This blog post is all about how to practice slow living with a toddler running around.
Slow living seems like a dream—until you have a toddler. Suddenly, the notion of sipping your morning coffee or quietly enjoying a book seems like a distant memory. You’re too busy chasing after a tiny whirlwind, keeping them alive while they try to sabotage your sanity. But what if I told you that slow living is possible, even with a toddler running around? If you’re searching for ways to slow down, engage with your little one, and find a bit of peace, this post is for you.
Follow a slow-living routine
If you haven’t already, consider setting a routine for your tinny tot – and yourself. Although you don’t need to follow a strict schedule, having a routine can help both of you know what’s coming next and allow you to enjoy the moment.
A common routine to help moms keep their sanity includes waking up before their toddler to get a moment to compose themselves before chaos ensues. During this time, you can shower, read your Bible, plan the day, or make a special breakfast. The possibilities are endless and so is the reward.
Whatever your routine is, keep it consistent, but don’t feel like you can never deviate from it.
Don’t look at the clock
Part of the slow-living mindset is enjoying every moment, while being intentional about what you are doing. If you are constantly looking at the clock, chances are that you aren’t having fun.
Although the days can seem to drag on, try to find ways to enjoy every moment. Take time to remember why you are doing what you are doing. Evaluate if your current activity is working for you or if you need to change things up a little.
Related post: Slow-Living | The Amazing Truth About Finding Your Rest in God
Cut out screen time for your slow living toddler
Did you know that both the CDC recommends that children under 2 have no screen time at all? There are many studies that show the negative effects on toddlers who are exposed to screen time, including attention and mood disorders.
Consider reducing the screen time for your child and instead allowing your child to build experiences with you. The following tips give you ideas on how to fill up the day in meaningful ways that provide engagement for your toddler and rest for you.
Get your toddler outside
The book “There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather” by Linda McGurck addresses the lack of outside play time for many kids in a unique way. When a Swedish woman became a mom in rural Indiana, she was confronted with the reality that Americans do not spend time outdoors anymore. From this, the 1000 hours outside community was born. This challenge encourages parents to get their kids outside for 1000 hours a year, which translates to around 3 hours per day.
Although it can seem overwhelming to get your toddler outside, it can be a great replacement for screen time and can provide you with an opportunity to rest and relax as well.
If you have a yard, consider adding one or two toddler toys for them to enjoy. This toddler water table is a best seller on amazon and is sure to keep your little one entertained for hours. A balance bike is a must for young toddlers who are learning how to walk and run. The four-wheeled ones are a great option as they can be ridden on pavement, grass, and even gravel. A toddler playset would be the perfect gift for any active kid.
If you don’t have a yard, find a local park. You’d be surprised at how empty most of the are. Trails are also great for engaging your toddler’s imagination and creativity.
Parent’s hack
If you aren’t convinced about getting your toddler outside, consider what it will do for you! If you have a yard, get yourself a nice comfortable chair and put your feet up. You’ll be surprised at how long your toddler can entertain themselves while you get a moment to enjoy slow living. Take a minute to sip on your favorite drink and read a good book.
If you frequently take your child to the park (I take my toddler almost everyday) consider a camping chair that is easy to pack up and take with you. I love to download audiobooks and listen to them with one earbud in so I can keep an eye on what’s going on.
Allow your slow-living toddler to play independently
One of the greatest realizations in parenthood is that you don’t need to constantly entertain your child. Allow your child a chance for independent play. Whether it means giving them open-ended toys, or allowing them to pull out all of your dish towels from your kitchen drawer, independent play will increase their attention span and creativity.
Be intentional with your toddler’s toys
One of the rules in our house is no toys with batteries. While this may seem extreme, it prevents my toddler from being overstimulated and me from feeling frustrated by the loud noises and flashing lights. With this rule in place, I have seen my toddler – from the time he was 12 months – be able to play independently for significant periods of time. Some of the toys we love include Montessori inspired ones, although we have never purchased anything official. My toddler loves his block set, as well as his stacking cups and ring set. It is truly amazing all of the ways he finds to play with these toys.
I also keep his toys to a minimum and do a toy rotation so he only has access to a few at a time. This way he plays with the ones that are out for a much longer period of time than when they are all available to him.
Involve toddler in daily chores
One of the common struggles for parents is never finding time to clean the constant messes their little one makes. Instead of waiting for time without your toddler to clean, enlist them for their help. Every morning, my toddler and I like to do “cleaning hour” where we unload the dishwasher, make the beds, vacuum and mop, and do some laundry.
It is never too early to start teaching them the importance of looking after the home. If you aren’t sure how to have your toddler help you, just start your regular tasks while they are in the room with you. Chances are, they will show you exactly how they can help!
Sometimes my toddler likes to be carried while I vacuum, other times he likes to use our handheld vacuum to help, and still other times he pushes his bike in the same back and forth motion I am doing.
Although it may end up taking you a little longer to clean with the help of your toddler, you can practice this form of slow living by knowing that you are being intentional in building your little ones skills.
Related post: Simplifying Life Biblically – How to Focus on What Matters
Give your slow-living toddler responsibility
One of the best ways to practice slow living with your toddler is by giving them more responsibility. Although there is definitely a limit to the responsibility a two-year-old can have, you can start setting them up now with age-appropriate activities. You may be surprised at what your toddler is capable of doing. Have them place their blankets or stuffed animals back in their beds in the morning. Or they can put their own dirty clothes in the hamper when you get them dressed for the day.
Listen to and watch your toddler, and you will be amazed at how much they love their small responsibilities.
Explore your world
Not everything in life revolves around your toddler. So don’t get so wrapped up in joining their world that you forget to have interests and hobbies of your own. What do you enjoy doing? How can you engage your toddler to meet you with your hobbies?
If you enjoy going to museums, bring your toddler along and explain the exhibits to them. If you enjoy painting, set your toddler up with their own mini canvas and washable paint. Maybe you need to get some work done on the computer while your toddler is present. Simply buy them a keyboard and have them tick-tack-tap right next to you.
Just like anyone, toddlers love to be involved in what you are doing. Use that to your advantage and continue doing the things you love.
Encourage your slow-living toddler’s interests
Just as you should continue in your interests, don’t forget to encourage the interests of your toddler. If you notice they love coloring, bring that activity out more often. Maybe they love dancing to music, so you create a fun playlist and have a daily dance party. No matter what your toddler enjoys doing, if you take the time to slow down and notice them, you’ll be able to find ways to engage with them and what they love.
Enjoy every moment with your miniature friend
Being a parent is hard. There’s no doubt about it. But there are also things that make parenting easier. Learning to enjoy every moment is one of those things. No matter what you are doing, stop yourself and ask what is one thing you enjoy about it.
Do you enjoy seeing the pleasure on your toddlers face when you unbuckle them at the park? Do you enjoy tiny hands reaching up to hand you silverware as they “help” unload the dishwasher? Maybe you enjoy running through the house with blankets tied around you both like capes.
Although the days may seem long sometimes, the years truly are short and will pass by before you know it. Make the most of the time you have by being present. Enjoy the little moments as well as the big ones.
A final note
Slow-living with a toddler is no easy task. But neither is being a parent. If you are already taking care of a tiny human, you might as well enjoy every moment and make it the best years of your life. Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a heritage and a blessing from God. Enjoy your blessing.
What are some small ways you can start practicing slow living with your toddler today? Remember, every moment with your little one is a gift—take the time to unwrap it slowly and savor the joy it brings.
This post was all about practicing slow living with a toddler.
