I had mentioned in the previous post (
A More Detailed SAHM Schedule)
that I would write about "Mommy and Me Time" and different activities you can do with young children. The ideas may seem pretty simple and obvious. But they have really helped me since I started to schedule specific times into my day to actually do it. I actually wrote down a list of fun activities to do which I refer to often . The one caveat is that it does require you (most of the time) to be actively present. No cell phones, laptops, tv, books etc... especially if this time is specifically designated for time together. And if you have more than 1 child, try to get everyone to play together or set up the older child with an independent activity (reading, crafts, board game etc.. depending on their age. I have learned quickly that most of these activities last 15min which seems so short. But children's attention spans are super quick. Some activities they may not be really into. My motto is redirect and try something new. Also sound really enthusiastic and give tons of praise. They really eat it up. The more you get into it the more they will...
You can not fear making a mess. Kids are messy! During this hour I probably try any 4-5 of these activities. Some are hits and some are misses depending on the day. I feel since I've started this, my 22month is actually better at playing by herself because I've spent quality with her.
A lot of these are self explanatory. But I did write a few comments to certain ones on the list:
1. Painting
-This is one of this first activities I like to go to. I like setting them up at the kitchen table with water color paints. It's not too messy (I put the littlest amount of water in a plastic cup) and I can clean up breakfast dishes and put them in the dishwasher while she is painting away. I also love to paint with her and I try to teacher her colors.
-For Christmas my girls got an easel, so to switch things up we paint on the easel.
2.Play-Doh
-another easy go to (and no I don't make my own... :( oh well) We have lots of play doh shapes/cutters too. Ally (22 month old) likes to put the play doh in and out of the containers and close them again and again.
3.Coloring
-Stick to crayons (No markers for the young one-too crazy and messy)
4. Stickers
-My little loves putting stickers on a piece of paper. We can spend a good 15min or so just putting all kinds of stickers on a poster board/blank paper whatever...
5.Puzzles
-Such as Alphabet, Shapes, Numbers, Animals etc.. (whatever your kid is into) I love to teach them animal sounds and sing abc song, Whenever I drop the puzzle I love to be very
6. Trains
-Setting up the tracks, making a village and having lots of crashes always makes them laugh.
7. Doll House/Little People
8. Play Kitchen
9.Balls
10. Babies/Dollys
11.Making Forts
12. Playing in Closet/Small Nook
13.Sleeping Game
-Ally loves to pretend go to sleep.
14.Peek a boo/Hide N Seek
15.Books
16.Dress up
17. Tent/Tunnel
18..Music/Dance Party
19. Grocery Shopping/Cash Register
20.Blocks
My 4year old has preschool till1 o'clock. We usually go out for an activity after I pick her up since we are already out. Some of these afternoon activities are weather dependent too.
Afternoon Activities:
1. YMCA-open gym, swimming lessons and kid nursery (while mommy works out) Go 1-2 x a week
2. Parks
3.Playdates
4. Errands
5. Library
6. Barnes and Noble
7. Mall Play area
8. Mall Tots (play area for young children $$$)
9.Play Outside and Backyard
10. Out to Eat (special occasions)
Hope this helps you! Have a wonderful day and remember be "silly" today!
