to be stuck for ideas for tomorrow?

[cjt110]

Usually, when DH is working, I do something with DS and my Mum. Sometimes it's simply just popping round to see her for a few hours.

Tomorrow, she is having her garden done which involves digging, leveling, laying a groundsheet thingy and spreading 2 tonnes of gravel.

So I don't really want to take DS round in case he gets in the way/under people's feet. I don't expect my Mum to come out as she will probably want to be in because of the garden being done (it's my brother and his friend doing the work so she may not be fussed and be able to come out).

So I am stuck for what to do with DS. I can't seem to find anything on my local newpapers website for events on over the weekend, and due to suffering with depression and anxiety, I get a bit fidgetty in new situations.

Can anyone make any suggestions? We're in West Yorkshire btw

Jemappelle I didnt do any of that shizzle with DS when I was on mat leave. It's only now ay 20m when I get a short while before/after work with him and 2 days at the weekend that I want to try and do stuff.

Now cjt110, there is a chance the crafting will go arseways fairly shortly after you start, but not to worry. It comes with the territory of a 20 mth old. A glove puppet from a sock might work.
I used to feel like you when I had my little fella in a creche. When I became a SAHM I was terrified - I was nearly ringing them asking them what time should I give him his tea at. For fear I'd do it wrong. Toddlers don't die of crying and they do get frustrated, they have zero self control and they do go from 0-100 on the Oh F This For a Lark! scale in seconds rather than minutes. And your feelings don't come into it. If he has a tantrum, well where's that glove puppet hiding behind the cushion.
If all else fails, put him in the high chair in front of the telly while you surf the net for a while (that's what we all do, we just pretend to be painting eggs and knitting bunnies and stencilling the walls with pretty motifs).

They are difficult at that age, count it as a success if you can get through the flamin day. Anything else is a bonus, really. Lower your expectations of A Productive Day and Being a Great Mommy. Then lower them again. Just have A Day, doesn't have to be a fantastic day. You don't have to be anything special for him, because you are special to him already no matter what you are doing.

Oh sadie That's such a lovely post.

So far on my list I have:

• Bubble painting with paints, washing up liquid and straws;
• Rainbow salt painting (Printed an A4 rainbow sheet out, pour salt/sugar over and draw in the sugar/salt to reveal the rain bow underneath;
• Make some "cloud dough" (flour and oil) for him to have some messy play
• finger painting;
• glitter glue;
• gluing wool to paper; and
• Cheerio necklaces

Should keep us out of mischief for a bit

20 months is a really awkward age IMO! There's a blog called The Imagination Tree with lots of ideas.

Cupcakes Having a good look now and yes, very awkward. Not quite a baby but not a kid either IYSWIM? And to add to it he's very.... independent...

Magical Forest in Marsh is a nice soft play? Or Fizzy Lizards.

Try not to overthink things. You don't even have to plan the whole day, just play it by ear. Sometimes we feel we are in some bizarre test to see if we're good enough parents. You will feel even more like that because of anxiety.

Your DS will have a lovely day just being with you and your mum and extended family who all love him-that's all kids are hard wired to expect.

Stop beating yourself up!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2602835-stop-beating-yourself-up

This weekend it's just me and DCs, we will go to local small park and make some easy cakes with lots of decorations. I'm making a nice tea. I can't be faffed with craft - that's what school and nursery is for. So they can just hang out apart from a blast of fresh air at the park. Last night we watched a film and had popcorn, it's the little things! Your list sounds fun though although it would be too much mess for me

Sunny? Park. Raining? Park in cosy clothes and wellies.

We have had a fabulous weekend. Yesterday morning we did some painting and messy craft. Then went to the supermarket (which he usually hates) but took a bouncy ball and he would throw it and scream with delight when I'd run off to catch it. I didn't give a fig what anyone thought and made many people smile. We then went to my Mums for a bit then home and bed etc. Today, took him to the playgym nearby then up to my Mums and we went out and bought him a playhouses for at.my parents. He loved it and played in the garden for most of the afternoon. We then had tea at my parents as DH was working late. I have really enjoyed this weekend 😊

I always suggest this. Towel on the floor. Washing up bowl, containing warm bubbly water, on towel. Pile up all plastic stuff you can find. Give child a cloth or sponge. Let them 'wash up' while you sit at the kitchen table reading the newspaper and making encouraging noises.

Eureka! The children's museum. Get an annual pass. Same price anyway. It is brilliant.