Now the afternoons are darker...

[FattipuffsandThinnifers]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to occupy/entertain a 17 month old from 4-6pm? DS has an early afternoon nap so we always have a couple of hours to kill before his dinner. Local park was my stand-by but once the clocks go back and it's dark by 5pm, what tf on earth can I do with him?

He's not quite ready for drawing/stickers etc yet.

Does anyone have any ideas please?

I would be tempted to get the paints out even though he is young. Or you could restructure the routine and give him an early bath so that's all out of the way earlier? I had a book of things to do with toddlers once but have just given it away or you could have had it. It was all simple/cheap activities. I think it was called the toddlers 'busy book' or something like that. Could you find something similar to give you some ideas.

Trying to remember what I did with mine when they were that age - got a horrible feeling I plonked them in front of Cbeebies - or Baby Mozart when feeling virtuous....

Thanks Lulu, I'll have a look for that book or something similar. Am trying to resist the lure of Cbeebies as long as possible, though DS has now worked out how to switch the TV on...

Once the Christmas decorations are up, you can go for a walk and ooh and aah at them . My two think it's very exciting and romantic to go for a bit of a walk in the dark/dusk. But you're right - probably not the park.

cbeebies

The "Twilight Hour" is when DD and I do chores . She likes to help me empty the dishwasher and tumle drier and then sort the washing out to put into the machine for the next day. Sock sorting is her speciality She's usually still zoned out from sleep and doesn't have the energy for much else. We then go and do puzzles, which she could do for hours if left. It leads nicely into me having to go prepare dinner and leaving her to continue

Thanks everyone, some really useful suggestions. I've ordered the Busy Toddler book from amazon, it looks great. Thanks

Garden centre to look at pets and Christmas decs.

Library
Crate or drawer of safe kitchen implements to empty and play with
Wooden puzzles
Books
Cuddling with me on the sofa while I watch Deal Or No Deal