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Difficult baby

4 replies

aijaine · 09/10/2020 11:44

So my 1 and a half year old won't leave me alone, I made her a whole play room of fun toys and activities to do and I can't even leave her to clean or cook she just starts screaming she won't even watch cartoons for more than 5 mins until she starts crying again, I just find it tiring all day having to entertain her or follow her around so she doesn't hurt herself, she gets bored so easily and I'm running out of ideas it's just getting abit depressing.
How do all you mums deal with it, I do love spending time with her and love her so much but all day every day is getting abit much, even cooking I'm messing up because I have to rush back and forth to stop her crying while the onions are burning.
Does anyone have any secret tips to keep them entertained so I can get on with stuff I need to do or just to have a break or am I just a bad mum that I'm struggling with just one child 😩

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
skkyelark · 09/10/2020 13:57

I would try having her play in same room you're working in – I think it's pretty common for them to want to be with you all the time at this age. We have a few toys in various different rooms so our daughter can play whilst we do whatever chore, at least for a bit (most days...). Added bonus: she plays better when it's only a toy or two available, not a whole pile. I also sing a lot of action songs whilst cooking/cleaning – 'if you're happy and you know it' is a current favourite, and you can easily invent more verses to stretch it out.

I would also try having your daughter 'help'. ('Helping' at this age is defined as not slowing you down so much you're actually going backwards.) Our little one helps hang and fold washing, put away shopping, sweep the floor, etc. The dust pan and brush are fab toys in her opinion.

Breaks, well, we're less good at those. Hopefully someone else will be along with clever ideas.

NandosPeriometer · 09/10/2020 14:20

Is your kitchen big enough for her to sit at the table and do something while you cook?

LeGrandBleu · 09/10/2020 21:35

When mine were small, I would put them in their high chair next to me while I was cooking, give them a wooden spoon, a melanin plate or even a series of Tupperwares of different size and let them play and talking to them.
If what I was cooking was suitable (a carrot for example) I would give one to eat or suck on.
The more you rush to her, the worst it will be. Don't differentiate between time for her and time in general . If you need to do the washing, bring her with you and sit with her, while sorting the colours, and let her help drop a t-shirt in the washing machine.

I used to prepare a treasure basket for them to discover while I was having a cup of coffee or writing an email. Just put random stuff, cloth pegs linked together in a chain, some bangles, a tennis ball, cubes, an empty bottle with marbles in it and the cap secures with sticky tape, , even a toilet paper roll tube, old keys in a big key ring, ... Your kitchen messy drawer is a good source.

You mix and match things that make noise, smell, touch even taste, put a pear or apple in it.

If the second she cries, you jump and run, she associate crying with you appearing. She needs to know that you taste there, even if your attention is not directed at her.

clumsyv · 09/10/2020 22:18

Hey op, I'm sorry to hear all of this as it's very difficult to give 100% attention all the time when you have other things to do. I moved to a new property just before DS turned one and picked a property with a open plan living/kitchen/dining jus for this very reason as DS is also very high needs. I have easy access and full view of him while I cook and don't have to disappear. My DS is same age as yours and follows me around the house but the only thing I can suggest is, like the pp have mentioned, use your high chair when cooking, layout safe pots and pans on the floor, give him snacks when you're cooking so he occupy. I know it's tiring having to think of new ideas to occupy but I'm hoping it passes. I struggle too and never have time to take care of myself and just about manage with cooking and cleaning and keeping dc alive. Good luck and I hope this passes

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