5 y.o. and a 3 y.o. here. The key is to have one unique, anchoring activity each day - paint a rock, cook a loaf of bread, something. Also, we took a tip from p

5 y.o. and a 3 y.o. here. The key is to have one unique, anchoring activity each day - paint a rock, cook a loaf of bread, something. Also, we took a tip from preschool and create structured time. Kids playing in a room is one thing, but put them in a room and say "ok guys, one hour of 'free time'!" and suddenly they are excited to play. Don't just leave them alone until there is a problem. Give them a task and a reward - fold these towels or clean up your mess, then you can watch a show. Have a bigger project. Organize your spices and ask them to help. Or wash the windows, anything - getting them involved in something productive is necessary for your mental health too, so you aren't just spending all your energy trying to occupy their time aimlessly. Effecting real change (even in small ways) can help make things feel less pointless.