There’s a point where you’re overthinking play ideas, you’ve said “just a minute” for the tenth time, and you’re wishing someone would entertain you for once.

I used to think I had to set up activities all day long to be a good parent. But actually, the best thing I did was start getting my kids involved in whatever I was already doing.

Why get kids involved?

Because it works. That’s it.

You don’t have to come up with a full day’s worth of activities when your toddler is already desperate to hang out with you. Letting them “help” with jobs you were doing anyway gives you a chance to connect, slows everything down (in a good way, mostly), and makes the day feel a bit less like a performance.

Kids aren’t looking at the task thinking “what a boring chore”. They’re thinking “I get to do this with Mum or Dad” – and that’s enough for them.

What we see as basic housework actually gives them heaps to learn from. They’re copying you, building confidence, practising fine and gross motor skills, learning new words, and picking up life skills that’ll come in handy later – even if right now they’re just flinging balled up socks across the room.

What should I say?

Yep - my kids have given me some serious side-eye too. What you say and your tone matters - if it sounds like a command, they’ll smell it a mile off.

The goal is to keep it playful and low-pressure – not “you must help me” but more “wanna give this a go with me?”

Try things like:

• “Can you be my special helper and put these in the basket?”

• “Want to be in charge of the water spray? It’s a very important job.”

• “I bet you’d be good at this – should we try it together?”

• “Hmm… I’m looking for someone to stir this, know anyone?”

My kids get suck a kick out of seeing me do things 'wrong' or being the teacher - so just playing dumb is how I get them involved most of the time. It’s about the tone. Make it sound fun and don’t push it if they’re not keen. If it flops, move on.

Activities to involve them in

You don’t need a plan – just use what’s already happening around you. Most kids are desperate to be part of things. Yes, it’ll take longer. Yes, it’ll be messier. But you’ll get more out of it than another round of “set up a toy, walk away, clean it up five minutes later”.

Here’s a big list of jobs that toddlers can genuinely help with:

• Unpacking groceries – give them one bag to be in charge of and let them carry things to the bench.

• Matching socks – it’s basically a puzzle.

• Folding towels – their version of folding is fine.

• Sweeping – mini broom or dustpan = winner.

• Washing up - basically water play in the sink.

• Dusting – old sock on their hand. Job done.

• Helping cook – let them pour, stir, crack, sprinkle.

• Unloading the dishwasher – they can do more than you think and love being trusted with delicate stuff.

• Wiping tables – spray bottle with water and a cloth = instant fun.

• Watering plants – hand them a little jug or cup. Be prepared for mud.

• Making the bed – let them jump on it before you fix it.

• Sorting recycling – teach them what goes where. They’ll take it seriously.

• Putting washing in the machine – they’ll love shoving things through the door.

• Hanging washing – pass them the pegs or let them hang socks low down.

• Vacuuming – give them a toy one or the hose, and let them “do the corners”.

• Setting the table – hand over the placemats and cutlery. (Our Clever Mats help!)

• Feeding pets – scooping, pouring, checking water bowls.

• Sorting toys – call it “throwing into baskets” and let them aim.

• Car washing – sponges, water, bubbles – say no more.

• Gardening – digging, weeding, watering, collecting dead leaves – any of it.

• Washing windows – spray bottle, microfibre cloth, and a very streaky finish.

• Cleaning skirting boards – weirdly fun when they’re low to the ground anyway.

• Peeling stickers off fruit – fiddly but satisfying.

• Carrying things to the table – napkins, cups, dinner if you're brave.

• Wiping up spills – genuinely useful, plus it teaches responsibility.

• Checking the letterbox – tiny bit of independence with a job that feels big.

• Bringing things from another room – a simple “do you know where the X is? I can't find it anywhere and need some help".

• Tearing lettuce or herbs – better than any sensory bin.

• Topping up the toilet rolls – in their own little stack. Very official.

• Loading the trolley at the supermarket – not at full speed, ideally.

You don’t need to overthink it. Just bring them in and let them try. The riskier the better, in my opinion. My kids fizz when they get to carry something breakable or that's really heavy so they can show me how strong they are. The point isn’t doing it “right” – it’s feeling included and learning as they go.

A quick reality check

Some days it’ll go well. Other days you’ll be five minutes late to school with no clean socks and a toddler refusing to do anything that isn’t flinging Weet-Bix.

You’re allowed to say “not right now” and get on with it solo. Involving kids in everyday stuff doesn’t need to happen all the time – but it’s a good thing to have in your back pocket when you’ve got the capacity.

On the days when it’s a no from you -  head to the search bar at the top of this page and type “play” – I’ve got loads of easy, screen-free ideas ready to go.

You've got this!