Incarcerating your kids...

We've all been there - you have a project or chore to do, but the kids are getting into things and keeping you from getting what you need done.  Most parents have tried the "let's take a nap" approach to getting the kids out of the way, but that only works if your kids are in a crib (crying the whole time) or borderline narcoleptic!  You are naturally going to feel guilt, remorse, and you'll turn in your application for "worst parent of the year."  But, the important thing to remember is that these moments can be important for your kids as well.  It can teach them to be independent, engage in imaginative play, and it's a whole lot better than letting them roam the house or yard totally unsupervised.  The key is to engage with them from time to time, check on their progress, and let them know that you are there.  If you have kids with separation anxiety, the last one is key!

Of course, there's always getting the kids involved in the chore (which I do when baking or picking up the living room) but the other day I was working on cleaning up the bathroom construction project (picking up sharp tiles, heavy tools, and messy tubes of caulk - things that Phineas' little hands are not meant to touch.

What to do... what to do?  I ended up putting Phineas in the bathtub (dry) with a bunch of foam bath toys.  This let me get most of my accomplishments done until the point where Phineas found a waterlogged toy and poured it all over his socks.  All in all, I got a solid 30 minutes of work done, while Phineas had a good time. You may be asking where Declan was... he was on PBSKids.org playing a computer game.  He traps himself!!!

Making sure that your child knows where your are (and that you can keep an eye on them) is important.

Other forms of "incarceration" Sarah and I have used over the years are:

• Putting the kids in the empty Kiddle Pool while we pick up sticks and weed the flower beds
• Buckle the kids into their car seats while we wash and clean out the car
• Put the kids in the "way back" of the SUV while shoveling the snow on the driveway
• Buckle the baby into a bouncy seat at the open front door while we raked leaves in the front yard
• Put the Bumbo on a blanket in the shade while planting flowers
• Move the high chair to the kitchen while preparing a meal

So, in the end don't feel bad that sometimes you need a way to get the kids out of your hair.  We all have things that simply must get done and the kids underfoot can be a real hindrance.  Keeping them engaged, where they can see what you're doing, and in a place that is safe are all key to getting things done.