Felicity is a toddler through and through. All of the old adages apply. She prefers a boring brown box over a shiny new toy. She’d rather explore unchartered territory than color or read with her mama. She demands my undivided attention at the very moment that I’m trying to get something done.
She’s your average (and our extraordinary) toddler.
Last Saturday morning I had to make 100 cookies for a Cookies for Cancer event. I knew it would be a bit of a struggle. In addition to her usual activities and toys, I’ve tried giving her pots and pans to play with while I’m cooking – even putting snacks in for her to stir. It holds her attention for 4 minutes, tops.
Lately, I noticed that she’s fascinated with the parmesan cheese shaker. She stares at it when it’s on the dinner table (quite often) and wants me to hand it to her. When I do, she gives me that look – you know - the look. The look that says: Come on mom, you and me both know this thing opens – let’s not play this silly game with each other ok? Pop the top lady – PRONTO!
Her fascination got me thinking… maybe I’d get through these cookies sans a frustration freak out for lack of attention if I let her shake some open spice bottles.
It took me awhile to figure out what I would crush and put in the spice bottles. The kid in me shrieked: give her the cinnamon and sugar mix! There’s no way I was doing that though. It would taste good going down sure, but her body would be incredibly angry and in turn, so would she.
I finally decided to crush up whole grain crackers, walnuts, and her favorite cereal puffs. I crushed each ingredient and put it in it’s own cleaned out spice container. Note: I realize that these aren’t the most creative ingredients!
She loved it! She had a ball shaking the “spices” into a big bowl, dipping her fingers in them and eating the crumbs. She was consumed with this for a solid 30 minutes. That’s 3-0 minutes!
I will definitely be using these spice containers again when I’m in a pinch! If you decide to try it, let me know what ingredients you use!
This is a FABULOUS idea! I will pass this tip along to friends, definitely!
THIS IS BRILLIANT! Sharing with everyone I know that has toddlers! Thank you!!
I’m glad you liked it Aislinn… thanks for sharing!