Dear Stay-at-Home-Moms, past and present
What kind of schedules/routines do you keep during the day/week with your munchkins? As we are getting more used to our surroundings, I think it would be nice to try to establish a little weekly routine; you know, like we go to playgroup on Thursdays, grocery shopping on Wednesdays, the pool on Fridays, yada yada, but of course I am interested to know what others are doing.
Also, what kinds of activities do you do with them to try to engage their precious little brains? I keep trying to google for ideas, other than reading books and playing with his endless supply of toys, for activities to occupy the Isaac-monster on these days when it's too hot for outside, but that seems to be inexplicably impossible -- either you find crap-sites or sites with only stuff for home-schooling and nothing for toddler entertainment.
We are very much enjoying our standing weekly playgroup appointment, but feel our schedule would be ideal if we had one more playdate/playgroup we could go to during the week. Does anybody know where one could look to find out where such entities or opportunities exist?
Any and all comments on this matter are most appreciated for a fledgling SAHM and her little charge, who is probably bored out of his gourd with her lack of imagination.
Also, what kinds of activities do you do with them to try to engage their precious little brains? I keep trying to google for ideas, other than reading books and playing with his endless supply of toys, for activities to occupy the Isaac-monster on these days when it's too hot for outside, but that seems to be inexplicably impossible -- either you find crap-sites or sites with only stuff for home-schooling and nothing for toddler entertainment.
We are very much enjoying our standing weekly playgroup appointment, but feel our schedule would be ideal if we had one more playdate/playgroup we could go to during the week. Does anybody know where one could look to find out where such entities or opportunities exist?
Any and all comments on this matter are most appreciated for a fledgling SAHM and her little charge, who is probably bored out of his gourd with her lack of imagination.
posted by Claire at 8:06 PM
4 Comments:
We don't have any kind of formal playgroup thing going on rightnow. Every once in awhile, I'll get together with one of my friends who has a baby. Otherwise, Ben and I just kind of do our own thing. We usually go to Target and Petsmart once a week. (he LOVES Petsmart)... we explore outside together... we draw, we fingerpaint, we listen to music and dance. We make all kinds of messes. We watch Sesame Street.
A friend of mine are thinking about joining Gymboree in the fall for a 10-week session... that will be fun for Ben, I think.
I probably didn't help much... :\
Hi Claire and Issac!!
Like Erin Clayton and I have a pretty set routine. We always go on an outing after breakfast, (zoo, playland, petsmart, park) then after a lovely nap (2 or more hours) we head out again searching for ducks and geese to feed old bread to. By the time we get home from the second outing it's dinner time and dada is almost home. We have great stress free days and I wouldn't change it for the world. We do miss hanging out with you and Isaac and it sounds like you guys are enjoying being with each other. Have a great summer!!!
Great suggestions -- sounds like Petsmart needs to be on our to-do list, and I will put cream of tartar on our shopping list. Today I am realizing that, when Isaac's teeth are making him real crappy, he feels much better if we go out and do things. For this, we thank you for your ideas that give us a destination so we can get out of the house.
I know you posted this like a gazillion years ago but I was getting caught up! We do Gymboree class which lead us to meet more mommies/babies and get a playgroup going. So we have Gymboree and a playgroup each week. I joined a local mother's club. I went to one meeting and it was sort of lame but the resources and newsletter are great. They also set up playgroups so we have another one starting this fall. Maybe google Moms & Tots or Moms Club and your town and see what pops up? Also the local library does story times age appropriate - AND FREE. Check your closest local library - sometimes they have websites. This leads to meeting more moms and kids and hearing about more good stuff. Plus the library hosts sing alongs and craft things for older kids (something to look forward to). Bookstores also do story times/sing alongs like Barnes and Noble and Border Books. We go to the park. We go to the mall. Liam is only a week away from turning one so we still are sort of limited in what we do - he's not walking yet. Your local bookstore might also have a "Things to Do with kids" book that is locally published by one of those mom's groups. I try to spend one full day a week at home so he can enjoy all his toys and safely roam and stay on track for naps, etc. Our trip don't last long as he still naps for at least an hour in the morning and about 1.5-2hrs in the afternoon. Also any stores that are gimicky - for example we have some furniture stores that are outrageous with crazy decor and kid-friendly areas so he has in the past enjoyed looking around. He also likes his kiddie pool (for about 20 mins ;-) I'm little nervous for the winter and being snowbound. Hopefully we'll have some new ideas for indoor activities!! That playdoh idea is GREAT. Liam still chews everything . At least it's safe!
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