DIY Magnets (aka Distracting a Toddler While You Cook)

Even the most rambunctious toddlers have been known to contentedly watch trucks and construction sites for as long as you'll let them so why not capitalize on this to focus their attention while you work in the kitchen?

We saw these terrific magnets on the blog Tigerlilly Tinkering. The author, a mom of two boys, took photographs of all the different trucks, cars and vehicles she could find in the neighborhood. She laminated them, added a magnet and put them on the fridge for her sons to play - "holy smokes, they are a winner! I have seriously bought myself an additional 20 minutes of kitchen time." She made these over a year ago and reports that they are still a favorite activity for her boys. And if your kids aren't into vehicles - how about animals or people or signs?

So maybe take your camera out for a walk this weekend?

Comments (4)

genius!!! my 2-year-old is in that "organizing" phase and lines up his cars and trucks all day. this is perfect! thanks for the inspiration.

When my son was little my dad made face magnet puzzles. He took pictures of his and my moms faces and glued them onto thin plywood with magnet sheets on the back (you could just do magnetic backing) and then cut them out at the same places so you could mix and match. He LOVED them and although he is now almost 8, we still have "Poppa's Eyes" hanging around somewhere.

My aunt, a kindergarten teacher, did something similar for my daughter. She cut out, colored, laminated, etc. pieces to nursery rhyme stories-- little miss muffet, 3 little pigs, humpty dumpty,etc--and my daughter loves to play with those on the fridge. You can find free coloring pages or templates to do this online or could draw/make your own.

This couldn't be more perfect for my 3 year old who is OBSESSED with cars! Thanks for the ideas!