What do you do on rainy days with preschoolers?

[Spicycurry]

Storms here forecast and it’s all wet and muddy underfoot.

We have got a group to go to at midday. Went to the library yesterday. I was wondering about soft play but it’s difficult with DS as he just wants to sit in those cars at the front you put money in. Welcome ideas …

Could you find some videos/online baby club sessions that you could follow along with?

Ooh yeah swimming is a great suggestion. Makes them so tired!

Them getting cross/frustrated is how they learn they can’t always have what they want/do what they want.
Redirect him to a game, toy, play dough etc. Teach him to play nicely at home, otherwise you’ll make it super hard for yourself having to go out every single day.

The storm won’t last long, I’d just carry on as normal. Just with wellies…

Go and jump in puddles.
Take a towel and blanket in the car and they can travel home practically naked if needed. Warm drink in front of the TV and a nap if you are lucky.

Makes me almost miss the small children phases

Library?

Mine were like labradors, so I had to get them out nearly everyday or their behaviour was worse than feral. Walks in the garden, the woods, the park (even when wet), puddle jumping that sort of thing. Others were an indoor bouncy castle and an indoor mini climbing frame, indoor games that involved running around (I used to let mine empty a cupboard of tins, take them to their room and below orders as they ran as fast as they could to put them back again). Swimming pool, groups, then playtime at home before whacking the telly on.

I don’t envy you having a toddler, 2-4 was the most difficult stage yet for me.

He knows what he's not supposed to play with! Just keep things out of his reach so he's not tempted. I'd take him to softplay too. If other kids want a go then teach him that they're not just his cars.

The only alternative if you can't have him at home or at an indoor play area is invest in really good wet weather gear for you both.

Mine can spend up to 45 minutes watching "hey duggee". Teletubbies bores her within minutes.

I gave mine all the safe kitchen utensils and pkastic bowls and measuring cups and stuff. Worked well for quite a while.

Play doh

Painting (i used to psyc myself up for this one )

Painting in autumn you can make
hedgehog hand prints with their fingers the spikes.

Other craft

Baking (also found this stressful)

Decorating biscuits with icing and sweets

Books

Puzzles

Simple board games

Dancing round the lounge

A den

Visit the pet shop look at the animals.

Instead of soft play see if there is a toddler village near you for imaginative play session.