Easy activity ideas: easy set up lots of playtime

Activity ideas: Easy setup, lots of playtime

This week, we are focusing on activities that take minimal setup time and pack a big reward—they will capture (and hold!!) your toddler’s interest. These are the activities to pull out when you’re exhausted and need a quick win that will put smiles on little faces.

Skip the Meal Planning Headache.

🍳 100 breakfast ideas for toddlers

Mom Hack: Screen Time Menu

If your toddler is anything like mine, they are very particular about what shows they want to watch when they get screen time. Instead of trying to read his mind, I am using this easy “screen time menu” to help crack the code! Create a personalized version by customizing this template. Once you’ve made it your own, simply print it out and pull it out when it’s time for a little screen time. For added durability against inevitable sticky fingers, consider laminating the final product.

Stuff you should know … getting crayons out of clothes

We’re tackling a common and colorful dilemma: crayon marks on clothes. One moment, your kids are happily doodling on paper; the next, their artwork has made its way onto their (or worse - your) clothes. Don’t worry - it’s fixable!

Fresh Crayon Stains: A Quick Fix 

• Scrape off any excess crayon with a fork or butter knife.

• Lay the stained area face-down over paper towels, iron on a warm setting to transfer the stain to the paper. Repeat with fresh towels as needed.

• Apply a stain remover or a dab of high-quality detergent directly onto the stain, gently working it in with a toothbrush. Let it sit for at least five minutes.

• Wash the garment on a normal cycle with the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the stain persists, repeat but avoid the dryer to prevent setting the stain.

Melted Crayon Stains: A Deeper Clean For crayons that have gone through a wash cycle…

• Gently scrape off as much wax as possible.

• Apply WD-40, butter, or mayonnaise to a cloth and dab onto both sides of the stain to break up the wax.

• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrape again.

• Apply dish soap or laundry detergent, rubbing it in with your fingers, and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

• Launder with oxygen-based bleach on the hottest water setting safe for the fabric.

• If the stain remains, soak the garment overnight in a warm water and oxygen-based bleach solution, then rewash.

Top Toddler Toys

These are the toys my toddler is currently playing with non-stop.