How do you keep you kids busy?

docmay25

How do you keep them busy for the day when you have stuff that you have to get done?  We are going away for the weekend...the kids are staying with in-laws.  this is my only day to pack because I work tomorrow.  The kids are not behaving.  They aren't playing with their toys, not finding anything to do and whatever I suggest for them to play with they aren't interested.  It is one of those climbing all over each other, fighting, running around the house kind of days.

What do you do with kids when you have to get stuff done? 

DandelionMom

Popcorn and a movie usually works.  Or take them out to the park to get rid of the extra energy then set them down with a bunch of art supplies.

AnnapolisLari

I let them fight and run. Not helpful, I know, but sometimes it's just gotta be that way.

MayorMcCheese000

"Sleep-over party" on the floor. It involves lots of blankets and pillows, movies and popcorn. TV does the trick if I need to get stuff done, even if it is rotting their brains.

Ciarrai

Bribes, treats, movies, TV and whatever it takes.  We've been packing for a week.  (Supposed to be closing tomorrow but it looks like it's going to be delayed at least a day and probably until next week.)  I can't tell you how many movies the girls have watched, new toys I've pulled out of hiding, popsicles, lemonade, cookies, etc.  Anything I had to do to keep packing.  Play dough has been a big hit and I can set them up with that at the table while I pack the kitchen.  Painting and stamps work the same way.  Oh and new puzzles.  The girls are big into puzzles these days and can do them with minimal help so I have given them those a bunch.  But at the end of the day - it's whatever I can do to throw crap in boxes.

soontobemomma

A tv show, new coloring book, helping me (give them a little bag to put some things in), older one can play with the computer at sesamestreet.com or nickjr.com

hmd

I let DS finger paint sometimes.  It is a rare occasion, and he could do it for forever.  However, I have to keep moving his old paper and getting him new ones.  I put him in our high chair, which puts him at the perfect height for our kitchen island.

Movies work too.  He really likes watching them on the little DVD player. 

peekaboo716

The sand and water table works for us or sidewalk chalk on black paper.

The TV is also my friend.

JOEBunny

I take them out first to do something that wears them out, the pool, the park, gym daycare, zoo, whatever gets them down and running/crawling around.  Then we come home and they will usually play by themselves.  DS is in the cling on stage, so I have packing with him, since I have to leave the room.  End up carrying him everywhere.

LanaM

on days like that - tv. I can also ask my 5 y.o. to play with my 2 y.o. nicely and if he would, he'd earn some special treat. works 50% of the time. I usually try that first... and then tv.

oh, and we take off cushions and they go crazy in the living room. 

shouldbworkin

Slumber parties usually work, especially if I've taken them out earlier to wear them out. But, this is where having my ILs live me with comes in handy.  They will usually watch them while I pack.  I will also sometimes just tackle the laundry and fold it nearby the kids, set out what I'm taking and then just throw it all in a suitcase after DH gets home or the kids are in bed. 

CleoKitty

Ditto the TV thing. I'm not above using movies/cartoons/video games to keep them occupied if there's something else that I really need to get done. For ds Legos also work for a while before he gets bored. Setting them up with stickers/markers/glue/paper/scissors also sometimes does the trick.

Other times, like Lari said, they just have to run around, fuss, and work it out themselves.

Grantand

Dump a bunch of dry beans/rice on some cookie sheets and let them "build" roads/cities, drive cars around in them...not too messy!