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My toddler is screaming for attention, piles of laundry are mounding and the dishes are teetering by the sink. To top off my hectic morning, I look out the window and realize with dread that it's raining and my child has had enough "Teletubbies" for a year. Sound familiar?

Last year, I decided to take the year off work to spend more time with my son. Dreams of making play dough and building sandcastles disappeared as I found myself immersed in the "busyness" of life. I became caught up in the whirlwind of doctor visits, errands, spilled juice and potty training. At times, I felt as if I was actually on the reality TV show "Survivor," but with no million dollar prize waiting for me after 39 days. Something had to change.

One morning, while I was tackling the mountain of dishes after breakfast, my 2–year–old son, Caleb, tugged on my leg. He begged for me to play with him. Guilt plagued me. Why hadn't I gotten up earlier so I could have more time with him?

"Soon I'll be done. I'll wash as quickly as possible. Then we can play with your Little People," I promised.

"I want wash dishes too," he said. How could I resist those big eyes? Reluctantly, I allowed him to pull up a chair and handed him a sponge. Ten minutes later, the dishes were washed, the kitchen was clean, and we'd had a blast. Why hadn't I thought of this earlier?

That night I contrived my plan. When Caleb toddled out of his room the next morning, I was armed and ready. I handed my son his own duster as I dusted the house. He loved the duster. He followed me around the house dusting the floor, the table and even the couch. Though the couch didn't need dusting, he enjoyed this new game. Suddenly I realized I could complete my household work and still have meaningful playtime with Caleb.

Christina Farley has published articles in numerous children's magazines. As a preschool teacher and mom of two little ones, she's found life in the preschool world to be challenging but rewarding.

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