Last days of pregnancy - keeping older siblings entertained.

[BillSykesDog]

I'm in the last few weeks of a twin pregnancy and also have a little boy of 4.5. Family and friends have been fab, but I'm still looking at a couple of days a week when I do full days alone with DS.

I'm basically housebound and extremely limited in what I can do in the house. I'm not very mobile, can't bend over and can't stand for more than short periods. This is really limiting what I can do with DS..and he is getting bored. He gets more and more bored and progressively naughtier and both of us are ending up in a tired traumatised tearful heap by the time DH comes home from work.

I've done baking cakes, painting, making collages but am really struggling to come up with things to keep him busy and occupied that I am capable of facilitating or joining in with.

Has anybody got any suggestions for good activities for immobile housebound lumps to do which will amuse small children for decent amounts of time? I'm getting a bit desperate.

Not sure if these would work but Lego, toy cars on a mat on the table, film or small sand tray. Worth a try maybe?x

Sand tray is an excellent idea! Will see if I can get his Dad to rig up on Sunday night. Thanks!

iPad - download some educational apps that are fun. That way you won't feel bad about him spending time on there.

Musical instruments from junk - baking paper over toilet rolls, secure with elastic band, rice inside - shake! Paint it to decorate etc!

Make your own play dough 1 cup cornflour to 2 cups of conditioner (use a cheap nice smelling one and it makes hands lovely!) can use glitter and food colour in it too

Make puppets/teddys out of old clothing - cut up, sew and stuff

Jelly play - messy but fun!

Movie afternoon - make your own '3D' glasses and make little buckets for popcorn

Get him started on a wish list for xmas! Give him the Argos catalogue - let him sit and write/draw things

Hopefully something cheap and cheerful you can use

You realise this is the whole point of cbbies?
Do what you have to to get through it, it won't last forever

He has an iPad and, yes, CBeebies is my friend. But we're home together alone for 12 hours and iPad and CBeebies will probably cover about 3 hours of that. He's at that just about starting school age where he needs a lot of stimulation and attention and actually wants a person to interact with him. If I could get away with just screen time believe me I would! I'm not being precious, there's just a limit to how long these will occupy him.

Dlah, lots of great suggestions there, thanks very much!

I dont have any great ideas but so much sympathy for you I'm in the last few weeks with a 4 year old ds, hes starting school after the holidays and has been really missing nursery and his friends. Every day it gets to about 10am and he is wanting to know where we are going! Luckily I am able to get out however dont drive so its a long day where ever we go.

I bought him a trampoline for the garden and have been inviting his nursery friends for play dates leaving them to it in the bedroom (dp tidied up when he's home) I find if I arrange for them to come between 11 and 2/3 once they are away hes happy to sit and relax for a while after.