Activities for Bored 2 Year Old.

A 2 year old will likely not entertain himself. If you sit with him and do the activity with him, you will keep his concentration longer.

Having a baby with a 2 year old is a juggling act. I know... I had 3 in 3 years. But I learned quickly, that all the time I had between feedings had to be devoted to my other kids in order for everyone to stay sane... And TV was never an option because 1) I refuse to resort to it for longer then 1 hour a day of educational TV and 2) they couldn't care less about the TV being on, so it just caused more noise in the house.

My Suggestion is to make plans to keep the little guy occupied... It was hard for me, and will be for you, but once you get the hand of it, its manageable... For example: One day, go to Story Time at your library. your baby is small enough not to be a bother and your little guy will get out of the house and get his mind going. On another day, take them to the park. Yet another to a playdate. Everyday, try to get out for a walk - it'll do everyone good!

And another thing, keep a schedule so that he knows what is expected of him. Having a little baby, that'll be tough for another couple months, but eventually it will work out and everyone will love the routine.

Also, since you have another little one, make sure to spend some quality alone time with DS so that he knows that he's still important and loved.

Best wishes!

yeah, two is a bit young to entertain himself. he needs you to engage him in these activities, not just to hand them to him and hope he entertains himself. he wants to be with you. how about having him help with whatever you're doing. he can "help" feed the baby, "help" diaper the baby (two is a great age for running and fetching). it might take longer but ANYthing he can do WITH you will probably make him happy as a clam.

Playgroup. Join a playgroup. Also, spend 15 minutes every morning playing with him, another 15 at lunch, and another before dinner --when baby is sleeping.

I have two, 21 months apart, 2.5 and 9. It will be rough. He will act out. He will want to swing from the light fixtures. You will get through it. And when you are nursing, read and color, etc. with HIM. The baby won't care. Do as much as you can with him NOW, before the baby actually needs you, i.e. before they start moving and get into everything.

I have a mischievous 2 year old boy ,plus a 3 year, it isn't easy I breast feed my 8 month old. The things that came in handy for me was the maya wrap because she would sleep for hours in there after being breastfeed, therefore allowing me to play with him and his toys, or to do arts and craft, even cook and clean. email me for details.

Put him in the tub with some toys to play--kids love that! (Stay & watch though) If it's hot enough buckets of water & cups, funnels and strainers.

I'll bet the issue is that he wants YOU to play WITH him. Put the baby in a carriage & park it nearby and play WITH the little guy. They don't do many minutes of independent play at 2.

When having a 2nd child... the 'expectations' upon the Eldest child... has to be in line with their development and be age-appropriate. Otherwise, both parent and the oldest child... will be continually frustrated.
He is only 2 years old... developmentally, he IS being normal.
But, be careful of what you "expect" of him.. .otherwise... he may even get real unhappy or frustrated.

Eldest children, my default, do NOT "suddenly" grow up and be independent and self-reliant. They are ONLY a reflection of their age... and their development. They cannot do, what we "expect"... yet.
Eldest children can also get real 'stressed out' about what 'expectations' are put onto their shoulders... especially if they cannot do what we want.

Keep expectations, age appropriate.

Yes, it is busy with 2 kids. I have 2 kids. It is a juggling act. But they are a child only once... and how they are 'expected' to 'be'.... as a result of another baby in the house... WILL affect them and their sense of self... and sense of adapting.
HE had a baby too... not only Mommy. So, for a mere child, it is a TON to adjust to too... much like you having to adjust to having a new baby.. .and if you are stressed about it... and juggling it all... then imagine how it is for a mere 2 year old?
"Emotions" are not even fully developed yet, in a child this age.... they also do not have 'impulse-control' fully developed yet either... nor language or talking fully yet. Nor can they think 20 steps ahead... in what they are doing....

Keep these things in mind.

A child this age, also still has separation-anxiety and need for bonding with Mommy. It is normal. They get lonely too. Or bored.

Mostly, they need interaction... not just playing solo with toys. And it is also per their development and personality and ability. They also still need lots of supervision at this age... for safety.

You need to have a daily 'routine' with him, everyday. Not only him being a floating satellite around baby... a child this young, needs help and direction... and when baby naps, spend time interacting with him. Infants nap a lot... so use that time, with your son. That is what I did.

all the best,
Susan

How far into age 2 is your son Mom? If he is potty trained I would consider sending him 2-3 1/2 days a wk to preschool for socialization and to have some fun out of the home. Most preschools will require children are toilet trained but it he is it may solve some of his bordem problems. Hope this helps.If he is not ready yet consider joining a play group with him that you and he can go to weekly or take him to the local library if they have weekly story times. Find free or inexpensive things you can do out of the home to entertain him? what about setting up some play dates? Hope this helps.