Kathryn's Sharebook 

If you have a toddler and no baby sitter in sight, then you’re probably looking for ways to make your everyday routine a little easier. Even if you’re a stay at home mom, you may still find managing the house and raising a child a tough job. If you’re a working mom, then we simply won’t go there.

You need a little help.

Well, here are some tips that just might do the trick, or at least give you a breather:

1.    Give them their vitamins in the bath

Sometimes, vitamin-drinking time can create even more work for you if the kids spill the stuff. Not only do you have to change their clothes and wipe the floor, you also have to make them drink the stuff again. To avoid all the potential mess and soiled clothing (yours included), why don’t you give it to them in the bath? If they spill or spit it out, at least you can just wash it away in the tub or shower. There aren’t any clothes to wash that you didn’t expect to stay clean anyway. Since you’re in the bath, just throw in the wet or dirty clothes in a basin to soak. If you can also establish this as a routine, then your child may view the vitamins as less of a chore and accept the drinking time during the bath.

2.    Get a toll free number

If you leave your kid at school or with a baby sitter at some point during the day, then getting a number that’s free to call may be a great investment. If you can manage it, get a vanity number in a repeating pattern that your child can memorize. Teach your child the number and how to use a cell phone, landline or public payphone in case an emergency comes up and they have to call you. This way, even if they don’t have any money they can reach you when they ask for help or see a public telephone.

3.    Get an iPad

One way to keep a toddler still and entertained is with a touch screen device. Depending on your child’s personality, the device can keep them occupied for hours or at least thirty minutes. This could be enough time for you to get a few small chores done or take a breather. Just make sure you’ve turned on Guided Access so you can restrict your child to one app and block out the areas you don’t want them to interact with. Make sure you put in restrictions especially if you have apps like Evernote, RingCentral and Facebook running so your child doesn’t message or make any calls.

4.    Tire them out

A sure way for you to get them to sleep early is to tire your toddlers out. Set aside some time in the day to get the kid to run, jump or play something physical. It can earn you an hour or two earlier than his normal bedtime or at least some quiet time before he sleeps.