Activity time rut!

[Liam's Mama]

Hello!

we have just moved within the last month or so and have gotten into a rut!  We used to live in a house and I would walk to a child center near by, or walk to the park 2 or 3 times a week usually. I also seemed to have things to do with ds (who is 16mths almost) but since we have moved I find that I haven't been engaging him nearly enough. Now I seem stumped and unfortunately our days are filled with ds playing alone or watching baby shows much more than I allowed previously (only one baby Einstein a day.) while mummy cleans, unpacks and does banking.   Mind you I have been very busy around here, but now that we are in an apartment and it is getting colder out I have no motivation to get out of the house. Last week I found the closet child center which is a 30 min walk so we will only be doing that walk once a week, Also we do have a library near by that I am going fit into our routine once a week as well as he adores books (we have many story time breaks during the day) Does anyone have any other ideas to do while in the house? what kind of things can I do with ds at this age that will fill his time with something more engaging and educational??

Thanks for the help!! 
Devon

[mum101]

I find it hard sometimes to think of something to do.  Sometimes I just feel like sitting down and letting Rory watch TV! Or just going out to do something.  I sometimes feel tense and think 'how am i going to entertain her all afternoon at home?'

I used to love playing with her and watching her, but it seems to have shifted and I'm not sure why.  I still love hearing her chat away and always notice when she does something new, but it seems so hard to get her engaged and stay engaged in a play activity (and get me engaged). I still love her company, but it feels like i'm afraid of becoming bored, or something! I haven't worked it out. 

I have found one of the best ways is to get through these feelings is to get her to help me do some work. 
Rory loves 'doing the dishes' and even though water gets everywhere, she has a ball and I get to clean a dish every now and again. 

[Erin M]

Check the "Toddler Activity" sticky at the top of the forum, tons of good ideas there. 

[Liam's Mama]

Thanks! I actually saw that sticky after I posted  So I did get a pick and got some good ideas!

mum101 - what a good idea to get ds to help with cleaning, Ithink I'll try even if that means more cleaning for me