Have you ever had the need to get some things done and need something to distract the kiddos? I had that need today. I pulled out the trusty ‘rice box’, a plastic storage bucket filled with 20 pounds of uncooked rice, to keep the boys out of trouble while I tackled some much-needed housework (as in the bathroom hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned for weeks – I do hope I’m not the only mom dealing with this!)
The rice box in my home is a blessing. Just the hint that it might be pulled out draws the boys out of their fits of ‘that’s mines’, ‘Mommy, I need you!’ and a little one pushing at my knees to be picked up into two charming blondes playing nicely together and even (yes you are reading right) sharing! Rice is poured, spooned up, measured, put through a funnel, dug up by little front loaders and emptied by dump trucks. Rice is the perfect occupier.
The rice box in my home is also a curse. With a large tablecloth under the rice box in the kitchen, hoping to catch all the rice that accidentally makes it out of the box (notice Sweet Pea sitting IN the box!), somehow rice is strewn all over – from the kitchen to the living room to the upstairs bedrooms to the downstairs bathroom. Sticking to everyone’s socks, even peeking out from under the cushions on our couches. I have got to remember to not let the boys go in the box with their pants rolled up! That’s the culprit!
Ultimately, however, the rice box is a blessing. My bathroom is shiny clean. The laundry is clean (although it is still in piles waiting to be put away). The living room and family room are dusted, vacuumed and tidy. Two boys are happily worn out from playing in the rice using their imaginations for more than 2 hours spent in it throughout the day (as well as playing ‘construction’ outdoors for more hours than that!) Definitely, the rice box is a blessing. This Mommy feels in control of my (downstairs) surroundings at the moment. At least…until tomorrow!
I detest the rice box.
OK. I want you all to know my hubby isn't truly against the rice box…just the mess my kids make with it!
the rice box sounds like such a life saver. When my boys were smaller, I had a big box of play dough with cookie cutters that they would play with when I needed some time, specially when the phone rang (because you know, that's exactly when they will scream, fight, run around etc…That box saved me from loosing my mind!
Maria – I'll have to try that when Sweet Pea is a little older (play dough is one of the few things he still puts in his mouth). I love any idea that keeps them occupied for a little while like that! I hadn't thought of that one. Thanks!
We have a rice box to. Lately my daughter has been having fun with scavenger hunts and digging up dinosaurs in the rice. It can get pretty messy! I love your little one sitting in the box. To cute! It is a lifesaver and boredom buster though. Sometimes that little mess is a small price to pay.
We LOVE rice play in our house, it has been a lifesaver on many a rainy day when we can't get out to the sandpit.