sahm's of toddlers?

when you're stuck instide all day, what are some things you do? how much do you sit and play with your dc vs. independent play?

i seem to play all day.

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

Yeah, we pretty much watch TV & play all day! We hit all floors too, we play in the basement, & upstairs...where there are different toys. I spend a lot of time naming things, talking, trying to get him to talk (hes 15mos)..but I get so bored sometimes

Also, a lot of time we watch TV (his shows or dvds) and he will sit next to me or play with toys on his own while I do something (like read, jump on the computer & lately I crochet a lot, like an old lady!)

eta: I'd say his independent play is 40% of total play time...its close to half the time but not quite

btw, Your son looks exactly like my nephew! So cute!!

Message edited 12/24/2008 1:22:56 PM.

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

DD goes to school from 9-12 4x/week or else I would go nuts!

When we're home it's probably about 50/50 independent (and sibling) play vs me playing with them.

We play with her toys, color/crafts, watch TV, etc... I will try to do an errand or 2 to pass the time as well.

Soon you will have someone to help occupy DS's time

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

Jack is a big independent player so he doesn't really want me sitting there playing with him.

We will play hide and seek - FOREVER!

Like Dana - we have the different floors and toys on them so we are all over the place.

He watches alot of Backyardigans and Elmo on these days too!

We really have to get out at least once a day otherwise we both go insane!

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

We do a little bit of independent play (she does well with that) and then we play together the rest of the day. Now that we have some more toys for Christmas, I think I may put some in our bonus room upstairs and leave some down here in her regular play room. Almost every day though, we make a point to go out to the mall, stores, park, etc. for a change of scenery. Now that she is walking, the park is her favorite place!

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

just found this post from before the holiday and wanted to thank u all for the replies.

josh is just not a big independant player. he plays with his toys but always brings it over to me to play with him. i guess with the baby coming ibetter try to work on that.

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

I don't play with her TOO much. I make sure I go out with her at least once a day, sign up for library programs, do one craft/fun project a day, and play for an hour or so. The rest of the day is cooking, cleaning, bathing, laundry. She doesn't like to play by herself either so she is always by my side. Sometimes she will watch tv by herself though.

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

Part of the day he plays by himself and then sometimes he follows me around wanting to help me(). Then after a nap I have to get out and do something even if it's errands. If not we both get a little crabby!

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

Id say its 50/50

Re: sahm's of toddlers?

i have a 13 month old and a 3 year old so its tough to split myself in two...

we usually have playgroup on weds, parent/tot with DS on thurs and DD in preschool tues and thurs for 2 1/2 hours. We also try to do programs and other playdates . But on days we are home...

i usually play with both of them right after breakfast then i give them independent play time together. this is usually when i prep lunch. then after lunch i put my DS in for a nap and spend one on one time doing something with my DD who is 3. we do play-doh, or painting, baking, stuff we really cant do when Jake is around to get into. then she goes into her rest time. and i clean up and do what i need to before they wake up...
when they both wake up they eat a snack and we play for a bit then they have independent play while i prep dinner. then its playtime together or independant play depending on the day and the mood... until bath and bed.

when we play together its usually with the little people toys, the play kitchen, dance party with music on, parachute, dress up, cars, books, things that both 3yr olds and 1 yr olds can do together. i try to limit tv best i can during winter months since we are home more.

its impossible for me to sit and play all day with them...there is always something to do and i think its important for my kids to play by themselves which is getting easier now that DS is walking and wants to do everything his big sister does.

Message edited 12/30/2008 3:15:10 PM.