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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder what to do with my children on these endless rainy afternoons?

138 replies

catsandkittensandcats · 10/06/2024 10:31

I know we should be in puddle suits and wellies embracing life at the park but we really, REALLY don’t want to do that.

I have a three and a half year old and an eleven month old. Eleven month old can’t walk but obsessed with pulling herself up to stand and wanting to crawl everywhere.

We have endlessly done soft play to the point where I drove to one 30 minutes away last week because I think we were all fed up of the other ones.

We have also done the role play places a LOT - they are lovely but worried they’re becoming tedious. And the baby can’t really join in although she doesn’t seem to mind crawling around eating any toys she finds.

Swimming is a no because you need two adults for two under fives. We’ve been to the library but neither find it hugely interesting and so it only fills about three quarters of an hour.

Groups are on in the morning but then I’m left with a loooong afternoon - is there anything I’ve missed?

OP posts:
GoodVibesHere · 10/06/2024 10:41

Stock up on craft materials for the older one - paper, pens, toilet rolls, pom poms, paintbrushes, googly eyes, felt etc. Set up a table and let the toddler have a craft afternoon.

The younger one, well at that age mine enjoyed stirring uncooked pasta in a bowl (!), simple jigsaw puzzles, singing and clapping to music etc. Fairly easy to entertain at that age I guess.

CleanSheetsCupOfTea · 10/06/2024 10:41

3.5 yo and 10 month old here - I feel your pain!

Are there any other swimming pools around where you can take them both in? Ours one adult can supervise two under 8s and the pool is shallow enough for my 3yo to reach the floor.

We did bowling recently one afternoon when I was going out of my mind, my 3yo didn’t really enjoy the bowling part but we went in the arcade after and that went down well. It was empty on a weekday, baby was happy in the pram looking around at all the sounds and lights and 3yo was happy with some 2ps for the machine!

Often try to organise meet ups with friends or family the afternoons. We go to garden centres for a run around or pet shops to look at the animals.

Singleandproud · 10/06/2024 10:40

I used to do a group in the morning, but some rich tea, icing pens, sprinkles and make up some white icing and let them decorate the biscuits after lunch, then some reading time. 2pm I put Barney on for 40 mins.

TV is fine for small children but what you want is shows that don't change the images too frequently as that ramps up the adrenaline/nervous system response so older shows like Barney or Sesame street, Rosie and Jim etc, you can find them all on youtube are great whereas most modern animation like Paw Patrol have images that move too fast. Curious George is good as it uses a muted palate and generally the background stays still whilst the characters are talking. Old fireman Sam / postman Pat over the newer ones etc.

Original poster
catsandkittensandcats · 10/06/2024 10:40

It sounds blissful the way you describe is @Cazpar but the reality is different: constant having to stop the older one lifting the baby up or taking toys from her, older one ‘helping’ by bringing me things I don’t want or need, as soon as I’ve cleaned one bit moving on to the bit my lovely children have just destroyed! Generally we’re all a bit better out of the house and the day goes faster. Normally at this time of year we’d be enjoying parks and things but the weather is awful - I know it isn’t just me.

OP posts:
Starmonkeys · 10/06/2024 10:38

Sensory play at home? Can crush up some Cheerios to make Sand, add some toys into it and let them play. Doesn’t matter if 11 month old eats it either.

can also do messy play with yogurts and food colouring

Original poster
catsandkittensandcats · 10/06/2024 10:37

Sadly none of my friends with children are off on my days. Moving to Devon would indeed be very lovely but perhaps not the most practical suggestion.

They don’t necessarily need entertaining all the time @BIWI but for example our group tomorrow finishes at 11, we’ll be home by 1130, bath and bedtime routine isn’t until 630, I think 7 hours of TV and self entertainment is a lot to ask of a baby and preschooler plus the TV they already watched in the morning!

OP posts:
Cazpar · 10/06/2024 10:36

Eleven month old can’t walk but obsessed with pulling herself up to stand and wanting to crawl everywhere.

Then let her do that. Eleven month olds don't need constant afternoons at soft play / role play and swimming. Just let them explore the house (supervised of course).

As to the three and a half year old, can't they play by themselves? Build them a little den they can play with their toys in? Again, they don't need constant days at soft play / role play and swimming.

Days at home are no bad thing. Get the older one "helping" with household chores and cooking.

HcbSS · 10/06/2024 10:36

Nursery and FT work

Peabody25 · 10/06/2024 10:35

Any regular local groups you can go to or ones slightly further afield?

BIWI · 10/06/2024 10:35

Why? There's plenty of good stuff for children on television and early years stuff can be really educational.

Alternatively, just let them play at home. Children do not have to be entertained by their parents all the time!

FuzzyPuffling · 10/06/2024 10:34

Move here? ( SW Devon) Apart from a very small shower overnight ( which the garden really needed) it hasn't rained for days, and the sun is out again today!

Otherwise, go and see friends with children and commiserate together while the children play.

Original poster
catsandkittensandcats · 10/06/2024 10:33

That’s largely what I’m trying to avoid!

OP posts:
BIWI · 10/06/2024 10:31

Put the telly on?