To wonder what other parents do with their kids all day

[Frolickingfoam]

It's been raining non stop. We don't live near family. We don't have childcare help. Got two under 3.5 who wake up at 6am, and one doesn't nap at all.

Genuinely what do other people do with their kids all day? We do try to limit tv but just do not have the mental emotional or physical energy to entertain or play with them all day. If I put out an activity they might engage with it for 10 minutes, max. The hours drag on. There's only so many stories I can read/they are interested in. They play together for a bit but then it descends into fighting.

I feel like a terrible parent for hiding in the loo just so I don't have to engage with them for a minute. I give them far too many snacks because it's something to do. Am I missing some kind of amazing parenting trick? How do other people stay sane? Helllppp

Mum of one 2 year old DC here.

The trick, if you’re able to, is to keep busy and make sure everyone has a raincoat and wellies.

It’s hard at the moment as so much indoor stuff is still closed, but yesterday we had a really busy day out of the house. We went to church, came home for an early lunch, our toddler napped while I prepped a roast, he woke up and we went to B&Q, we came home and had an early dinner, then we took him to his swimming lesson.

I appreciate that’s not open to everyone who doesn’t go to church or can pay for private swimming lessons and have a car, but that’s what we did. Saturday was a farmers market and park in the morning (rain held off) then Sainsbury’s in the afternoon.

Hopefully it’ll get easier soon as soft play, cinemas and bowling alleys reopen.

Countrycode

"Adults aren't supposed to play and it really wasn't expected of them until recent years"

I completely agree with you. Most adults are bored rigid by Duplo! and endless games of shop. I think it builds independence and resilience to leave them to entertain themselves.

For rainy days I'd try:

• A long bath in the middle of the day with lots of toys
• Going for a walk in wellies etc.
• Soft play (when they open)
• Eldest might like to help bake with you
• Swimming
• Build a den for them to play in

So many helpful ideas and also reassurance, thank you.

You know, I did bake with them the other day and all that happens is it kills half an hour, makes a massive mess that I then have to clear up and I end up eating them all and putting on 3lbs 😂 FFS!

The boredom thing I totally agree with except that that's when they fight more. If I could separate them it would help. Neither of them like drawing or colouring which doesn't help. But all the other suggestions are going on my list!

When I was struggling I always opted for a daytime bath with some toys that were usually in the bath e.g. duplo or the pans from the toy kitchen or something.

In fairness my dc watched plenty of TV though.

Definitely get out somewhere- even the local shopping centre/ supermarket or hardware store! Even better if you don’t actually need anything so you can just follow them around.
I just found (at this age) getting out of the house was so much easier.
Also a timetable of events for the day makes you feel so much more productive and organised!
Or just writing them all down and ticking them off.
Lots of TV too on rainy days and a wet walk if you can be bothered followed by a long bath for them. Some days it’s just a countdown until bedtime!

@HiScore

Watching this thread as I have wondered this too, we just seem to sit in our living room all day and it’s depressing.

I have a 2.5 year old and a 8 month old so doing anything DIY or housework related is difficult as they need constant supervision.

@hiscore similar ages here and exactly the same! Feel like I'll go crazy if I spend 1 more minute in the lounge

I have a 2.5 year old and a 8 month old

I found this the hardest age age, as the 2.5
Year old can’t quite be trusted to play safely in a playground and the 8 month old is probably no longer just happy in a sling or pram watching the older one play.

Mine are now 2.5 and 4 and we can kill days in playgrounds and outdoor places as they can both partake and have fun!

I haven't read this full thread yet but thought I'd post a link to another thread that I've found so useful! We are a friendly bunch, come join us!!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4224674-Trapped-toddler-parents-Where-else-can-you-post-tuff-tray-pictures-and-moan-about-your-husband