This is a guest post from Jessie over at Family, Fun, Flaws. Check out her Bio Below!

We get busy. That’s all there is to it. Whether that means working, tidying up, organizing, cleaning, cooking, running errands, or whatever the case may be. Of course, somewhere in there we usually start to feel guilty that we haven’t been spending enough time with our kiddos.

I want to be clear on one point before I dive further. If your child is relatively happy and healthy, then you should pat yourself on the back. You’re doing a great job!

If you need a little reminder that it’s okay to step away from the laundry list of items that need tackling so that you can make another memory with your young one, then here is that reassurance.

Taking a moment away from other duties to focus on having FUN is a-okay in my book. I have a sink load of dishes and a basket full of clean clothes at the moment. Because, at the end of the day when I have finished my work, I like to play a board game or read books or put in Just Dance 2019 with the beautiful babies that I brought into this world.

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With that, here are a few of my tips for making moments with your toddler throughout the day:

Read a Book/Play a Game with your Toddler

Honestly, how long does it take to run through a story? Once I complete a task, I’ll catch my breath before starting a new one, so that’s the perfect time to grab a book and spend a few uninterrupted minutes with your tiny one. Heck, if you’re feeling a bit wild, you can even make it two or three books. We have a game closet full of games and puzzles that we can also do together. Many last no more than 30 minutes. A perfect span of time to give undivided attention to your tiny human, but not so long you feel you’ve lost half of your day.

Get Artsy with Your Toddler

This activity is one we haven’t done in a little while because we’ve been running around like madmen. But, it’s always a big hit. And when we attend storytime (usually once a week), there’s a craft for them to do at the end before we head home. Something as easy as getting out a coloring book with crayons or colored pencils makes for a great stress reliever and bonding experience. Right before or after lunch tends to be the time we carve out for arts or crafts.

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Go Outside

I find myself sliding into my shell (almost hermit-like) most days. Stepping out for a little fresh air and laughter does wonders for the soul, though. Riding a bike, playing with chalk, making snowmen if you get snow, among many other choices will not disappoint. And you’ll be rejuvenated and ready to knock out more to-dos.

Learn and Grow Together

My toddler is learning ABC’s, numbers, shapes, and other information right now. She’s a sponge, right? So, sometimes we’ll sit down and practice tracing, copying, flashcards, and other important brain-busters. Keeping them interested in learning, in general, is a key component for their future. We have science kits (you can do many science experiments without kits, though), a microscope, a telescope, learning games, etc. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it needs to stimulate them to associate learning with enjoyment.

RELATED: 22 Ways to Strengthen Your Connection with Your Toddler

Play, play, play

Just play. Get on the floor, play with dolls or cars or animals. Let them dress up and pretend. Using their imagination can take them distances beyond the places our feet can go. And this, my fellow parents, proves much easier than you may think. Even when I’m writing, I can play. My daughter will bring me a hatchimal or a princess and says, ”You talk her.”… and off we soar to a land of wonder. I envision her mind turning the couch and my leg into something out of A Bridge to Terabithia, but I’m sure it’s much less grandiose. We have fun, and she feels connected, mission accomplished.

Let them Get Involved

You need to make dinner, and they want your time. Let them help! Spark that light with another possible interest for them. They’ll learn a valuable lesson, and you get to see the happiness flood their face because you both get what you want. My kids love helping me bake and cook. My daughter still likes to “help” clean, my son realizes it’s a chore now, but they still participate. Laundry, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc., every household chore has some part that can start at a young age.

Allow them to assist in getting them done and tell them that after working together to complete them, you’ll have some time to do another fun activity with them. By spending time on an item that means a lot to you, they free up space for you to do something important to them.

These suggestions are but a few of the ways you can create moments for you and your toddler (or kids of any age, really). Find the ones that fit your schedule, your parenting, and begin implementing!

What are some of your favorite ways to make moments with your toddler/child? Share your insight in the comments below!!

Hi, I’m Jessie

I am a thirty-something mom. With two degrees under my belt and a virtual assistant business, I find mommy-hood to be the most challenging yet rewarding part of my life. Mistakes will be made, failures will happen, but why not accept those flaws, do your best, love with all you have, and have as much fun as you can along the way? Follow alongside my family and me at www.familyfunflaws.com