Our daughter Z's schedule varies from day to day, so some mornings we have ample time (going to grandma's = stay in pajamas, wait on breakfast, wait on her nebullizer asthma treatment) and sometimes very little (daycare = lunches to make, breakfast to serve and possibly eat, getting dressed, breathing treatment). Lately she has seemed more demanding of "quality time" with me before I head off to work, and I have tried to find efficient ways to provide that so we don't have a meltdown but I can get out the door on time.

"To-go" orders of ready-to-mix play dough ingredients have become a popular morning "project" that also gives her something tangible to plan for later in the day at grandmother's house. We also like it because the demand it places on the caregiver is minimal (we have mixed all the ingredients together for her, after all) and it also helps Z have a little "involvement" from me, even when we're apart.

Play Dough To Go

In a plastic bag or storage container, mix:

• 1 c. flour


• 2 t. cream of tartar


• 1/4 c. salt

In a second, leak-proof container, combine:

• 1 c. warm water


• 1 t. oil


• One generous squirt of food coloring

Send with one very happy child to her grandmother's house with instructions to combine, heat, and stir until thick.