Cooking and housework with a busy 16 month old - how?

[Del453]

How does anyone do anything with a busy 16 month old? I’m not exaggerating but from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to sleep he runs around climbing on things, climbing the sofa, table etc. I’ve put all the dining chairs upstairs as he would move them (yes move them, he’s bloody strong) within like 2 seconds and be climbing on stuff. I’m with him every second as I’m worried he will fall or hurt himself. I can’t do anything. House is a mess, other 2 kids I’m barely taking care of (older). My girls were nothing like this. Advice and tips please. He’s always been hyper but this lockdown making things worse as obviously older ones not in school and I’m not taking him to baby/toddler groups.

Theres no way my DS tolerated being in a playpen or high chair, he would resist and scream until I let him out!
I’m afraid the only answer is to do more when he’s asleep and get your husband to finish earlier than 8pm - sounds like he’s dodging getting involved if that’s your toddlers bedtime. Emerging when it’s all over.

@FabbyChix Course it's easy when the house is empty 12 hours a day.

I’d say whatever your standards are make them lower, only bother tidying up after bedtime as the house will only be trashed again otherwise, and stick to cooking simple meals.

Most importantly be kind to yourself, if they’re a ball of chaos all you can do really is roll with it!

Fabby you're a moron. Of course if you're not in the house all day it will be tidy ffs. Stop trying to be a complete dickhead.

Play pen, it was the only way I could pop to the loo and know he was safe. I changed the toys and made it a treat to go in there.

1. Long walk every morning, not using the pushchair. I always took the view that children were like dogs and needed exercising.

2. sleep training so that you are not so exhausted. Absolutely no need for 16 month old to wake 4 or 5 times a night (assuming no medical reason).