons make marks or how the markers work. Let them finger paint in their diaper. Let them play with chalk. Is it going to be the next Picasso, probably not at 10 months, but instill the love of creativity and art early.
• Music. Tap on the floor, turn on a play list or the radio, bang on pans or boxes, make maracas from paper plates and beans and shake them. Dance! Trust me when I say music changes the day. Best part about it is that they don’t care if you can’t dance or sing. They just want to have fun and boogie!
• Sensory boxes. These do not have to be intricate or themed or expensive. They just need to introduce them to feelings, scents, sights, and sounds they can explore. I use food storage boxed from the dollar store. Currently Mermaid is 14 months old. I have 4 boxes for her that she grabs and plays with. Pom-poms with a spoon and bowls, clothes pins and a pouch, magnetic letters with a cookie sheet, miniature dogs (sometimes I add water or something fun for her to do with them).
• Blocks. Do not underestimate the destructive nature of children. Build a tower and they will destroy it. Over and over again for a while! It is simple and basic and they love it. Once they learn how to stack them on their own it is a game changer.
• Go for a walk. Let them work on this new skill they have acquired. They are bursting to practice. Let them practice. It doesn’t have to be far (especially if they are new to walking) because you will probably end up carrying them further than they walk. But getting outside and burning off energy is perfect outlet. Be prepared for a couple scraped knees or at least tumbles.
• Cleaning. As much as children love to destroy things, I am convinced they also love to clean. Make a big deal when they put something somewhere and pretty soon they will put things where ever you tell them to just to get the praise! (“YAY! You put the block in the bucket! *Clap clap*) Give them a washcloth with water on it and show them how to wipe cabinets off. Will they actually be clean? Probably not, but it will show them it is fun to help and when they are a little older you can use a safe cleaner (I have recommendations if you are interested) and let them actually do the job.
• Screen time. Yeah, I said it. No shame, there are just some times and days where you need a break. If you child will sit and watch an episode of something, do it. I don’t recommend sitting your 15 month old in front of the TV and going and taking a bath for an hour because that isn’t safe. However, for you to turn on the TV, put them in the play yard or other safe area, and relax within sight and sound, that is acceptable.
• Safe space playing. This could be a pack-n-play, play yard, crib, or a gated and baby-proofed room. It keeps them contained while you get stuff done without them under your feet. I have our pack-n-play set up in my office with toys in it. I put Mermaid in there and she keeps herself relatively entertained while I work so I don’t only have nap time and bedtime. I also have a play yard that I can take outside and keep her contained while I work in the yard, especially now that it is getting nice out.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. There are so many things you can do with your little ones. Make sure you are talking with them while you do it. It helps build language skills and encourages early communication. Learning and teaching them a couple key signs is another way to help ease frustration for children at the age where they can’t verbally tell you what they want.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your little ones? Leave a comment below to let me know!

P.S. You guys. I am going to be real with you. This post was started 2 days ago and I wanted to finish it earlier but that just didn’t happen. Because no matter how many good ideas I have, or seamless it seems as I go about my Homeschooling, Business running, Mom-ing, Wife-ing, Stay-at-home life, some days just don’t go as planned. Mermaid was just not having it. She only wanted to play with someone, be held, cuddle, or fuss. So that left nap time to finish up school with Monkey and get orders out. Keep reading to find productive ways to entertain your toddler. But realize that some days, you just need to slow down, let the cleaning and structure and activities go, and get down on the floor and cuddle and breath in those moments. I just wanted to say that because if these don’t work one day or you are wondering why your child is the only one who can’t be entertained, it isn’t you, it isn’t them, it is just the day. Breathe and try again tomorrow.