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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To put cartoons on pretty much all day for preschoolers?

61 replies

goteam · 24/03/2017 11:45

I don't. For a start they lose interest quickly but entertaining my 2 and 5 year old from 7 am until 5 pm is impossible. There is nothing they both like to do and on days like today when I've had 4 hours sleep thanks to 2 year old I really feel like putting CBeebies on all day...they fight like cat and dog too, ruining each others games etc....

Any tips?

OP posts:
munchkinmaster · 24/03/2017 13:36

I find mine play better just after a meal (seriously). Try going out in am and see if you get a post lunch golden hour

babyboomersrock · 24/03/2017 13:36

when I've had 4 hours sleep thanks to 2 year old

Is this a regular thing, OP? If so, are you taking steps to deal with the sleep problem? You need to be well-slept to cope with work and if you're constantly feeling faint from lack of sleep, you won't be able to continue.

I know it's the last thing you feel like, and I know lots of people think a day in front of tv is fine, but it won't help the poor sleeping at all - they need to be out running that energy off. Also, you say they lose interest quickly, so it's not really solving your problem. They're hardly going to sleep better if they've been lolling around staring at a screen for hours on end, so while a bit of tv won't do any harm, it's not helping your situation longer-term.

If you need to sit down, do it while they're playing nicely for that first hour and then (before it descends into squabbling chaos) grab their coats and get them out - reins on 2 year old until he learns to walk nicely.

When you say your 2 year old is a bolter, do you mean he doesn't listen to you, or does he definitely hear you but ignore? That needs working on as well - once you have the sleep sorted.

I certainly don't think we should be entertaining children all day long; they need to learn to play by themselves, so don't feel you need to be constantly providing fun - give them things like water (or the bubbles game previous poster suggested), play dough, and so on - and don't allow your 2 year old to spoil things for your older dc. Each time he hits/grabs, lift him away and let your 4 year old see that you're in charge. At 2, your toddler is old enough to be told No and your older dc shouldn't have her/his play constantly spoiled.

It's no fun feeling so exhausted - so take care of yourself. Eat properly, get out for some fresh air, and tackle the sleep problem, if you aren't already. Good luck Flowers

babyboomersrock · 24/03/2017 13:38

Sorry, cross-posted. I see the sleep issue isn't a one-off.

I think that needs tackling head-on; none of you will be at your best while that continues.

pinkie1982 · 24/03/2017 13:39

I have it on in the background but also encourage my DS to play with toys and we do drawing/painting, reading, building blocks, flash cards, ect. I think for me it's mainly habit. He doesn't necessarily sit down and watch it unless it's morning milk time or evening CBEEBIES bedtime routine. Or he will, but get up after a couple of minutes to play, short attention span.
He is going to childminder soon. I have checked it's not on all day as it is something I am really aware of but find myself just automatically reaching for the remote.
Saying this, weekends we are out and about, Monday am is play group. Tuesday we do shopping. (I work Weds-Thurs) Weds he is with my sister. Thursday with another family member and at a different play group. Friday he goes to soft play with his cousin and a different auntie but this is soon changing to childminder. So he does plenty of activities

sticklebrix · 24/03/2017 13:42

It's definitely about survival at that age. So exhausting.

TV used to make my DC's behaviour even worse. I loved the peace when it was on but couldn't cope with the grumpiness and fighting when it went off. If that hadn't been the case they would have watched a lot more TV.

If at all possible get a trampoline for the garden. They are like hamster wheels for children and will exhaust the dc in no time. No idea why giant indoor hamster wheels for children have not yet been invented

I used to pay an elderly lady to come and read to the DC every day. Do you have a teenager or retired person who could help you out? Even for half an hour a day?

Raaaaaah · 24/03/2017 13:43

Does your 2yr old nap? Sorry if I missed that.

ILoveDolly · 24/03/2017 13:48

They are like puppies, a good run each day is necessary for their equilibrium

ILoveDolly · 24/03/2017 13:49

Plus as a side note I would highly recommend baby reins. They both keep the bolter safe and train them not to bolt

Bohemond · 24/03/2017 13:51

How about a project to improve the muddy dark yard so it is useable. I've been gardening with DS 26 months most of this morning - we've planted sunflowers, done weeding, dug some holes, looked at worms. Some fresh air might perk you up too.
Good luck!

CountryCaterpillar · 24/03/2017 14:00

We had a pass to the local kids farm. Everywhere was gated, secure softplay, area for sand and water, etc. It was amazing and kept me sane through similar situation to yiu. I coild buy a coffee and just sit and watch then dig and play in sand/ sit and watch in play areA/ sit and watch in softplay..... Sometimes we even did the animals but it was great to get them outdoors and running off steam I'm a way I could sit and drink coffee. It's worth scooting out local country parks or anywhere you could use. Kids are supposed to be running around for several hours a day and it sounds like yours aren't getting that chance at all? (for understandable reasons!)

Bohemond · 24/03/2017 14:20

Just remembered that there are some great ideas books out there called 101 things to do....author is Dawn Isaac. I have all of them and find them great for days when I'm at a loss (also work part time/full time so want to enjoy the time at home with DS)

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