Stuck in a rut

[abiyhayil]

What do we do all day? In the morning I'm on the computer and DS is either watching a video or keeping himself occupied and the baby is playing near me with me interacting some. Then I make breakfast between 8 and 9. I may try to get a load of dishes in, head back to the playroom in our finished basement or go in the backyard. Around 11 or 12 the baby either nurses for her nap or nurses and needs lunch then naps. DS watches another video while baby naps and mommy rests. We'll then go outside at least until Daddy gets home (usually). Yesterday we took a walk to the playground, but only stayed about ten minutes b/c DS was more interested in throwing mulch at the kids in the daycare play yard that is 10 feet from the play structure. We stayed outside in the yard for about an hour and then we went inside and I got DS's pumkin gutted and eyes carved. He used markers to color the pumpkin for about 5 minutes, and then he was done. I know I am on the computer entirely too much and DS watches way too much TV, but when arts and crafts only last 5 minutes, it's really hard for me to think about pulling it out. Please help us with ideas and encouragement. We don't have a car so we're a little restricted to the weekends for field trips.

[slgt]

We try to make the arts & crafts have a purpose a lot of the time - making a card for someone, or making a decoration for the walls in DD#1s room, or something like that. Messy crafts seem to have more interest - painting, fingerpainting. Play-dough? And making the play-dough was an activity in and of itself that DD could help with.

Does your DS like "helping" yet? Can you find ways that he can "help" with chores, or babycare, etc.?

(ps--our girls are ages 2.5 yrs and 3 months)

We try to do one outing a day. I know you are limited, but outside/running around time is important. What if you went to the playground earlier in the day when DS is fresh & misbehavior is less likely? I know that DD is cranky in the afternoons (she doesn't usually nap), so we try to schedule our outings earlier.

Is there a library you can walk to? What about playdates with other kids in the area? Could you extend your park outing with a "picnic", or do picnics in you backyard? DD loves it anytime we do something a little different, that feels like it breaks the normal rules.

Can you build an obstacle course in your house? We will often turn on "dancing" music and kind of give DD permission to go a little nuts. We have one couch she's allowed to jump on/dismantle cushions, and a gymnastics mat, and we give her time to go a little nuts-o when she seems to need it.

We've had to limit our own computer time when with DD, since she immediately starts to demand video or computer games, and we just don't want to go there yet. What about reading books? Does your DS like to sit & read? If not, could you try to slowly convince him to enjoy it, starting with a book or two at a time? We find that to be a great activity that can be done with both kids.

What else...puppets? props for imaginative play? I didn't see how old your DS is, so not sure if he's there yet.

[meetoo]

It sounds like you need some more adult support and interaction. Is there a play group or story time you can join? That can be a good way to meet some mommy friends with similar aged kids.

[abiyhayil]

thanks for the replies! We really look forward to grandma's visits once a week!! We irregularly go see a "church friend" who live around the corner from us and has 2 yo DS. We do a POLO (parents of little ones) group through church once a month and I have a book club once a month too. Other than that we're just hanging at home.

[RaeDyCo]

Some things that DS1 likes to do (and that entertains DS2 also) are:
Blowing bubbles -- seriously, this can be a good 1/2 hour of fun. I'm not sure why it is so hilarious but it is.
Chasing a balloon around.
Dress-up time -- we got some really inexpensive costumes (we shop the bargain bin after Halloween and get bigger sizes) so DS1 can pretend to be a tiger, dinosaur, superhero