Entertaining a toddler on a dime: Homemade play food set

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Wow. I can't believe I spend money on toys when an empty tissue box and a wooden spoon make my toddler happy"? Yeah, so have I.

We've been handed down a toy tool bench, a wooden train set, more Duplos than anyone could possibly need, and a Lego table, so when my son started showing interest in pretend cooking, I wasn't about to buy a play kitchen that would take up even MORE room in a house where adult space* is quickly dwindling. Instead, on a boring snow day a couple of weeks ago, I took an old Amazon box, cut a door in it, used black crayon to draw some knobs and a window, red crayon to draw some burners, and I called it an oven. It took me ten minutes, and my son played with it for HOURS. He had only seldom used the Melissa & Doug wooden pot and pan set that he got as a Christmas gift until he had a specific place for them, and now it's his favorite thing. A plus--the cats like to hide in the oven, which isn't really a benefit, just funny.

Working full time, staying at home, and everything in between: My story

So far, I've interviewed a mom who works full-time and a mom who stays at home. Now, it's time to share my story. I belong in that gray area in between. I freelance out of my home two days a week. During those days, my son goes to a family day care 15 minutes away, and I sit in my ugly home office and edit books, write articles, and check Facebook a lot. At times, this situation feels ideal. At other times, not so much. Part of me really misses going to work. I like critical thinking, problem solving, having adult conversations that don't revolve around offspring, and wearing real pants. My freelance work doesn't offer any of those. It's been a nagging dilemma for many moons now, and I suppose the best way to explain it is to interview myself.

1.  What prompted your decision to work or stay at home?
Before I even got pregnant, I knew I didn't want to juggle working full-time with raising a baby. I didn't feel like I could be a good mom and a good employee--the thought of being pulled in two different directions got me nervous. Plus, my job was frustrating, and the company I worked for didn't know which way was up, so I had the perfect out. I took it. Sue me.