There are some days when I really struggle being a mom. Especially if I am tired which is quite often because Jack still hasn't mastered the art of sleeping through. It has become easier now that I am back at work - writing that makes me feel so guilty but it's the truth. Jack is at an age now where I can't entertain and stimulate him like I used to. He needs to be with other kids for longer periods of time plus I need some time to do something with my brain and also have the social aspect of my life back without him & have a coffee without holding a toddler on my hip.
On the days when the afternoon seems never ending, it's too cold outside to go for a walk and my enthusiasm to play peek-a-boo or crawl through his pop-up tunnel has waned, these are my go-to activities which allow me to sit on the couch with a cup of tea and a HUGE wedge of cake, uninterrupted for about 10 minutes.
Hope they help.
P.S. I take no responsibility for any of your children being injured during any of these activities.
P.P.S. These activities probably aren't your traditional toddler activities, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.
1. GIVE THEM A BOX OF TISSUES
Jack likes to eat anything in tissue form, he doesn't so much eat it as chew, swirl around in his mouth and spit out leaving me with little wet balls of tissue all over the house. But this works everytime.
2. GIVE THEM A PACK OF WIPES
This is when your tissues have run out. Huge waste here as he literally can empty a pack of wipes in under a minute so this is if you need about 1-2 minutes of shut eye. This is saved for a horrendous day where you take any peace you can get.
3. GIVE THEM TUPPERWARE
This I usually do if I need to cook/bake or take photos of my creations. It means he can sit on the kitchen floor, be in sight and make a hell of a lot of noise with tupperware and wooden spoons. But it works equally well in the lounge with me sprawled on the couch.
4. LET THEM UNPACK DRAWERS
While this is lovely and allows me to lie on our bed for a "power nap" (power nap meaning me lying on the bed with one eye open) this does involve having to tidy up afterwards. But if you are desperate it is worth it in my opinion.
5. GIVE THEM A DUSTER
I'm not sure if it is the colours or the feel of it but he loves walking around with it and bonus, you might get some dusting done for you.
6. GIVE THEM THE LAUNDRY BASKET
It needs to be filled with clothes and place them at the washing machine. He spends AGES unloading, loading, closing the door, unloading, loading, opening the door. I just need to teach him to turn it on now and he can be in charge of washing.
7. SWITCH ON THE BUBBLE MACHINE.
Ours is BRILLIANT - the Gazillion Bubble Machine; it costs a few pennies and is actually quite zealous (A LOT of bubbles come out so don't sit them too close!) but it is awesome.
8. SIT THEM BY THE CATFLAP
Jack loves to sit at the back door and post things through the catflap. Lately, his colourful plastic play balls are always strewn outside!
Warning: Do not give child items which you do not wish to get wet/muddy or damaged as they will end up outside.
9. GIVE THEM FOOD
This needs to be food which is NOT messy as he will be walking around with it so rice cakes everytime. I do not recommend anything that melts in the mouth like puffs or biscotti otherwise this requires cleaning up afterwards = more energy.
10. GIVE THEM BALLOONS
Jack LOVES them. I was so frightened of him biting them and popping it but his little teeth can't actually reach the balloon so I got over it. And he had quite a few long sessions of play with them. Plus you can lie on the couch and kick them with your legs and bat them with your hands. So technically you are still playing with your child.
11. GIVE THEM YOUR IPAD OR IPHONE
It is quite scary as Jack is swiping the screens already and knows which is his favourite app.
I do recommend it although turn your volume down if you need peace.
Any Moms out there have any go-to activities which give them 5 minutes peace? I am always in search of something different!
♥♥♥♥♥
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