Listen to the Podcast Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2424597/episodes/16223269
Introducing the Yes Basket
To keep up with my whirlwind of a toddler while staying productive, I came up with the Yes Basket. Inspired by the concept of "Yes Day," where parents say yes to their kids’ reasonable requests, the Yes Basket gives my child a little freedom to explore and play independently. It’s a simple solution: a basket filled with toys, activities, and surprises that keep her entertained while I tackle my to-do list.
What Is a Yes Basket?
The Yes Basket itself is nothing fancy. It’s a regular basket I picked up from Target—originally a Halloween treat from my husband and daughter. Inside, I’ve stashed a mix of old favorites and “new” surprises: toys she loves, coloring books, crayons, and even printed stickers. Here’s the trick: the magic of "out of sight, out of mind." Rotating toys and reintroducing them makes them feel brand new!
Creating Your Own Yes Basket
Intrigued by the idea? Here’s how you can make your own Yes Basket to suit your child’s interests:
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Toy Selection: Gather small toys and items your child hasn’t played with recently. When reintroduced, these feel fresh and exciting.
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Snacks: Add mess-free snacks like crackers or fruit snacks. Keep it simple to avoid any major cleanups.
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Activity Books: Include coloring books, sticker sheets, or other simple crafts to keep them busy.
The key to success is variety. Rotate the items in the basket every week or so to keep it exciting. The best part? You don’t need to buy new toys constantly. Just shuffle what you already own.
Benefits of the Yes Basket
The Yes Basket has been a lifesaver in my house, and I bet it could be in yours too. Here’s why:
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Empowers Your Child: Kids love having choices, and the Yes Basket gives them the freedom to pick what they want to play with.
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Minimizes Interruptions: With something new and exciting to explore, your child stays engaged, giving you uninterrupted time to work.
And it’s not just for work hours! The Yes Basket is perfect for giving parents a little breather—whether it’s sipping your coffee while it’s still hot (imagine that!) or sneaking in a few pages of your favorite book.
Share Your Stories
If you decide to create your own Yes Basket, I’d love to hear about it! Snap a picture and share it on Instagram—be sure to tag us at @caffeinatedchaospodcast. I can’t wait to see the creative items you include and how it works for your family.
Conclusion
I hope this simple parenting hack brings a little relief to your daily chaos. Share this post with your fellow parentpreneurs—you never know who might need a little help keeping their work and family life balanced. Don’t forget to leave a review on our podcast and follow us on your favorite streaming platforms.
Until next time, keep caffeinated and embrace the chaos!