home beginners cvs publix walgreens grocery deals restaurants publicity

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Readers Advice - Cabin Fever

Okay, I give advice all day long, but now I need some advice from the mommas and daddas out here.
...
Subject: Cabin Fever
My precious 16 month old is going crazy. The little girl loves her new sister baby doll so it doesn't appear to be a jealousy issue (in fact she still has much of my attention as the new baby sleeps a lot.) Anyways, what can I do to make a 16 month old not so bored. She is used to running around town with me all the time (usually couponing) and now we are stuck "in the house." Even a new toy from the back of her closet didn't do anything. I thought about putting my youngest in a sling and going tp the park...any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Readers!

13 comments:

Heather S said...

I just had my 3rd less than a month ago and still have a 3 1/2 year old and 2 year old at home - they get bored too since mommy spends so much time with the baby. Depending on how she is with colors - go on a color hunt. Glue different colors of construction paper in an old notebook and hunt for things in your house that are the same! It's a great way to learn the colors too. You can do it with shapes as well.

brittany said...

my 17 month old is really getting into coloring, painting and markers lately. it doesn't last too long, but since it is new, he is now finding it fun. and, thank goodness, those things are all non toxic. i just strap him into his booster seat, tape the paper to the table and let him go for it. it is especially great right before daddy gets home from work to keep him from a meltdown. excited to see the other responses, because i have another due at christmastime and need some good ideas for my particularly energetic son!

Trish said...

Try planning themed days where you bring the outside world in. For example, plan a zoo day. Make cages for all the animals of the stuffed persuasion. Then go on a trip to the zoo complete with balloons and popcorn. You could save your empty food boxes and make fake coupons. Then set up a grocery store for your daughter to shop in. She can plan a dinner and practice her frugal coupon living!

Effie said...

Maybe you could try boxing up most of the toys and bringing out a different box each day and then putting that box back away at the end of the day. Might make her feel like she's getting a new surprise each day?

Danielle, Brian and Burke said...

go out! we had our little in july and left the hospital and went straight to target (well he was 5.5 weeks earlier and we had NO preemie diapers, but still!).. enjoy a little fresh air.. our peditrician says just keep the baby close or in a car seat so people aren't in her face.. my little one loves the sling!

Angela said...

try to go out once a day she's used to going and it's hard for her to get used to the new routine. Even if your husband comes home and takes her somewhere. Just let her get out of the house somehow. She'll start to get used to being home soon, cold turkey is hard on the little ones.

christysone said...

what about a gymboree class for your older one, leave the baby w/dad or grandma. Pretty soon she'll be big enough to join in!

Rene said...

I had my third daughter recently. We have a covered front porch with a baby gate in front of the stairs. Just letting her go out to the front porch and play while I sit on the swing with the baby does wonders for her attitude. My older daughters able to ride cars and play with toys because of the gate. I absolutely love doing this and so does she. It even puts me in a better mood when we go outside. For some reason they enjoy playing with toys more when they are outside. I even read them books outside rather than inside. Congratulations again on your new baby!

Anonymous said...

First off, congratulations on your new little blessing! I have 3 kiddos and what kept everyone happy is to do at least one errand/outing each day. It did not have to take up the entire morning - just something to get out the door for. If she doesn't try to eat it, play-doh is fun for that age. Another great activity is have her wash dishes (her play ones or some of your plastic and safe ones). Fill the sink with some nontoxic bubbles and pull up a stool. That used to provide a good amount of excitement for my kids. Most of all, have fun with both of them! Take care.

Michael said...

Try the library storytime for her age or just take her yourself if they don't offer it for her age. What about Mother's Morning Out or playgroup?

Meshell said...

I only have my one little girl, who is 8 months, but I know the stir crazy feeling. if the weather i nice enough, wear your little Isabella, and go on a nature walk. Have your oldest find leaves, flowers, pine cones, grass, etc.

LauderdaleLisa said...

In our house, water is a toddler's best friend. We'll lay out a big beach towel and give her a huge pot with a little water in the bottom. Some measuring cups and spoons, slotted spoon to "cook" and she'll play for quite a while. To stretch it more, we then wash her dishes when done cooking. Enjoy them!

The Stehlik Family said...

Go out. You would be surprised at the places you can take her without a crowd now that the big kids are in school again. You can go to zoinks, and chuck e cheese from 10-4 M-F and there is hardly anyone there. (Use coupons for tokens at chuck e cheese, of course). The baby can sleep in the carseat/stroller. And no worries about nursing since no one is around. Chick Fil A is good in the mornings too, but once they start serving lunch, the business picks up a little. Or, trade with a friend who has a kid the same age. I know I have picked up my far share of children to take them out for a bit to give the moms some down time. Most people would be happy to do so.