Busy Boxes Toddlers Can Use Independently

Have you jumped on the Busy Box train? A quick search on Pinterest will show you tons of busy boxes toddlers and preschoolers can use.  They claim that busy boxes will occupy your child so you can fold the laundry, cook dinner, or do the million other things you need to get done in a day. Maybe you can even have five minutes to put your feet up and rest!

Sounds great, right? But wait, tons of moms are finding that the busy box activities they create actually need a lot of adult guidance and the quiet time they were desperately craving is no where to be found

So what’s a mom to do?.

As a kindergarten teacher and mom to a busy preschooler, I absolutely love the idea of busy boxes. HOWEVER, I can’t help but looking at a lot of busy boxes toddlers, preschoolers and even kindergartners are supposed to use independently and see a huge flaw. They do not keep kids busy unless mom is right there beside them, guiding them through the activity.

If you are a busy box fan, don’t fret. With a few small changes, you can make busy boxes toddlers and preschoolers love AND are totally functional and independent! If you’re looking for more ways to keep your kiddo entertained indoors, check out this post all about energy-burning indoor toys.

If you’re the kind of mom that doesn’t mind sitting right beside their kid during busy box time, that’s great (but to me it seems kind of pointless).

These tips will help you create busy boxes toddlers and preschoolers can use independently and give you a few minutes to breathe!

Tips for Busy Boxes Toddlers Can Use Independently

Busy Box Toddler Tip #1: Make the Boxes Special

Hannah knows she gets one busy box a day. We have about ten boxes, so these are toys she only gets to play with once in a while. It’s tempting to pull out box after box if we’re having a bad day, but they would lose their novelty, so I try to avoid this at all costs.

Busy Box Toddler Tip #2: Tailor the Boxes to Your Child’s Interests:

Hannah loves role playing and pretend play, so most of my busy boxes are geared toward those activities (see our busy boxes here). If your child loves building or art, gear your boxes toward those activities.

I do have a few busy boxes that have building and art materials to give her some variety, but I know she will be most entertained by figurines, dolls and action figures, so I let her fill her boots!

Busy Box Toddler Tip #3: Allow Creativity

Don’t force your child to play with the toys the “right” way: This is a break for you! Unless they are damaging something, let your child be.

For example, I had foam blocks in a busy box. I thought it would be a great building activity. Instead, Hannah uses the blocks are pretend money, food and a million other different things. She hasn’t built one single tower with the blocks. Have I tried to convince her to build with them? No.

Using objects to represent other things is actually a developmental step in play and should be encouraged. Hannah has a piece of craft foam that she alternatively uses as a sandwich and an iPad (she’s rarely allowed on mine so she has to make her own, poor kid!). This is a step towards abstract thinking and should be celebrated!

Busy Box Toddler Tip #4: Independence is Key

Only choose materials your child can use independently. I see a lot of busy boxes for toddlers that look like they require specific instructions. If your goal is an activity to be done independently, make sure you plan accordingly by using simple materials.

Explaining to my toddler that she needs to sort objects by shape or colour is not my idea of an independent busy box. I want her to use her independence and creativity when playing!

Toddler Busy Box Tip #5: Open-Ended is Key

Make the boxes open-ended: Try to avoid toys that can only be used in one way, or an activity that can only be done once. Aim for materials that will encourage your kiddo to use their imagination. They will get way more use out of their box (and it will be much more stimulating for them).

Busy Box Toddler Tip #6: Cleaning Up

Have your child clean up their busy box immediately after use: This is one tip I will admit we need to work on. If I’m not on Hannah to clean her bin up, we end up finding little pieces everywhere. Try your best to be vigilant about this one!

Follow these busy box tips and you are guaranteed some quiet time while your kiddo actually keeps busy!

If you’re looking for ideas for busy boxes toddlers and preschoolers will love AND are low/no-prep, check out this post! You’ll be glad you did!

What are your favorite busy boxes for toddlers and preschoolers?