At a loss

[mamafridi]

Of what I can do with my 3 and a half year old.
A bit of background - I'm currently trying to find a job (with little success). We are struggling financially, and we moved to an area where I'm finding it hard to get to know others, but the thing that is really causing me to stress out the most is that I'm completely stuck in a rut and don't know how to cope with having my daughter around 24/7.
My husband is at work all day, and family are often busy with their own lives and so my days drag by so painfully that by the time my DH gets back from work I'm ready to burst into tears. i feel so bad for my dd but some days I just wish she could occupy herself for more than the 20 minutes she manages before she comes to me whining for me to entertain her. she goes to nursery 2 mornings a week (which is all we can afford and this allows me some precious time to send off CVs and get on with some other stuff, but it really isn't enough time for me. I just wonder how other mums cope. I can't afford to go to soft play places often and as we are stuck out a bit with no car even public transport is an expense that we have to keep an eye on. I'm just feeling a bit imprisoned by my circumstances and would love to know how to deal with bringing up a child with not much money and also be able to try and get on with some real life stuff like job hunting and studying. Thanks for reading my whinge!

[Geneticsbunny]

I have a dd who is 3 so I feel your pain. I find playgroups are an absolute godsend. They are usually pretty cheap to go to and you can meet other mums in the same situation. Another thing which can help is finding a few things which keep her busy and then making sure you have them to hand during the day when you need a few mins. My dd loves threading pony beads onto pipe cleaners, that will give me about 15 mins, colouring will give me 20 mins, playdough maybe half an hour. The other day I printed out some pre writing skills sheets, basically pictures made up from dotted lines. There are loads of ideas here and here of things you can do to keep preschoolers occupied.

Obviously these distractions do not always work but they help keep insanity at bay in our house.

[TulipMrsB]

I thought the year old were entitled to 15 hours free childcare?

Have you searched for your local Childers centre? They often have free stay and plays and other free playgroups. They can also advice on free childcare.

[Theyaremysunshine]

If you're in the uk you'd perhaps be better off using your 15 hours at a preschool 5 days a week, mornings or afternoons. It'll give you a bit of time each day for some head space.

I have a 3.5 year old so I too know the relentless battle it can be at times.

[QTPie]

Hi

Are you in the UK? If so:

• as other have stated, 15 hours of free preschool education (might free up a bit of cash too).
  
• speak to your local HV - there are "Sure Start" and other "free" activites & resources.
  
• go to your mumsnet local: there are often local "get togethers"
  

Also:

• check out your local library for free/subsidised activities.
  
• local parks?
  
• go out for walks? I have a 4 year old (and it, mainly, gets better) and getting out and about is key to both our sanities ;)
  

Hope that helps a bit.