Quiet activities for 21 month old?

[Bobian123]

Gave birth to DD a week ago and also have a 21 month old DS. DH still on paternity leave and I'm really quite nervous about him going back to work!

I'm a bit of a list maker (must make me feel like I'm in some kind of control ) and am just noting down some ideas for quiet activities DS can do when needed. I want to still give him my attention and play with him but I know it won't always be possible.

Much as I'd love to be setting up fancy sensory play activities, I'm looking for quick and easy ideas to keep him occupied. He has an attention span of approx 6 minutes, so need a nice long list!!

I've got things like puzzles, playdoh, washing up bowl so he can wash plastic toys, stickers, dinosaur toys, looking at books etc.

Anything you can suggest would be hugely appreciated!! He would watch TV all day if I let him, but I want to really try and limit that to just before dinner as a "treat" (we'll see!!) Thanks v much.

[SleepShake]

Lego
Threading type toys
Painting (messy though)
Aqua doodle
A scooter
A push along car
Cars
Stacking eggs

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Saucepans, a plastic jug, dry pasta, a wooden spoon and a plate so that he can cook for you.

Small watering can in the garden.

My two would happily dust at that age. Obviously they just played at it and couldn't reach very high, but they thought they were helping.

Could he brush a tiled or wooden floor?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Forgot to say, Pom pons are your friend. Lots of activities including putting them in a plastic bowl and giving him an empty bowl and the kitchen tongs and getting him to transfer them over.

There are some more ideas here

I do appreciate that some will take setting up time but I think you are a trooper for even trying to limit TV.

We tended to do playgroups in the morning and the rest of the time DS either had his play kitchen, train set it the TV.

Congratulations on your new arrival

[Bobian123]

Thank you, these are all great ideas!

jilted the limiting TV thing is wishful thinking Hoping to divert his attention with all these other ideas!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

These tips are aimed at bfing Mums but think the activities should work for anyone

[YerTiz]

DS used to like playing with toy cars/diggers in a big tub of 'rubble' (dried pasta, rice, lentils etc - just make sure they don't shove it up their nose!).

Don't feel bad about tv though - we watched a lot when DS2 was born, a year later hardly any.

[Bobian123]

Great thank you!!

I know what you mean about tv-I'm really not adverse to it but DS is a bit all or nothing with it!