Interactive TV Systems

I don't have experience with either of those, but do you have a Wii? If so, try the wii fit! It is great exercise for you and for him. I have an 18 month old, and although he doesn't understand how to play "correctly", he can still play along with me. I just set up a step (like a step aerobics step) for him next to the wii board, and he stands on it in front of the TV and tries to do the activities along with me. A short sturdy box flipped up-side down would work, too. It's adorable and he burns off a ton of energy!

Hi M.. I have a 2 year old and 2 month old who's husband works night so I am in the same boat as you. I want stuff to keep her entertained/busy during the winter other than cartoons, her books and the toys she already has!! I have not used either of the games but would love to hear what people think. Just thought I'd share some new *games* we've been playing and new ideas that I'm thinking about for this winter!

1. Marbles (only if your son does not put things into his mouth). This kept my daughter busy last night for at least 1/2 hour while I was making dinner. She sat at the island and put the marbles into different bowls. Then when we were sitting in the living room, she dumped them onto the carpet only to pick them up. She loved this and we also separated them by color.

2. Cards - I tried to teach her war but since she doesn't recognize her numbers, it's hard for her to follow! But we did talk about the colors each time we put them down. You can also do a matching game or memory with any card deck.

3. Shaving cream - we play with this on the island. Yes it usually ends up on her arms/legs/chair but she loves playing with it and it cleans the island!

4. Sink - she's big into playing in the sink lately. I fill it 1/2 way with bubbles and give her different size cups to play with. She'll ususally end up emptying the water 1 cup at a time. This, too, can be messy but then my floor under the sink is clean!!

5. Take magazines and together rip (or cut if you have safety scissors) out pictures of his 'favorite' things and then make a collage.

6. I've read other moms who have started playing board games like hi-ho cherio and other games and I'd love to try this with my daughter!

I'm interested to hear what others have to say. We have a 2 year old and will be having a baby Tuesday, so we'll be spending a lot of time inside this winter, too. There are some good suggestions below, but, this will sound terrible, I'm needing to know if either of the things you are asking about are games our toddler can play on her own. I'll, of course, make time to spend with her, but I know there will be times when I just can't play with her, and I'll need something fun for her to do on her own.

I'll second the playing in the bubbles in the sink and with beads or marbles. Our little girl can be entertained by either for those for about 1/2 an hour with minimal supervision - enough time for me to get dinner ready!

I've been looking into the smartfit system myself for my 3 year old another thing you could do is dominos my daughter loves to set them up and knock them down keeps her busy for awhile.