Toddler Entertainment Ideas

From two_girls_mom2007:

I don't have any toddlers around anymore. But I have this distinct memory of trying to scrapbook or put pictures in a photo album when my youngest was somewhere between one and two, and she would just grab everything on the table and throw it down and mix everything up. I also remember checking on her in her crib once, and she had gotten a copy of "Chica Chica Boom Boom" in her crib and ripped it into tiny little shreds. So I know one can be destructive!! I just found these for you. Hope something helps. The lists of activities look like they might be for a little older, but they may come in handy at some point. The first article is specifically about having a toddler, though I did just skim it.. So if it is bad, sorry!
http://chfweb.net/articles/week29.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/mo/sasschool/preschoolers.html
http://www.loveathome.com/homeschool/littleones.htm
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/205/soqnas.html

From hbbk20:
I hate to say this...it gets such a bad rap, but does the TV calm him? Like a video? How about a mothers helper, will he play with another kid like a middle school aged home school friend? That would be helpful and maybe even helpful to the middle schooler to care for a child before going on to baby sit alone. Otherwise I did a lot of playpens, highchairs, bouncy chairs, gated off safe zones with toys and music and things to try and entertain the hoighly busy toddlers in my home, while I did my best to get anything else done, or an older kids homework time. Otherwise wait till Dad arrives hand him a busy toddler and do your school work at homework time. It is not easy with a toddler bouncy and busy but it can be done with some creative forethought and perhaps a little help. Remember....they are not toddlers for ever, and that busy stage can be re-focused much better as they age with Sports, Arts and other activity.

From a_and_b_c_for_me:

Right there with you with my 13 month old, who is just now giving up his morning nap and thus throwing our schedule for a loop. I do use nursing as a distraction for part of the time, but he'll only nurse for so long!
For sure, I'll be checking out the links in the above posts. I also just tolerate a certain amount of mess-making by him. Keeping snacks on-hand helps sometimes (but not always.) Finally, we do take breaks and resume some subjects once he's asleep in the early afternoon. It's harder that way for sure, and I still try to do as much as possible in the AM, but sometimes it's just easier that way. Flexibility is key. Too bad I'm not real good at that, lol!