We made puppets out of paper bags.
We baked cookies (I let her pour most of the ingredients and roll the cookies into balls), built a tiny fort, and had a tea party.
I let her try on my clothes and shoes.
We've played hide and seek. She's very good at hiding. Sometimes I can't find her until she says something. I've found her behind her crib, in my closet, under the table, and under blankets.
And my personal favorite, watching Hannah play with a Wii. Thanks again, Wes, for letting us borrow it!!
I've seen magazines with various crafts that a parent can make with their children, but most of them are too complicated for a two year old to do. Of course there are always finger painting and coloring, which she enjoys, but they get boring after awhile. She needs a little brother or sister to play with! Other children to play with fulfill a part of childhood that I can't provide for Hannah. Luckily she has a few friends, but I think that it's going to be a very long winter without the swings and slides. If you have any fun indoor ideas, please let me know.
11 comments:
You can always play board games suitable for younger kids like Hi-Ho Cherry O, Candyland, Cooties, Memory (my girls' favorite), Don't Break the Ice, etc. Playdoh is always fun. I'm actually going through the same thing as you right now with Sienna being the only one at home every day. Luckily she has preschool twice a week, which helps. But now you know why I had Dallin so quickly after Taylor. I found he needed a buddy to entertain him. It mostly worked when they were 2 and 3. Now that they are older, it really works out well to have them so close in age.
I'm having the same problem especially Grandma because Madison constantly wants to be outside with the animals. I agree about the painting and coloring- it becomes old after awhile. I have recently tried making houses and other things out of the foam kits from Michaels. They're pretty kid friendly because the foam pieces are like stickers. We also enjoy card games like goldfish,..etc. We also like to build forts, too. It's hard because Maddie doesn't have really anyone to play with. So when you come up with something, let me know.
I think one of the hardest times for me was when Kaden was two, and I was pregnant with Hailey (and it was winter). I can hardly remember what I did, but I know he craved getting out of the house too. My city does some great free programs for toddlers at the library.
I did find this website http://www.twinslist.org/toddler.htm#indoor
it had some good ideas. I think the best idea would be to come visit us in Arizona :)
I agree with Jen about the Library. Do you have one nearby? They have reading time with other children and then you can check out a bunch of books. Sounds like Hannah needs some imagination toys for Christmas? Let us know what she needs.
Mom and Jen-
Yes, the library is a good idea. We actually have been going almost every week to the library for the last year to their "toddler time." It's only a half hour long, though, and then we check out books afterward. Yes, definitely a good idea, but unfortunately it doesn't take an incredibly long time.
I know what you mean, Ana has been going a little crazy at home as well. I took her to the library this week also...does your library have preschool resources? I checked out a puzzle, a book with all of this play food that goes a long with the story, outside of the regular books. That has been helpful. But it is true, kids just need to be around other kids their own age...I am really starting to see why it might actually be easier to have kids closer together!
I see the Wii got put to some good use. I think we need to have a Wii tournement!
I am impressed with all the fun things you and Hannah have been doing. She is seriously so cute! It seems like a preschool teacher would have plenty of ideas for you but what I think you should do is bundle up a ton and go play outside anyways. Good luck!
I love that Hannah plays the Wii! So cute! It is tough to find ways to occupy them!!!
Here's my two cents for an idea: Dance parties. Montana loves them and they are good exercise! :)
Unfortunately, I'm at a creative low right now. I definitely need ideas too. It's so true that they need little buddies. I often call Allie's friends and invite them over so she can have someone to play with and I can get a few things done around the house. This also gives the mama of the child a break too. One thing that Allie and I like to do is go to www.pbskids.org or www.sesamestreet.org and play games.
I'll take Robby to McDonalds or Carls Jr and I'll get a drink and a snack and let him play in the play area.... there are some books about activities to do with toddlers - I have Baby Days and am on the lookout for another good one. I'm glad you posted about this because I am having the same issue and wondered what other moms do!
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