Playful parenting resource?

[MyBaby'sSmile]

I read one of the popular books on the topic though I'm so tired at the moment that the name of the book eludes me

But I need desperately to bring some fun and humour back into my home.

Ds starts running around our home about 15 mins. after he wakes (d@mn open concept house is circular so he just goes round and round!) He is SOOOO loud. And this gets the baby and the dog going. It just gets my day started off so poorly. I try to get him involved in things before I start making breakfast etc. but the moment he gets bored he is off and running again, climbing on the sofa, throwing pillows etc.

We are on an elim. diet now and $200 worth of vitamens trying to determine what foods if any are triggers for him But I need desperately to find a way to get throught this without burning out.

Any resources or ideas to help with this particular situations would be so appreciated.

[Danaoc]

Gosh, I so wish I knew. I can only give you suggestions of things my very active son will sit quietly for in the mornings:
Playdoh (Target has big sets of shapes, molds, etc. and it's fairly easy to clean up off a hard surface)
a 1 hour video (our favorite is Peep and the Big Wide World - a sweet science and nature inspired cartoon we got from the library)
washable painting at a table
a trampoline (but that might trigger loud sounds along with jumping)

Maybe a quiet game of hide and seek so that he gets his active energy out?
Sometimes we do a shower in the morning (with a $.99 can of shaving cream) - it can keep him occupied for 45 minutes, it gets him clean, and I keep checking on him (he's 3) but don't have to sit with him since it's not a bath so I can at least get my coffee made.

Hope something helps!

[mommy2abigail]

Is there a way for him to go outside? like in a back yard? He could be responsible (not really, but you know) for playing fetch with the pup while you make breakfast? How old is he btw? Could you get one of those kid exercise videos and have him do some exercise on a mat or something? I think fighting his morning energy will get both of you frustrated. Try to work with him on it, finding creative outlets for it. It would help to know a bit more info though. How long do you need him occupied? Could you take him and the pup on a short walk through the neighborhood? Can dh take him?

[beanma]

do you think he might be interested in some sensory stuff like dried beans in a big container to pour into different smaller containers, etc? maybe you could get him a bouncy ball to hop on or a kid-sized indoor trampoline or a spring horse. sounds like he really needs to get his energy out.

[HoneymoonBaby]

Matchbox cars keep my three year old son occupied pretty well in the mornings. I keep them in his room and he can play in there until I'm awake enough to stumble to the coffee machine.

[MyBaby'sSmile]

Thanks mamas. He is 5. He definitely has lots of energy and I keep seeing trampolines as a great tool for kids with adhd and autism so I may have to see if I can find one. I love the bean idea. I think he would like that. Just have to figure out how to make sure the baby doesn't get them and if ds gets creative with the beans it could make for stress.

I don't need him busy for too long. Just long enough for me to make meals, maybe wash a dish now and then instead of staying up til midnight getting my housework done after he is in bed.

I used to be so patient but now I'm nagging and cranky. He responds so well to positive reinforcement and assigned tasks. I'm just so spent that the nagging comes out first

[LynnS6]

You might like the suggestions in either "Raising a Sensory Smart Child" or "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun" - while they're aimed at kids with sensory processing disorder, I find that all kids really enjoy them!

[happy1nluv]

Do you have a dishwasher? If you do, open it and put a few bowls with water, measuring cups, wire whisk, etc. out. DS can play in the water.. when its time to clean up, remove objects, close dishwasher and wipe up floor. You do have to watch though to make sure he doesn't start dumping it on the floor (it took FOREVER for my ds to stop challenging me on this one and realize that when he dumped game was over) ... BUT, it can keep him occupied (and right under foot) for a while!