there is a useful game i play with the children called the hibernation game, where they become bear cubs or toads or snakes and curl up with their eyes shut and are buried under a pile of cushions or pillows. then you get on with what you have to do in that rare and perfect peace and afterwards come and wake them up, though if they try to stir before that you say solemnly, it's not spring yet, and they obediently snuggle down again. you may also thump the pillows and cushions from time to time if they get restive, to show the game is still going on, and you might tell them beforehand, that you're a hunter, and of course they would keep extra quiet after that. also, the good thing is that they can't really see what you are doing when they're in their cave. recommended heartily to harassed parents. this is good for about twenty minutes at a go.