How To Keep The Kids Entertained While Mom's In A Meeting? Saab Magalona, Moms Share Tips

While going back to working on-site is challenging on its own, for moms and dads who are working from home, the struggle - to have a peaceful Zoom meeting in the midst of their kids - is real.

As much as parents would like to play and be with their kids the whole day, others have no choice and need to work.

There are meetings that have to be attended, deadlines that need to be met. And of course, kids have their needs as well.

Recently, Saab Magalona got real about the woes of work-from-home parents. She posted a video taken by her husband Jim Bacarro, where she can be seen attending an online meeting, while Vito is on the couch, wearing headphones. 

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A post shared by Saab Magalona-Bacarro (@saabmagalona)

Saab said, "Ideally we’re always well-prepared with activities to keep the kids entertained while we work, but sometimes you just have to pop some headphones on them and give ‘em some screen time so you can keep your sanity."

According to her, their kids' nannies were out to get their booster shots, and she has a meeting to attend to. Jim was in-charge of Vito, but he couldn't put him in the same room because Pancho was taking a nap. Relate!

The mom of two boys adds, "Walang perfect na parents, we just do what we can the best way we know how."

No judgment here. We totally get you, Saab.

According to experts, giving kids a bit of screen time wouldn't hurt. A study however encourages parents to be careful about what kind of media they expose their kids to.

READ ALSO: What Saab Magalona Learned From Dad Francis M: ‘Just Make Your Kids Laugh’

Toys and activities to keep kids entertained

Moms and dads at the Smart Parenting Village shared how they keep their children entertained, especially when they couldn't help but attend an important online meeting. Plus, we added links where you can buy them on Shopee or Lazada.

1. Kinetic sand (starts at P34)

If your child hasn't tried playing with kinetic sand yet, this is going to be a game-changer. Moms recommend letting your child play kinetic sand, if they are old enough for it, 3 years old and up.

 

 

While this toy is safe because it's made from sand and silicone oil, this is to ensure that they will not c parenting onsume it. A mom warns though, it's going to be a bit messy.

You can buy it in Shopee here.

2. Modelling clay (starts at P8)

Another messy but entertaining activity for kids would be playing with clay. This is also only good for kids 3 years old and up.

You can buy it in Shopee here.

3. Magnetic building blocks (starts at P990)

As I write this, my toddler is playing with magnetic building blocks. She's building houses, cars, and trucks using the blocks. Plastic or wooden blocks can help boost their body and brain too! Read here to learn more about its benefits.

You can buy it in Shopee here.

4. Books (starts at P43)

If your kids are into reading or just looking at pictures, then you can offer them illustrated books that can keep them busy during your meeting. Here's a list of illustrated books that are great for 4-year-olds.

Buy it in Shopee here.

READ ALSO: 4 Ways To Successfully Work From Home Even When The Kids Are Around

5. Doodling and coloring books (starts at P119)

Smart Parenting Editor-At-Large Rica Peralejo previously shared that they have a dedicated area in their home where her kids can draw even on walls. Maybe you can try this too. If not, washable markers and a doodle board would do.

 

Buy it in Shopee here.

6. Educational shows 

Just like Saab said, sometimes moms who are working from home could use some help for our sanity. If screen time is your option, here is an example of a mommy-approved show that your kids can watch: Songs for Littles - Toddler Learning Videos.

7. If all else fails, snacks.

Give them snacks in portions that are safe for them to eat. This will keep their hands off your keyboard for a while! Just make sure to keep your mic on mute or they'll hear your child's cute munching sound.

Quality time

And during your day off from work, know that you can always make it up to your child by spending a whole day of uninterrupted quality time. Bring your child to a park, eat ice cream, or do something together that they will never forget.

Ayala Malls and Cartoon Network have been running its Redraw Your Summer: Amazing Creativity Camp workshops at Ayala Malls since May! You still have until the end of June to catch these amazing workshops in an Ayala Mall near you.

Register for an #AmazingCreativeSummerCamp here until June 30, 2022.

Last Saturday, I brought my daughter to a Craft Your World by SoFA Design Institute workshop in TriNoma. My almost 3-year-old toddler was able to design a personalized bucket hat with the help of teachers on-site!

 

 

 

 

A 2016 study shows that when moms spend quality time with their kids - whether they are stay-at-home moms or working moms - "has a noticeable influence on early child development," Professor Marco Francesconi, Ph.D. said.

 

 

The keyword here is quality. So ditch the mom guilt. You are doing a great job, mommy! 

In a previous article, Saab shared how she handles Vito's tantrums, which is an entirely different story. Read about it here.