Novel Distraction Toys for Children from Everyday Things

One of the major tricks of parenting is the art of distraction. It’s a cinch when babies are small and they reach for something you don’t want them to have. You simply do a sleight of hand and offer baby something else. Not only does she go for it, she forgets that there was anything else there to begin with.

It is, unfortunately for us, a sign of intelligence when your smarty remembers what it was that she was after and won’t go for a substitute. Unless…. you are quick or clever enough to find a substitute that is more interesting.

To that end, here are suggestions for Distraction Toys. You could make them up ahead of time and keep each in a zip-lock bag to be pulled out when needed. They could be used when a child is bored or frustrated or needs stimulation or, let’s not kid ourselves, when we need a moment of quiet.

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