To be worried about staying sane stuck inside all winter with a 2 year old?

[Lardeedar]

Is anyone else struggling at home with a 1-3 year old that isn’t in nursery? My options before were park, playgroup, or friends/family visit at theirs but now The weather is turning I’m just having to keep her inside all day every day and we are both losing our minds!! The playgroups are all shut and now not allowed in anyone’s house.

You know the age where they won’t stick at anything for more than 2 minutes because all they want to do is explore new objects, places, people?! She literally cries when she sees that we’re coming home.

There’s a few outdoor play sessions Thank Goodness but mostly they are shutting everything down. I’m genuinely worried about her development and my mental health being cooped up with her crying continually asking for Hours and hours of tv. Anyone else?

I do think it is the hardest time to be a parent of a small child

My ds was not a talkative two year old so you couldn’t have a conversation about a feather/ stone/ ladybird. He wouldn’t hold my hand. He was also a bolter so that going to wide open spaces was tricky with a small baby in tow. All of this lovely let’s get in our wet weather gear and enjoy nature stuff wouldn’t have worked for my oldest.

@Nancydowns those living in towns and cities usually have some form of public transport available to them.

Very few people live somewhere where everything is accessible on their doorstep - and that includes soft play and toddler groups. Most people have something available though so just doing the whole "what if they have no legs and cant get there" thing is no more helpful than assuming everyone has a private park and a couple of ponies to keep them entertained.

Some indoor things i tried the first time round:
Brought her slide and outdoor toys inside for the afternoon, she really enjoyed the whole "oh they don't belong in here" and played for a couple of hours. Trick is to make sure they go back outside to keep the novelty of it .

Rotated toys, I'm still doing this and every couple of weeks will replace her toy with one out the attic and keep cycling round, this is keeping things fresh.

Disco bath...didn't matter that it wasn't bath time, actually think she found it more fun because of that. Got some glow sticks and had a cheapy disco light, stuck on some kids disco music on the iPad.

We did lots of baking/cooking but not always cakes, we made homemade burgers, bread, pizzas, frittata etc.

I've stocked up on arts and craft things, lots of pottery painting things, we have a few fairy pottery things from B&M and going to do them and then take them to the fairy trail walk by us on a not so rubbish day, she can then go back and visit her fairies. (tip...if there is black paint in the selection...just don't give it to them...most of our creations are pure goth, lol)

Colour matching, put coloured paper or fabric down and then go round the house looking for things that colour.

It's really difficult, I really struggle in winter anyways and i am dreading this year...but i am trying to be prepared and just get through it. I do find the whole "back in my day we didn't have soft plays" a bit nonsensical...I even had my mum say it to me. But you did have social interaction, you could go into someone's house and have a cuppa and let your kids play with others for a couple of hours, this is a different thing and certain areas (like mine) that can't happen. I'm a single parent so this whole thing is extremely isolating but just have to remind yourself it's temporary and we will get through it and ultimately my kid has LOVED having that quality time with me.

So that mummy can have some time for herself? why are people so horrible to parents of/ and young children.
Does the man need a pub because otherwise he can’t function
Does a woman need her hair done because otherwise she loses her confidence

Surely lockdown has taught us that mental health suffers when we loose our routines and feel cut off.

Seriously - if you no longer have a preschooler and you are going to make out things are no more difficult at the moment than they were before coronavirus then you have no idea. Of course people’s individual circumstances may have been much harder, but making out that people are being feeble is unnecessary. I am fortunate that my 2yo and 6mo are on the easier end of entertainability so we will cope. But I really do get how some people are struggling when free and low cost things for preschoolers in particular are just not available like they are for other age groups

@Redolent
YOCRRU5D

Not sure if that's zero or O there at the start

It’s worth seeing what local churches are doing. Even if you’re not religious they may be offering something that can occupy a morning, many are really trying to give the community somewhere for low cost social interaction

I have a just turned 2 year old. I hate the rain and never go out in it. We do the following:

Outside
Park (nice days)
Nature reserve (nice days it’s free too)
Farm (have membership but it ends soon and I won’t renew until spring)
Bike riding (she rides I follow on foot)
Puddle jumping (once rain stops!)
Wander round field looking for rabbits down the rabbit holes (this leads to finding all sorts, ladybirds, toadstools, squirrels, leaves, conkers, watching birds etc)
Take dog for a walk

Inside
Play dough (easy to make, give random stuff to play with, buttons, cookie cutters, animals, leaves etc)
Baking
Kinetic sand
Painting/stamping
Craft kits from Baker Ross
Drawing
Reading
Set up a den with a tepee and put things in it (blankets, cushions, soft toys, books, games)
Duplo
Wooden blocks
Sensory trays with either, rice, water beads, pom-poms, dried beans, lentils etc add a scoop or spoon, a container and some plastic animals/cars
Random seasonal crafts/activities from Pinterest
Colour sorting
FaceTime grandparents
Encourage independent play!

Play dates (I see a friend every week and will keep it going regardless)
Just signed her up for Nursery at the school in village 3 hours a week (one session will start in January).

Tv for when I’ve exhausted all of the above.

I feel for you. I'd say do whatever it takes to protect your mental health and that will also be best for your child. I'd consider a couple of mornings of nursery if you can afford it and also making a semi rule breaking bubble with another family if you think it will help - it could be an 'informal childcare agreement', which gives you and your kid a friend and a change of scene

Yanbu, it's really tough at the moment. I'm finding the lack of playgroups etc difficult. I agree with other posters, getting some decent wet/cold weather gear (and a travel mug) makes a big difference, as does trying to get out once a day. Even if it's pouring down, 20 minutes splashing in puddles can do wonders. You could also meet friends/relatives in parks so at least you have someone to talk to?

@Hahaha88

A lot of the suggestions on this thread are great, if you have a car, but if like me you live on an estate with nothing but other buildings around then going to the park, forest, farm etc are all off the table. There are only so many walks around the estate in the pissing rain and cold anyone wants to suffer through lol

It’s just so good for you and the child to get out though. Also fills some time getting ready.

A walk can just be half an hour round the block. Maybe make it an every day thing before lunch.

When lockdown hit in March our toddler was a few months past his 2nd birthday. He was out of nursery for 16 weeks.

I basically built a 9-5 routine for us.

9-9.30 PE with Joe. I got a work out, he ran around me in circles and climbed on me at every opportunity. Try planking with a 13kf toddler on your back for a work out!

9.30-10.00 CBeebies (the guilt passed after a few weeks!)

10.00 snack

10.30 FaceTime various family members

11.00 - 11.45 Out for a walk, usually counting the rainbows in peoples windows. If it was really grim outside, we'd do an online toddler group - some free, some paid for.

12.00 lunch and play

1.00-3.00 nap

3.00 - 4.00 play outside or inside or another online toddler group.

4.00 - 5.00 CBeebies

5.00 dinner

I wasn't really happy with the amount of screen time he got. But as soon as we were free again I cut right back down and he doesn't seem any the worse off for it. He also got it at set times, not whenever he wanted and not all day.

I bought a new cheap toy or magazine every week on Amazon.
I also wrapped him up and chucked him in the garden a few times while it was raining, and sat just inside by the patio doors to watch him, but stay dry. He thought it was great.

I've been a SAHM since he was born and the difference in our lives during lockdown was immense, and I was really sad for him. But the great thing is at 2, they don't know any different! They literally can't remember one week to the next. They'll also do the same thing 50 times with absolute joy. Boring for you, but fine for them.

It's shit but doable.

I know the feeling. I don't have a toddler but I have an autistic 6 year old who licks everything and escapes at every opportunity. He's at school but I am struggling at the weekends and I'm dreading half term.

As long as you are not both made of sugar it's perfectly safe and possible to go outside even if it's a little chilly and drizzling. Even heavy rain can be fun. Just go outside and collect leaves, pinecones, sticks, rocks or whatever else and use for art projects. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and soon your toddler will be loving the outdoors.

I grew up in Sweden and we were out in all weathers, all year around. It could be minus 20 and we would still spend most of our time awake outside. Even napped outside as babies/toddlers.

Invest in good weatherproof clothes for both of you. My 20 month old happily jumps in the puddles when it’s raining. (I still need to sort my clothes out though).

At home we have lots of puzzles, building blocks, books, Peppa pig, jumping up and down the couch, playing hide and seek, drawing, sticker books.

Are swimming pools still open where you are, I find that a lovely day out?

But I do understand how you feel, mine doesn’t go to nursery and to keep her entertained at home is hard work.

Go to the park everyday regardless of the cold. Warm, wet weather clothes. You'll need to be inventive, but you need to get out.

Surely lockdown has taught us that mental health suffers when we loose our routines and feel cut off
Lockdown has taught me that many people are very selfish and oy see their own needs. Many people are suffering much more than mums of toddlers who don't know how to keep them busy. Funding is very sparse, I much prefer it goes to vulnerable children and adults than bored mum.

I also think that there is way too much focused on entertaining kids. Life shouldn't revolve around them 24/24h.

Toddlers should be included in your normal activities. You are cleaning the house, give them a dust and pan to help. You are cooking, give them food to play with and let them help when it's not dangerous. They can help with washing, shopping, tidying, all the things that most adults at home do daily.

Go out anyway! Wrap up and head to the woods/ park etc.
When mine were small l had a big energetic dog so every morning without fail we had to go on a dog walk in all weathers for at least an hour and a half.,
I got fit pushing a double buggy through muddy tracks in the local woods( mine were only 16 months apart)...
Due to our dog we couldn’t go to any thing organised for kids anyway until the walk was done so l tried hard to make it fun. I recommend all in one waterproofs over clothes jojo maman Bebe used to do great ones. Then falling over/ puddles/ rain are not an issue just peel off when home and wash hands.
I used to take croissants, and a flask of tea for me, get up and go straight out before dc had time to moan!
They always came back chilled and were happy being plonked in the playroom with toys ...
Give it a go op good luck, tough winter but can be fun still.

You don’t have to stay in all day everyday. Dress both of you up appropriately for the weather and get yourselves outdoors as much as possible.
I used to take my two on a toddle to collect leaves at that age and they loved it (trying to find leaves in as many colours and shapes as possible), wash hands afterwards job done. Talk to your child about their environments and vary your walks. In the house try and do some creative messy play, baking, make a game of tidying up, build dens inside, pick leaves up in your garden together, line chairs up and pretend your on a train or bus, watch some TV or a film together cosied up together on the couch with a blanket.

Carpet picnic lots of fun and a but special.

“ Lockdown has taught me that many people are very selfish and oy see their own needs. Many people are suffering much more than mums of toddlers who don't know how to keep them busy. ”

You see, I manage to have sympathy for more people than just one group :)

The plus side of the cold to be fair is that mask wearing isn't so unpleasant. Might take a wander round the shopping centre on a rainy day.

I know exactly what you mean.

I am enrolled in 1 expensive toddler group (Others have huge waiting lists) where I spend the £10 and all the 30 minutes of the session trying to get my 1 year old to socially distance and stay on a 40 cm squared mat! Fun!

We go swimming one morning but we cannot prebook and sometimes on rainy days, that is also full (waiting list of 30 people last time!) and he’s started part nursery as there is little else to do.

One activity that keeps both my 4 and 1 year old happy is messy play or make like Pippa pig and jump in muddy puddles. Then pop them in the bath afterwards and that kills another half an hour.

I feel for you.

Forgot to mention we have also signed up to a whirli box subscription. It’s an online toy subscription and it’s fab. Used it so much over the past few months and then you just return the unused toys.

Many people are suffering much more than mums of toddlers who don't know how to keep them busy. Funding is very sparse, I much prefer it goes to vulnerable children and adults than bored mum what a lovely race to the bottom we are having. No one said toddlers and mums were suffering the most, everyone is suffering. Also remember not all parents and children and have big houses, play rooms, access to a garden and a lovely royal park!!!
Seems to me the only people who throw such statements around either don’t have children or got to raise them in a non pandemic era where everything was open and their kids had full schooling/ sat all their exams etc.