How to Keep Toddlers Quiet at the Office

Your curious, inquisitive and chatty toddler might not make the best coworker when you're at the office. However, unexpected circumstances might mean that your little one occasionally ends up there with you. Stop any temper tantrums before they start by having entertaining activities and rewards on hand. Your toddler will be too busy to make noise and disturb your coworkers.

Things You'll Need

  • Coloring sheets
  • Crayons
  • Stickers
  • Books
  • Puzzles
  • Dough
  • Snacks

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a busy bag for your toddler to use while you're at the office. Fill it with coloring sheets, crayons and stickers to inspire your little one's creativity. Add a new book that your toddler can flip through while you work. Puzzles and dough are other attention-grabbing, but quiet, activities that you can add to the busy bag.

    • 2

      Use technology to occupy your toddler. Though you might prefer your child to engage in more interactive activities at home, your focus at the office is keeping your toddler quiet. Bring your tablet and let your toddler enjoy some age-appropriate apps while you get some work done. If you aren't using your computer, find an educational, entertaining website to occupy your toddler.

    • 3

      Transform your toddler into an assistant. While his duties might be limited, you can keep your toddler quiet and busy by asking him to help you around the office. Have him throw old papers into the recycle bin, stack your business cards or take a file to a neighboring office -- with your help, of course.

    • 4

      Set up an office for your toddler alongside yours. Pull up a chair to your desk, and give your toddler some paper, pens, pencils and labels to play with. He will enjoy "playing office" like you, staying focused on his task rather than running around, making noise and disturbing your coworkers.

    • 5

      Pack a snack. A yummy treat can distract your toddler, keep him quiet and give you a little time to get your work finished. Consider a snack that's out of the ordinary, something that you often don't give your toddler. Choose snacks that are easy to clean up, for example, fruit snacks or crackers. Leave the messy fruit pouches or yogurt tubes for home.

    • 6

      Offer an incentive for proper behavior in the office. Talk to your toddler about the importance of being quiet in the office so that your coworkers can get their work accomplished. Tell him if he remains quiet while he's in the office, you will later reward him with something special -- a small toy, a sticker, a trip to the playground -- anything that pleases your little one.

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