How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

My DD (22 months) just spent her first night in her converted toddler bed. This morning, she was up at 6:15. Of course, she came to her door crying and started knocking/banging on it. She doesn't know how to turn the doorknob yet (thank God) and we have a gate at the top of the stairs near her room.

In the past, she was content in her crib for the most part. She couldn't get out, so she played with her aquarium, sang to herself, occassionally cried but was manageable in there until 6:45.

I tried to get her to play with some toys in her room while DH and I got ready for work, but she wanted Mommy only. We leave the house together at 7:05, 7:10 to drop her off at daycare. At 6:15, I still have wet hair, and I'm still in my bathrobe, so you can only imagine how stressful this morning was.

My question is...how do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work? We don't have a TV in our bedroom, so that's out. Does anyone have any tips?

Thank you!

Message edited 1/10/2011 9:07:39 AM.

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

I was going to suggest the TV, but you said you don't have any in your room.
Keep an area for some books and toys for her to play with. I have a couple of books and a play cell phone in my drawer. Although the TV works for us. He usually just likes to follow me around and we have a swiffer in the closet so he plays with that.

Oh, he also plays with my cellphone b/c it's more fun the the toy one

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

Up until about 2 years we put him in the pack n play with toys. Then from 2 and on, he's gotten up and come and sit in the living room and watched a show. Does she have to be in your room or can she watch in another room?

Message edited 1/10/2011 9:18:08 AM.

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

DS is 8 months. He sits in his rocker and watches Little Bear or Yo Gabba Gabba.

This morning, he flipped himself out of the rocker (well, hung upside down since he was strapped in) so I guess our time is up with entertaining him this way. We might have to go to the Pack and Play method

Message edited 1/10/2011 9:19:33 AM.

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

They just follow me around while I am getting ready. If I'm in the bathroom both girls are usually in the bathroom with me. If I'm in my room they are playing with some toys, drinking their bottle/cup, and watching some tv.

Maybe keep some small toys/books in a bin in your room.

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

Thanks for all your ideas. There is a TV upstairs with is, but it's in an L shaped room where we wouldn't be able to see her all the time.

I guess it looks like I need to put more toys in my room. Any other ideas? Thanks again!!

ETA - She never liked the Pack and Play....bummer.

Message edited 1/10/2011 11:32:54 AM.

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

Re: How do you entertain your kids in the morning when you are gettting ready for work?

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We have an aqua doodle in our room.
other than that... we put her in the living room with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and a bowl of strawberries and juice.