Having a really tough time getting through today - really feeling sick. Didn't expect it today, so even though I knew my partner would be out of town, I didn't arrange for help w/ my 2 year old.
All I want to do is hide in bed, but that's not an option. Any moms out there with ideas for keeping a busy little guy happy while I stay quiet, so we can get through the day? Any good mommy tricks out there?
I'm open to any suggestions!
Thanks, Cactus
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
art supplies TV DVDs
those are the things that my sis uses with her almost 3 year old. I know TV isnt the best thing but if you reserve it for emergencies like these I think you can be forgiven and that your little one will not be harmed.
sesame street barney that consturction guy ?? thomas the tank engine
I have been wondering how you were doing. keep us informed! best of luck, trails
Posted by notcrazykate (Member # 10458) on :
I'm sorry you're having a hard time today.
I always find that having a hunt keeps kids entertained for a long time.
My favorite to keep my sisters entertained used to be to pull out some plastic easter eggs (the kind that open) and put fun/funny things (letters, pictures, little toys, money, candy, etc.) inside, then hide them all over the house.
The more eggs, the longer they left me alone... and they had such fun discovering their treats, even if some of them were silly.
I know this requires a certain amount of energy on your part with the putting together and hiding, and a 2 year-old could get into trouble without supervision for this. Thought I'd throw it out there anyway, for future reference or something.
Good luck!
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Thanks, guys! Great ideas.
We're hangin' with PBS kids today - hoping our brains don't turn to mush. Mine's mushy anyway.
Trails, we've got the crayons and chalk out - and working up to play doh, when I feel like getting off the couch.
Kate - the treat hunt is a very cool idea. Love it! We might try a modified version - maybe a scavenger hunt for shapes and stuff... till I get some more energy.
Trails, I've been wondering about you, too - how are you feeling?
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Dear Cactus,
I am so sorry you aren't feeling well. I myself have a 3yr old and a 5yr old so I know how difficult those "bad" days are.
Unfortunately I use TV a lot. Of course my kids are old enough to sit through a movie.
When I go to Walmart or other store, I try to pick up "busy" things for those bad days.
Water painting, coloring,blocks, books, kids scissors , etc. Be careful with those blunt tip scissors though.. I found out the hard way that they CAN cut hair when my two year old daughter gave herself a haircut!
It is so hard sometimes with little people. Most days, as my husband works and I have no family around, I just have to muddle through.
I sometimes pray for bedtime so I can get a moments rest. It is really tough.
However, my children don't really understand that Mommy is sick and unable to do everything I used too. But boy do I try.
I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you feel better soon. Two year olds are so wonderfully funny and frustrating!
Sincerely, Geneal
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
do you have any close neighbors who would love to entertain your little one today when you are feeling so crappy?
you got good ideas from moms with youngins..
hope you make it thru this day as well as possible; prayers headed your way. Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Just wanted to send a huge thank you for all the support. I did make it through... And just one more day of this reaaaaallly long week to go.
Geneal, it's hard, isn't it? At least there's some semi-educational tv, without commercials, out there - but I'd prefer not to resort to it, too.
If you find any more magical "busy" toys, keep me posted, please! Play Doh's a good one here, and, strangely, those fuzzy pom-poms for craft projects - the white ones make great pretend snowballs.
On the bad days, I'm just waiting for bedtime, too. But it makes the good days so much sweeter...
Betty, thank you for your prayers - your kind words are always appreciated. I do have some great neighbors, and I've got their numbers right by the phone at all times, for emergencies. If it's rough again, tomorrow, I'm going to make that call.
Thanks again, all...
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
have you ever tried making sculptures with the packing peanuts that melt in water? you dont need glue--just a little water. I think they are made with corn starch or something....and they stick to eachother when wet. prolly for 3 yrs and up but might work???
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