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Single Moms Balancing Work and Play at Home

The Art of Five-Minute Parenting

By Katerie Prior

Even housework can be incorporated into playtime. "Parents' work can also become child's play," says Honig. "A child has fun pounding and rolling out dough for baking cookies or finding pairs of matching socks in a laundry basket."

Shelton agrees. "I try to include my son in everything I do," she says. "When I'm cleaning, that's when Kizer wants to play. Since we have hardwood floors, he wears a pair of thick socks and I spray the bottoms with furniture polish. While he cleans the floor, I have a chance to finish my chores."

If mixing work and play is impossible in the short-term, Honig suggests that you have someone watch your children for a few hours. Once you've finished the project, don't jump into another project with a do-or-die deadline. While you may benefit financially, your child ultimately pays for it.

Once you anticipate playtime, be prepared to play. Shelton recommends designating an area near your workspace for toys and craft materials. That way, you can minimize the time it takes to set up and clean up. Conversely, be ready to be spontaneous. If you have finger paint and your child wants to play with blocks, go for the blocks. "Follow your child's lead," Shelton says. "If you show up, they will have tons of ideas to choose from."

Playtime can also be a time to teach if you can make learning opportnities fun. "If the dirty clothes are piling up, we turn laundry into a game of Washing Machine Basketball," says Shelton. "We take turns tossing clothes into the washer, trying to make a basket." While her son is having fun, he is also learning about following rules and developing hand-eye coordination.

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