Trapped toddler parents: Inspiration and support needed through the summer hols!!

[PinkDaydreams]

Following on from the previous trapped toddler thread!
Sorry for rubbish title!

@Chocolatetrifle sounds like an ordeal! Glad to hear DS1 is feeling better. Hope the antibiotics kick in fast and DS2 gets some sleep tonight. And that you get to sleep too!

Oh no @Chocolatetrifle and @squishymamma sending you strength the constant illnesses are so hard aren’t they. Hope you get more sleep tonight Chocolatetrifle.
It was suddenly 28 degrees here today and we have not dealt with it well. For some reason I decided we would sit outside a cafe in full sun and eat chocolate cake, cue several overheated/ sugar induced meltdowns including the cake which ended up everywhere. The people at the other two outdoor tables left rather suddenly once the screaming decibel level had reached a certain earsplitting pitch embarrassing. So we came home & sat inside for the rest of the day. Not a win.

@squishymamma, how is your DS feeling today?

@Lostthetastefordahlias, ah don't worry about the cake and don't worry about the other customers. Had similar but at home the other day, boys were fighting in the garden and screaming at each other and crying both at the same time and I was getting a bit peeved to say the least and was loudly telling them to leave each other alone when next door neighbour should use that moment to throw out ball back over that had gone into her garden so she had clearly heard everything!

It's so hot today, how is everyone doing? We had a better night but DS1 was sick again but at least we got a bit more sleep.

@Chocolatetrifle sorry to hear DS1 isn't 100%, hope he's feeling better tonight and you get more sleep. DS still not well, but PCR test was negative thankfully. He has some dreadful wheezing so I think it's a chest infection, but he's not struggling to breathe so I think we just have to wait it out.

DH is also sick, with a headache and nausea...so it's been an interesting day of trying to WFH I also slept really badly because I was constantly checking on DS, so we're all a bit bleh today. Pretty much been TV the entire day for DS but I don't feel bad at all

It's so hot today, how is everyone doing?

Melting here, can't even go out as waiting for the plumber. Tried to get a few different activities out for DS2 this afternoon but he fancies a siesta too and is happiest lying on the floor watching cartoons. Poor DS1 has PE and after school dodgeball today - he's going to come home tomato coloured.

@squishymamma hope your DS is feeling better now.

@Chocolatetrifle glad the test was negative, and DS1 is improving.

Is anyone else getting a bit worried about doing extra fun stuff (eg, toddler groups, softplay) now it's coming up to Autumn in case the DC get ill and you have to test them for the hundredth time - DS2 averages a PCR test about once a month atm, just from going to nursery and getting colds (always gets a cough with them).

But on the other hand I don't want them to miss out on fun stuff - so tricky!

Aah sorry, I missread that @chocolatetrifle sorry to hear that DS1 is still under the weather
Does he like honey? Warm water, lemon and honey is what my Dr friend recommends for DS2 he spits it out

@Camomila, I know what you mean.. we've all had a bit of bug these few days but DS1 and DS2 have had it worse with the tonsillitis and throat infection, and then we naturally say, oh that was because we went to Gulliver's World the week before. It's hard to do more now things are open, then find illnesses are coming maybe because of mixing more. I think we've just got to carry on and keep going to things but I hate the way it makes you question what you are doing. Plus I really hate doing the PCR tests on the DS.

dS1 likes honey but DS2 doesn't and he's the one with the tonsillitis but luckily he's having water and milk.

@squishymamma, glad your DS's test was negative too. Hope your DH feels better soon.

We've got one of those work world kits, got the sand and compost but can't find any worms in the garden.

We might just make some Hey Duggee fairy cakes instead.

Worm 🐛 world kit that should say!

How is everyone today?

We had sick and a wee on the floor before 6.30 today so I thought it was going to be one of those days. Anyway, turned it around and DS1 is at preschool and DS2 has helped me do some house jobs and he is having a little nap now so having a cuppa before getting DS1.

We're good thanks @Chocolatetrifle we went for a walk to the park/pond after the school run to look at the big karp and now DS2 is having a nap and I'm waiting for the plumber to come again (he came yesterday but had to come back again today with a specific valve).

Is it cooler/wetter today where you are? It might be a good day to try again with your worm kit, it might have been too hot/dry yesterday for worms to come out. Sorry to hear about the sick/wee but glad you got out of the house eventually! Our big mess today was mud tracked in on the pushchair wheels - at least it was 15min entertainment for DS2 helping me put newspaper down and give everything a wipe.

@Camomila I rather inconveniently have a phobia of vomit, so I always worry about these groups though for me the benefits of them being out and having fun with other kids always outweighs it so I try to get DS involved in as much as possible. He's pretty much used to all these PCR tests now, so the thing that bothers him most is being restrained - I think if it's not hurting him, it's just a necessary bother. Hope your plumber gets everything fixed!

@Chocolatetrifle glad your day turned around, it's very easy to just write off a day when it starts like that!

DS is much better today, his fever is gone but he's still a little wheezy/sore throat so we've kept him home again. He's actually managed to nap for longer than half an hour though so that's a major win, and we've been out for some fresh air too. Nothing much planned for the rest of the day, yet another early night I think. DH is much better today so that's good...

We've just had a big thunder storm so perhaps that might encourage the worms tomorrow @Camomila

Glad your DS is feeling a bit better and your DH too @squishymamma.

Hope everyone is ok. We just had a library visit this afternoon.

Hope everyone has a decent night tonight.

Glad its not just me @Chocolatetrifle! Glad your DSs are feeling better.
Have had another challenging day with DD, her cousin came round and it was just 2 hours of DD snatching stuff and refusing to share, with the heat & DS not sleeping I just didnt have the energy to head it off like I usually do. Depressing when you feel like others DCs are so much better behaved than yours!
Hope you are ok @squishymamma that sounds like it has been really tough, glad to hear DS & DH are on the mend.
I am definitely torn about going out to groups etc as well @Camomila. With both general childhood illnesses and covid as my parents who we see a lot are vulnerable. On the one hand I want to do as much as possible to make up for lockdowns and make the most of the summer, on the other hand it seems safer & easier to stay in sometimes!

Glad your little one is feeling better @squishymamma.
@Lostthetastefordahlias, it can be a challenge when they play up especially around others,
My DS can be really good with his little friend who's about 4 months older when we go to their house, but last time he just wanted to do things he knows he couldn't do like junp on the sofa.

We are going to my sisters Wedding tomorrow so today when need to wait in for a parcel, organise all the wedding outfits as I'm a bridesmaid so need to leave Early and have everything organise for DH to just take with him when they leave later.

@Lostthetastefordahlias, do not stress about the not sharing. I'm sure I read that it can take up to the age of 5 before they lose that impulse to snatch. They just live in the moment and can't understand why x should have that when they want it etc. It's exhausting though isn't it? Nothing wrong with just letting things go at times either. Sometimes you just don't want to be a cross between a referee and a Sargeant Major type, you just want to sit and just be (quiet)! Also, no one else's kids are better behaved than yours, perhaps they were just a bit calmer in that moment. My DSs' can share... sometimes (not very often), (more like snatching then tears).

@BEE08, oh a wedding sounds absolutely lovely for tomorrow, I do hope it all goes well for you all.

Tomorrow we are going to a first birthday party, I'm thinking of a McDonald's drive through lunch first on the way as a treat. It starts at 1 so have to fit in DS1 nap before this otherwise it will all go pear shaped.

Hope everyone is ok and recovering from illnesses. We seem to have recovered from this batch of illness thankfully.

Sleep well all.

Good morning all 😊 (DS2 has no concept of a lie-in)

How was the wedding @BEEO8?

We had a fun day out yesterday (fun fair was in town plus had some restaurant gift vouchers that were about to expire) so a calm day planned - church, homework, and general laundry/tidying ready for Monday.

Anyone have any slightly more exciting plans?

The wedding was amazing, my sister looked beautiful and the Wedding went with any problems.
It was lovely to catch up with some family and friends who we don't see that often.
DS who is 2, did so well at the Church and did us proud. He loved the disco and eat some dinner and tea, I thought he might not as there was a lot going on.

Good morning!

Glad to hear you had a lovely time @BEE08 and that DS did too!

We have had a wonderful weekend. DS had a sleepover at PIL last night, we got to have a nice dinner, go to a comedy show, sleep all night and wake up at 8am (having children has ruined my ability to lie in longer), have a lovely cooked breakfast...it's been so nice to have "a night off"! I'm really looking forward to seeing DS again though. Funny how you can both love being free and miss DC at the same time.

We've just got church then a nice relaxing afternoon. Also need to clean the house and do some ironing but pointedly ignoring that right now!

Hope everyone has a good day.

Thanks @Chocolatetrifle! You are right there is nothing wrong with just letting them figure it out between themselves sometimes!
Lovely to hear of your good times @BEE08 and @squishymamma!
I have been solo parenting this weekend as DH away at a conference, however we all went out to a garden with a cafe yesterday with my mum, so it hasn’t been too bad. Not sure if this is progress but 1yr old DS has bitten 3yr old Dd a couple of times, no malice he is just testing his new teeth (he was premature & they have been very delayed). This has meant she has stayed well away from him and peace has reigned for once!! Anything that lets me have an occasional sit down with a cuppa!

How is everyone? So sorry I haven’t kept up with the thread, I will try from now.

Hope all kids are feeling better! And everyone is getting better sleep.

My DD was doing well in pants (not asking unless she was bare, but keeping dry). Now she is having quite a few accidents and it’s always on my new sofa. I actually can’t handle it! 🙈 do I put her back into pull ups??
She can’t pull up her pants and trousers herself, doesn’t ask when we are out and doesn’t care if she has wet pants. But when bare she will usually just run to the potty to pee in it (not always). I don’t want to hinder her either way.

Anyways, we have had nice weekend and today. We were in woods yesteday and out to the park today. Tired this afternoon, watching lots of tv!

Oh it is so hard when they seem to go backwards with the potty training isnt it @BeHereNowx32. How old is your DD? We have had a number of regressions and are still having them with my 3yr old Dd, and just when I think I can’t possibly clean up another accident and she will have to go back in nappies she turns it around again. Has there been any other big changes for her like her or a sibling starting nursery/ school?

Hi everyone, it sounds like everyone has had a good weekend.

We had the DC's first kiddies party on Saturday that they had been invited to and it was lovely. Both boys behaved, it's a struggle getting everyone ready and kept clean for an event though I think.

Today DS1 has had preschool and no tears. I took DS2 to his first toddler group this morning and he enjoyed it.

This afternoon we have been for a little walk in the woods and collected some different leaves and our first conkers. We are making an autumn scrap book of sorts.

It's so hard with the potty training. I think it's best to carry on without nappies once you have taken them off. How about some of those potty training sheets that are meant for beds, you could put them on your sofa @BeHereNowx32?

Thank you for you reply @Lostthetastefordahlias DD is only 2.5 years old. No changes. Although I suppose we are starting to go out and about a bit more. She was staying dry at home. I have put a nappy on her since accident and she is just peeing in it. Think we are both too tired this afternoon! xx

She was staying dry out and at home I meant.

Do you have a little travel potty @BeHereNowx32?
Perhaps leave her pants off until immediately before you go out then put her on potty watching a programme on the TV for a short while before you go out to see if she will do a wee before you head out. If she is going on the potty bare at home then you are doing great. It's hard out and about because of distractions. Also depends where you are and what facilities they have. If she gets to know her travel potty then she might be happy to go on it before heading home again.

I'm really funny about public toilets and I hate DS1 using them but it's just got to be done. When we were training DS1 I used to hold him over the ladies loo!