I have a few tricks when it comes to diversion & distraction. Here are a few things you can keep in a pantry or closet:

MOON SAND in a container. When it's nasty outside, take the container out, dump the sand in a tray and get some matchbox cars/dumptrucks. Girls not into trucks? Use scoopers and shapers. This can keep them going for over an hour. Blog away, mommies!


WATER PLAY is always a great idea. Got fighting kids in the afternoon? Give them each a plastic tub on the fron porch or back deck...even the kitchen floor with towels laid out. Email-checky time!


CLEAN MY WINDOWS! Give them a small spray bottle, a towel, a squeegie if you have one and viola. They'll wash anything: windows, table tops, walls- you name it, they'll squirt it. Great for outside too! Make that phone call, people.


RAMPS. Take cardboard, tape it to a chair. This makes a ramp that is ready for action. My hubby made one last month, it was up for 3 weeks before they got tired of it. Get a basket of matchbox cars and zoom, you're ready to make dinner. BTW, if you add jumps and targets, it's even more fun.


FLASHLIGHT & SHEETs...Give the kids a flashlight, set up a sheet fort and turn em loose...It's good for thirty minutes tops. :) At least you can make that martini in peace, lol.


ADD YOUR QUICK SUGGESTIONS please!