Activities for 19 mo lo and 4.5 year old

[Chloevalentine]

I’m having a hard time finding activities for both my 19 mo and 4.5 year old to do together. I have them both sitting at the counter and I try to have them do playdough or crayons or blocks but the little one still eats the playdough and crayons or just throws everything off the counter. I know he’s still young for some of these things but I can’t seem to get him occupied with any toy or activity. Lately all he does is climb the table try to swing the chandelier or bang on my mirror or go in the fireplace. I feel like I going crazy. Like all I do is baby proof and re baby proof. But no ones having fun. I find myself getting so frustrated and crabby. Sorry to vent. Any tips.

[Haribo2012]

Unfortunately it’s just him exploring his world. I have similar gap and mostly spent the time referring but it does get easier.
My youngest now 2 loves taking stuff out of boxes or tubs and putting them back in again, or getting all the toy cars and hiding them under the footstool or table and then putting them all away again or putting them down a ramp, eldest nearly 6 sits up at the counter colouring or playing lego.
M youngest also likes this little pop up play tent and hides in there with toys.
I know how you feel it’s cobstantly putting stuff away getting stuff out while trying to fit in jobs, but also the difference in 6 months time is huge so I’d try and have a sit and play for now x

[Chloevalentine]

Thanks. The problem is he climbs eveything !! We can’t be let’s say in the kitchen together while older one sits at the table because little one climbs it. So it’s hard to do anything all together if that makes sense.

[Haribo2012]

Could you set up some cushions and dens for him to explore or buy a fabric tunnel so he’s got places to go in and out of?

[Chloevalentine]

Oh yes we have it all. This guy is a tough one lol I’ve been taking him every day to a gym class to play with friends Because he’s so active. Guess I’m just looking for some other types of activities for him to sit with like puzzles and books but he’s just not interested. He’s on the move!

[Haribo2012]

Life’s too exciting to sit still at this age for some 

[Lindsay27]

Our age gap is similar too, 5 and 2, but I think our scenario is different because DD is very much a girl and will happy play with her babies or read books or colour, while DS was very much on the move also at that age. 

One thing they both enjoy together though (and that should help with an active boy), is this tent/ball pit thing.  It folds up totally flat so I can tuck it away when it's not in use, but both kids love to play in it...racing around through the tunnel and playing with the balls.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kids-Play-Tent-3-1-Tunnel-Ball-Pit-Game-House-Combined-Together-Develop-Child-Intelligence-Loss-Children-S-Energy-Libre-Mother-Hands-Easy-Carry-Fold-/185424896?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=9207&adid=22222222227134188974&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=242008095069&wl4=pla-398528439817&wl5=1018542&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115787239&wl11=online&wl12=185424896&wl13=&veh=sem

[Chloevalentine]

Thank you! Yes we do have a tent and they will play together in it. I’d be afraid I’d be picking up balls all day though lol. I think it’s just trying to mesh both personalities as well as the age difference that’s tough. Plus they aren’t kids that play on their own.  They don’t sit still with dolls or blocks. They just roam around getting into trouble. Lol.

[Lindsay27]

Yes I do end up picking up endless amounts of balls...but, such is life!