“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” – Mary Poppins
As mom you begin to realize that there are so many things you have to do, even when you hate them. Who really loves to change diapers, wipe snotty noses, or pick up endless messes? (Insert huge sigh)
But can you find joy among those things? Can they become fun?
Yes, they can!
The first you need look at these times as opportunities for fun and learning. Yeah, I know what is going through your mind, How in the world can a diaper change be fun? Cleaning snotty noses? Or the endless messes?
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Diaper Changes
- Learn Body Parts – This is the perfect time to work on body parts. If they are more interested in their nose they are less likely to get in their nasty and stinky diaper.
- Make your own song to sing. We sing something like: “Momma took the stinky away, the stinky away, the stinky away, I feel better, so much better now.” You know in the tune of Doc McStuffins theme song.
- Younger kids love a special toy that is reserved just for diaper changes.
- Play peek a boo.
- Encourage participation: Let them hand you the wipes, lotion, or even talk about the characters on the diapers.
Wiping Snotty Noses
- Make it a game. I usually say “I want your boogers! Give me your Boogers!” In a totally deep and goofy voice. Usually that gets him laughing, and except what is going to happen.
- This is another opportunity to learn where there nose is.
- Play peek a boo – Throw the rag over their face, like we’re playing peek-a-boo, then I can quickly “pat” around their nose and mouth, and they will think it’s a game. If I try to wipe, they will figures it out, so the “pat” technique is important!
- For stubborn noses use a NoseFrida.
Picking Up Toys
- Create simple yet easy solutions that your children can help clean. Example: All cars go together in a simple labeled container.
- Set a 5 minute timer and see who can pick up the most toys.
- Make picking up a part of bedtime routine so it becomes a habit.
- Put on energizing music.
Keep in mind that these and other tasks that seem to never end, will eventually. There are only so many diapers you change till potty training, only so long before they wipe their own noses, only so long before they grow out of those toys, and only so long before they are grown. This time really does fly by, and if you are not careful it will pass you by, and you will be wishing for those simpler times.