What do you do with your kids all day?

Lalaladybird

I have 2 pre school children and I am a sahm. We can't afford for me to take them to soft play etc. They don't seem too bored at home, they draw, dress up, play, watch tv etc but I'd like them to spend their time more constructively as they do seem to watch a lot of tv and if it is off I can't get anything done. Every day seems so boring and repetitive. What does everyone else with preschool age children do with them all day?

LEJC

I was a stay at home mum too...we used to cook and bake,making pizzas for lunch or tea was always a favourite, go to the park,feed the ducks....I always did try to take my child out quite a bit that way we got talking to other mums and eventually formed our own social circle...godsend for me and other child interaction for him...we used to rotate once a week around the others houses...there were 4 of us so it meant that every friday we would go out someones house...and about once a month the other came to us...

sad as it now sounds mine used to help with things like the washing up and laying the table...turning it into a game that was a little different from watching the TV...but in honesty mime loved to go and find all the washing arond the house and load it into the machine...
Again if you have a garden...make use of that....have a picnic lunch outside and make a game of letting them make the sandwiches...its surprising what different things they will try if they've had a hand in making it...

If you have a local library,go there...let them look and read the books...our liibrary also has a special pre school story session...another great way to get them interacting.

Are there any church run play groups near you...yes there is sometimes a charge but that usually covers the cup of coffee for you and the squash for the kids....also look out for soft play offers...sometimes they do off peak sessions very cheaply....

System

I was never a great fan of mother and toddler groups, i found the majority of people went to have a good gossip and lose track of the kids but i did take mine to a church based playgroup twice a week.... no gossiping, no backbiting from the adults and the kids had a great time.

I must admit i was sorry to see mine go off to school.

sassyblue

I only had one but l'd play with him for an hour or so with the telly off, then put the tv on and do some jobs for another hour. The telly was used as a 'novelty' so when he was watching it gave me time to get on.

Even an hour in the garden looking for insects or kicking a football around made such a difference for him.

l found it better to indulge him first - otherwise you're constantly saying 'l just need to do this' - make sure they've had some quality time and they're much more likely to let you get on for a bit.

cutestkids

It sounds like your kids already have a good balance of play and TV time anyway but you could get them more involved in helping around the house, make it fun for them.

Try local toddler groups most only charge a pound or two and it is a great place to meet other mums.

Try looking throgh your local paper to see if there are any free events on often libraries and museums have special event days aimed at younger children throgh the week.

Don't forget that the simplest things are usually the best for kids, just going out for a walk etc.

I used to think I always had to be doing something with the kids but have learned that they actually like to amuse themsleves sometimes.

Mojisola

cutestkids wrote: »

I used to think I always had to be doing something with the kids but have learned that they actually like to amuse themsleves sometimes.

Not only do they like it, it's essential that they learn how to entertain themselves. A lot of children starting school have no idea what to do with themselves if someone else isn't entertaining them.

Racheldevon

Hi
Have a look online for your local Sure Start Children's Centre - they run free sessions/activities and services for families with children from 0-5 years. Every community now has access to their services, even if the building isn't in your area. It's not a toddler group, but is likely to offer a wide range of things some of which your children might really enjoy, worth a call or popping into your local one to find out more!

meg72

I think I was very lucky, being of the older generation, we didnt have a TV until my oldest started school ( 40years ago) and asked for one because her friends had them.

Was never short of things to find fun,goto the park,feed the ducks,
recyled crafting, grow veg, cooking, look for insects in the garden, paint stones,treasure hunting, best of all was the who can tidy your bedroom first.

I hated it when they went to school.

nuttybabe

hiya

i have 3 and when i had ds1 and dd we used to go to the park, family, walks, shopping in mornings and afternoons were nap time. When i had ds2 we had moved away from all that and ds1 started nursery so we used to go to toddler group on monday, tuesday was talking tots at the surestart centre, wednesday play at home, thursday i did volunteering course and then volunteered at toddler group taking kids with me, friday was either home or a different toddler group. afternoons were always nap times and thats when i got stuff done. if we were at home i would try not to do housework with the kids around unless they were helping me.

ds1 was really outgoing and well socialised within our family/friends but dd was always shy so i took her to toddler groups to help bring her out of herself. it worked very well!

shirlgirl2004

My children are older but are home educated. They have always played well together and amused themselves. If you try to engage them in play all the time then they will need you to eventually. Yes it's nice to read and play games together but do give them time to entertain themselves too. Mind you make sure you are still watching from afar otherwise they'll be using your nail polish to decorate your furniture.

MrsManda

I second racheldevon's suggestion of your local surestart centre (sometimes called Children's Centre).
My local one is open from 8:30 to 4:30 and has various activities and groups which are free to attend but it's also possible just to pop in when there's nothing specific going on to have a play, drink and a chat.