For a parent at home with preschoolers, getting anything done can be difficult. During the holidays, there are many things that have to be done and the children, although eager to help, are not that helpful. Children need to be included in holiday preparations but there are times when chores are not appropriate or interesting for them. Here are a few ideas for keeping the kids occupied while the work is accomplished.

For the need-to-be-watched set:

 

• During kitchen duties, tape a large sheet of freezer or shelf paper to the refrigerator door. Let the children draw with crayons or water-based markers. Keep a running conversation with the child or this won't work. "Can you make long lines?" "Can you make big squiggles?" "Can you make something with this red marker?"Notice what they are doing and comment on what you see. A parent's attention is usually necessary for this activity to last longer than a few minutes.

   

   

• Water play will keep the kids busy in the kitchen where they can be watched. Fill the sink and put a large bath towel in front of the sink and under the step stool. Dump lots of plastic cups, measuring spoons, and funnels in the sink and let the kids at it. Add detergent and food coloring for more interest. After the play is over, use the soaking wet towel to mop the kitchen floor. Better yet, let the kids do it. Show them how much fun it is!

   

For ages two and up:

 

• Buy a cheap brand of plain, aerosol shaving cream and let them finger paint directly on a Formica table top or kitchen counter. Food coloring can be added by drops on the foam but white makes great snow pictures. Add water if the foam begins to dry out.

   

   

• An ordinary deck of playing cards layed end to end can make a road for little cars. The kids are going to be under foot anyway and this beats them whining around your kness. Just watch your step. Warning: Expect the cards to be mangled after this activity.

   

   

• Kids can "draw" on the carpet with colored yarn. This activity is colorful and makes good paths to follow. Pets in the house will enjoy this one too.

   

   

• Cheap sponges are good for cutting into small blocks for "quiet" play. Unlike wooden blocks, stepping barefoot on the sponge block is not painful for the cook. Sponge blocks are fun and safe to throw -- preferably at a target or in a bowl.

   

For the four and older gang:

 

• Let the kids wash dishes in the sink as adults prepare holiday goodies. Children love to wash with a sponge and lots of soap. With a towel on the floor to catch spills, this activity helps the cook and entertains kids.

   

• Children love to shape no-bake cookies. Give them a batch that makes 72 of those little 1" balls. Let them work at the table while you work elsewhere. Do this activity at snack time because there will only be 24 balls of assorted sizes when they finish.

   

   

• Give the kids a bag of nuts to crack or shell. Let them vacuum the floor afterwards as well. Young children actually think vacuuming is fun.

   

   

• Have some big boxes on hand for "Let's pretend". A cardboard box is worth hours of free time for parents. Toss a blanket over a card table for an instant tent or cave. Don't exclude friends because you are too busy. Children at this age are easier to care for in pairs.

   

   

• Save the squiggles that come with packages. With button thread and a crewel needle, kids can string the styrofoam pieces and make great tree decorations. This might require more parent help than it's worth, however.

   

   

• Draw a village or city on an old sheet complete with streets, favorite shops, parks, etc. Kids add their own little cars, people figures, and blocks.

   

   

• Try a magazine scavenger hunt. Set the kids up at the table with old magazines, scissors, and a glue stick. Tell them what to find and cut out, one thing at a time. They paste the pictures on the paper as the collection game continues. "Find a dog." "Find a baby." Again, parent attention makes this one work.

   

   

• If you have saved odds and ends of buttons because they might come in handy, now is the time to get them out. Buttons can be strung by color or shape with thread and a needle or they can be sorted into baby food jars. Buttons are also fun glued on paper to make pictures. Pasta shapes can also be used for this activity. Clean styrofoam meat trays make excellent picture boards.

When there is something really important to be done, plan ahead for a children's activity to keep them busy too. Don't expect kids to like being neglected or understand just because your chores are "important". A little time spent preparing "work" for them will enable you to get your work done.