Like all Aucklanders, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that school and daycare is probably not returning for another three or four weeks. Sigh! Working from home (both hubby and I) while keeping a six- and two-year-old entertained is a bit of a juggle – but there’s a few things that’s made this week easier:
Lockdown Lunchboxes
Instead of fixing snacks a thousand times a day. We pack lunchboxes each morning (the kids get to help choose what they have and pack their own lunchbox). They can eat whatever they want when they want from their lunchbox all day (plus any extra fruit and water). I should have done this earlier, because it makes such a difference to that constant snack-nagging.
Digger “Dirt”
Painting, gardening, slime… kids love messy play because they get to experiment with texture and use their imagination. This week’s messy play was many, many hours in the “dirt” with trucks. This has been a major parent #lockdowntrend and whether you make “dirt” yourself (recipe below), grab some from your garden, or use organic potting mix (like I did), it’ll keep the children happy for a while.
Digger Dirt Recipe
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup cocoa
- ½ vegetable oil
Safety note: Potting soil is a great material to play in, but it’s important you keep an eye to make sure kids don’t eat the dirt, have any uncovered wounds or inhale dust from dry soil. If you’re worried, try a pair of kids’ gardening gloves.
A Dream Vacuum
I vacuum every day, sometimes multiple times a day, thanks to having black carpet, a white fluffy cat – and little people who drop their crumbs everywhere! So when Dyson reached out asking if I’d like to try the new Dyson V12 Detect Slim – their most powerful cordless vacuum – I literally jumped with joy. Lockdown is the perfect time to try this hardworking machine, because there is more mess than ever to deal with.
My verdict? It’s the perfect vacuum for a busy household: It’s lightweight, has an attachment for every job (an excellent one to clean the car seats too!), a green laser light to highlight dust where it’s not visible to the eye, and a digital screen to show you how many micro-particles of dust and debris it’s collecting (think of all the potential allergens you’re removing from the floor).
Being cordless, light and fast means that vacuuming hasn’t felt like a chore. It’s bagless and emptying the compartment is as easy as a few clicks – and I’ve crossed vacuum cleaner bags off the shopping list, so that’s a saving too. Dyson has turned housework hassle into heaven and hubby and I actually look forward to vacuuming now.
Packet Baking Mixes
Brownies in 20 minutes? Cookies in 10? No problem. Don’t get me wrong, I love baking from scratch but “cheating” with supermarket baking boxes (think Betty Crocker and the likes) are fast and yummy ways to get the kids involved in baking without the fuss or the mess. How will I ever revert post-lockdown?!
What’s something that’s made your life easier this week? Let us know on Facebook.
Take care,
Pamela
Editor Tots To Teens
