Activities - want to do something... but then want to do nothing!

[cjt110]

I'm off with DS (4.5) tomorrow. I was also off on Monday with him.

We went swimming Monday AM which was OK. He had a bit of a freak out at first as it was him first time swimming with a float jacket on as opposed to armbands and a ring but was then great. Then wanted a shower after then panicked when he got soap in his eyes - cue me trying to grab him to stop him slipping, whilst trying to rinse the soap away too, and feeling like an absolute dick in front of others.

We got home and had lunch at home then went to the playgym for a few hours. He had a great time. I just sat watching.

So I have planned pretty much the same again for tomorrow. But I feel like I CBA with the whole thing and we'll stay home. But then it feels mean to keep him in because I'm exhausted and can't muster the energy.

And I know there'll be just as much energy expended at home too.

Just a bit fed up today and don't know what to do about tomorrow.

could you have a day in the park with a picnic? he would burn off some energy but you wouldn't have to do much as you would in the way of swimming (getting him changed, showered etc)

I also second a park and then downtime at home. I think swimming and play gym was just too much packed in one day. Maybe you feel like you need to get as much done because you are on leave but I'm sure he would be happy playing anywhere.

@sleepismysuperpower Sadly the weather is forecast to be pants tomorrow.

And in any event we've paid for the swimming anyway.

He kept asking last night could he make a den. Tempted to do swimming then home for the afternoon - stick his tent up in his room and let him have a laxy afternoon with his tablet and snacks. That also means I will effectively just be sat on my arse in the lounge on facebook and makes me feel inevitably shit

why not go swimming, and then come home, have a picnic lunch inside (somehow eating lunch on a picnic blanket seems much more exciting to kids), then let him put his tent up and play whilst you have some downtime? its really important for you to relax too OP (i know that it is often near impossible!), so letting him play in his den is not a bad thing by any means x

He's had a couple of full on days - Mon with me and then Tues, Weds and yesterday with husband and MIL. Perhaps downtime will be great.

I suppose I just feel guilty for feeling useless and with no energy and that we should be doing something.

I suppose I just feel guilty for feeling useless and with no energy and that we should be doing something.

don't feel guilty OP. Just think, by chilling out in the afternoon, your son will still be having fun playing and you can recharge so can be ready to go and play with him later. best of both worlds as far as your ds is concerned!

He is a fidget bum and is rarely still. Always on the go.

Except at times when I stick a tablet in front of him.

does he have waterproofs/wellies etc? he can still go out in the garden when its drizzling if he is dressed appropriately. give him a bowl and tell him to 'make a potion' with things he finds on the ground. that usually keeps my dds busy for 20 mins (although you do have to watch that they don't put anything in their mouths).

Tablets don't have to be a bad thing either, if they have educational games on, such as PBS Kids or Happy Valley Friends, they can teach kids loads in a fun way.

I hate swimming with kids, it’s crap and cold. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go!
Take him to the cinema?

@sleepismysuperpower1 We live in an apartment so garden isn't an option. Unless we're out out at the park etc.

He likes watching toy videos on youtube and also programmes such as Troll hunters on it.

I;m not conviced he'd sit still for the cinema. 20 mins would be a miracle

how old is he OP and where are you based? (if you dont mind saying)

He's 4 and a half and Im in West Yorkshire - Huddersfield.

I would definitely let him have a den and play at home, but I wouldn't give him the tablet for the whole afternoon. Play some actual games with him! And read or do some crafts or whatever. And then, sure, a bit of time on his tablet while you also get to relax for a bit.

i would do swimming in the morning, get dried off and home, have a picnic lunch in living room, maybe play with some playdough? get a big box (cat litter tray works great if you can pick one up after swimming?) and put some playdough, cars, cutting tools etc in the box. you can play to by driving some of the cars around. then set up his den, let him play, maybe order some pizza and have a movie night?