Attention span of a flea!!

[Jenu294]

Anyone else having trouble enteratining a 21 month old amidst this lock-down?

I realise she's going to get bored more easily without her usual PG/classes schedule, but how do I wear her out and make sure she's still being mentally stimulated? When we go on walks she insists on being carried and doesn't like her pram much.

I've also engaged her on a few online classes and I've got some activity books with sensory ideas etc but she's more interested in handing me the remote and watching tv! Screen time seems to be getting longer these days and I'm starting to feel guilty!

Anyone else feeling the frustration - any tips?

[Selfsettling3]

When I was training to teach we were taught children have the attention span of their age plus 1 minute. So your little one should have an attention span of 2 to 3 minutes.

Have you tried sensory play or letting her empty and refill containers.

[MartyrGuacamole]

Get some cosmic kids yoga on tv for her to copy so at least she's up and moving? My ds at that age had to be physically exhausted to concentrate on anything else. I would set up obstacle courses - cushions to climb over/under, toys to slalom round etc. Playing catch and football with a soft ball. Aim for 15 mins of physical exertion, 5-10 mins of an activity like sitting and playing with water/playdoh/ paint then sit and relax and read a story together. Let her have some screen time. Let her help you with chores, pairing socks, loading the dishwasher, emptying cupboards and filling them up again etc. If all else fails, I used to run a deepish very bubbly bath and loads of pots to pour and fill and some clean paintbrushes or sponges to paint/clean the tiles and leave her in as long as she's having fun. Very tiring for little bodies and a great break for a cup of tea whilst sitting on the bathroom floor (obvs make and take in with you when running it)

[Jenu294]

Ooh some great suggestions there I shall definitely follow up!

I tried the Joe Wicks kids work out yesterday (thought she could stamp about etc) but a few minutes in she just wanted me to lift her up 🙄😁

I also got a big, clear plastic bag - filled it with dried pasta, pom-poms, black beans, buttons etc coupled along with a big wooden box with 12 compartments. Well it didn’t go down quite as expected as she tried to shove everything in her mouth (she did stop that for a while) but her tasting tendencies have come back with a vengeance 😆 and that goes for the play-doh I made for her too!!

I shall not be defeated just yet though!!

Keep safe ladies, thanks!

[Selfsettling3]

Try lounging pintrest for ideas.