keeping toddler happy in afternoon

[SpunkyMama]

DH just started a new job and won't be coming home until early evening now. My energy levels seem to bottom out by 3 or so. DH used to come home by 4:30, so I didn't have to do too much to keep DS occupied until DH came home. What are some activities I can do with a 16 month old to keep him happy and keep my sanity?

[skybluepink02]

I always feel that way in the afternoon too. I usually buckle my two in the car and take them to the walking trail near my house. A good brisk walk helps all of us feel better and I feel more awake and ready to handle the rest of the evening. We also hit the playground afterwards (in the same park) and the babies get some swinging action in. My hubby is out of the house from 8am-8pm, so I have to really push myself past that mid-afternoon slump.

[Mal85]

Outside! DD is 13 months old and she gets up from her nap around 3:30. She gets a quick diaper change, a snack, then we head outside. Sometimes just out in the backyard, sometimes we take a walk. We usually stay out there until DH gets home at 5. Then, he'll either stay outside with her until dinnertime while I clean up the kitchen and make dinner or he'll entertain her inside.

I know your energy level is down, but getting outside can even give you a pick-me-up as well as keep you LO happy.

[mama.rye]

Same boat! We just moved to a new DH schedule. Used to get home at 4, now home at 7pm. yeep!

Outside is key! Right after nap, we walk. And I chase him and we play and I try to get out alot of that gross motor. Once he is exhausted, I bring him in for puzzles, books, trains, and encourage quiet alone play. Maybe coloring or stamps. This is also a good time for things like filling bowls with soapy water and letting him play on the kitchen floor while I try to get dinner cooked. If all else fails, this is classic time for a 30 minute video so mama doesnt go insane. (if you do videos.)

[LCBMAX]

Out out out, as all the pp have said. Just cleaning out the car can get us through. And for me, caffeine.

If weather doesn't cooperate, a couple bowls of sudsy water on the floor with kitchen implements can let me make food or clean nearby.

Also key for us is getting my 2 yo's post-nap blood sugar up quickly. If I don't make his next meal while he's napping, and I almost never do, I've got to have something quick and snacky around that he can eat mindlessly to avoid a crash. Makes a HUGE difference for us.

And when I am desperate, but not desperate enough for a video, we skype with grandma. That's fantastic for me since she knows better than to try to have an adult conversation. They have a routine where he shows off his new tricks, they sing songs, she reads a familiar book to him, and she tries to have some new interesting objects near her computer to do show and tell. This can all go on for a crucial 30 - 60 minutes!

[MamaPhD]

Yeah, tell me about it, DH comes home after DD's bedtime! 16 mo DD naps 12:30/1 till 2:30-3. I cook during her nap, too, so I can feed her immediately after nap. DD takes a long time to eat a meal (she eats 4-5 meals per day), like 45 minutes, so a lot of our time is spent in the kitchen. DD is really into electronics. I gave her my old broken digital camera (it won't take pictures, but it will show pictures on the memory card), so she knows how to turn it on/off and flip pictures (of herself, mostly, and family, flowers, whatever). She also enjoys seeing herself on TV, so we will watch family home videos together and point out daddy or grandma, etc. I feel this is better than watching videos or TV but who knows! If weather is dry, definitely outside! DD asks for "water", which means going to visit the swimming pool from outside the fence- oooh, fun! Dance & music CD from music together class. DD loves the class and knows songs from the class. Art. She will scribble a bit, but I do most of the drawing and she guesses what it is. She also brings me the corresponding stuffy, even if it's in a different room! Then help mommy cook. I will either give her pretend cooking (just a bowl and a whisk), or she gets to press microwave buttons, close fridge doors, etc. Have dinner. Close to bedtime I'm pretty much dead, so we watch Youtube videos or nursery rhymes in bed and dance along for half hour. THen bedtime!!!!

[sweetpeanz]

Activities for toddlers

I find that sometime the most difficult part of entertaining a toddler is coming up with something new and interesting to do - so that we both don't get bored!! By subscribing to "Busy Kids are Happy Kids" I receive an email every few days with an indoor activity idea and an outdoor activity idea (it's free). Check it out at http://DoingStuffWithKids.com

[SpunkyMama]

Thanks everyone - great ideas!