Ideas for not yet walking 13m old...

[Mi_LuBelle]

I need some help. Feeling completely uncreative and at times baby exhausted... but I really need some ideas on things to do with my 13 month old. She's our only, so no siblings to watch, play with or entertain. We do things like read books, watch and do signing time dvds, go to playgroups, play hide and seek, bathtime, and she does free play while I run around trying to get something done... but this seems to be a hard age for me as a SAHM. How much time to focus  on interactive/directed play, what to do, how much structure (ahha right now we have NONE). I really wish there were some toddler/parent classes (music, dance, yoga, gymnastics, whatever) in the area, but most I've found in our area are for 2 or 3 year olds which is frustrating since she LOVES watching and imitating older children in that age group. She's not quite walking reliably yet, which is also tough at times... 

Just at a loss for what to do next... I know she'll be past this stage in no time, but I'm here now and I want to have fun while she's here. Everything's new and that aspect is great, but I'm feeling a little lost I guess... 

Ideas, thoughts, comments, links, whatever you can offer would be appreciated! 

Thanks!! 

[crunchy_mommy]

Hmm... It was when DS was that age that I found a local mom's group & that helped a ton. I also started taking DS to story hour -- I keep track of all the local libraries' story times and also the bookstores in the area, so I can almost always find one at just the right time (and bookstore story hours are almost always open to all ages). It took me a while to really get a grasp on everything going on in my area, I thought there was nothing but there are actually tons of things.

Anyway, besides getting out of the house.... She is probably old enough to do simple crafts now -- coloring, gluing, finger painting, playdough, even using scissors if she's coordinated enough.... Music time -- we have a few sing-a-long books, some small instruments, and CDs/radio/youtube... Homemade toys -- i.e. fill an empty jug with dried beans & glue the cover on, she can shake it, lots of fun... I don't know what the weather is like where you live but get outside as much as you can (we have given up on the playground in the dead of winter but still try to go for a walk or play in the yard most days). Oh also she could 'help' you cook... just don't do it when you actually have to have dinner done -- pick something like cookies, homemade quick breads, fruit salad -- things where you won't get stressed out if it takes an hour & makes a mess!!

I loved that age because DS was really starting to be more able to do things, communicate better, etc. but now that he's almost 2 it's a thousand times easier because he's just so much more able/coordinated/etc. So in a few months it won't be such a struggle. :)