Awesome Activities For Indoor Days
Photo by Polesie Toys
If you’re learning how to juggle having a new baby and a toddler, you’re not alone. Most of us go through it at some point. And while we expect a bit of a bumpy ride, what most of us don’t think about is how having an infant will affect our children’s routine, especially on days when you can’t pack the baby up and head to the park.
Read on for mom-approved advice on how to make the most of days when fall and winter make their presence known.
Stay comfortable.
Your body changes after each baby. If you find that your pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit or are not comfortable, invest in a few new staple outfits to wear around the house. For most of us, this means well-made leggings and a few tops that will allow us to dress them up or down depending on our mood. While it might seem like a little thing, being cozy in the clothing on your body is one way to reduce stress.
Bring in support.
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help, and your older children may benefit from bringing in a babysitter to watch after them while you focus on your newest addition. Alternatively, you might consider investing in postpartum doula services to help you through the transition of expanding your family.
Keep the kids entertained.
Now that you’re comfortable and have a helping hand, it’s time to look for ways to entertain older children until warm weather returns. A few things you can do are:
Arts and crafts. Young children enjoy drawing, painting, and cutting approximately all of the things. A quick trip to your local craft store will allow you to stock up on all the supplies you need to let their imaginations run wild. When purchasing, make sure to check that each product you buy is washable and non-toxic.
Dance party. As a parent, you’ve already noticed that your toddler will move and groove until they drop in place. But if yours is at the age where they are fighting naptime, there is no shame in allowing them to expend their energy with an impromptu dance party in the living room. Timeout.com’s playlist includes classics like MMMBop, Macarena, and Thriller; each of these songs is almost guaranteed to get more than a foot tap out of the 10 and under crowd.
Baking. Baking is one of the most fun and educational activities you can do with the kids. Even if they are in the three and under crowd, you can give them a pot and pan and let them pretend to help. Time together in the kitchen also instills healthy eating habits and allows you to have precious bonding time with your older children while your baby sleeps.
Ball pit. A ball pit is an inexpensive, colorful, and relatively safe way to keep little ones active and engaged. With PVC pipe, pool noodles, and plastic balls, you can build your own ball pit for the kids that will keep their interest for potentially hours on end. The fact that the balls are much larger than choking size may give you peace of mind if you need to avert your eyes momentarily while you tend to the baby.
This is just an example of a few activities you can do with your children while the weather won’t cooperate. Each will allow you time with your toddler without sacrificing your responsibilities to your infant. It is hard work, but, remember, it’s just a season, and soon you’ll be back out on your daily walks where everyone will enjoy a dose of sunshine and fresh air.
Guest post by Carrie Spencer of thespencersadventures.net