I am going to be staying at home with my 2 1/2 year old and my 1 year old and need some help! What kind of activities can we do, where can I find some information? What kind of schedule should I set? Are there any programs out there for us to get into? I do have planned trips to CMOM and the Zoo in the works, but what can we do at home that is structured? I live in Whitehaven by stateline road. Please help! Thank you
I also have a 2 year old, and I found some great ideas on this site. I also suggest The Toddler's Busy Book and / or The Preschooler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner and Baby Play and Learn by Penny Warner. They are both great and have lots of fun activities to do at home. I got them both from Barnes & Nobles on Winchester between Ridgeway and Kirby.
Not many mother's day out programs in the summer. But scheduling a little motor skill time, craft time, music time can help break up the day. Even a trip to the store can be fun....car cart, learning about colors, fruits, veggies, letters on the boxes etc. Exercise with them on the floor to teach about the importance of staying fit....play with pouring rice/pasta in bowls on the floor (not the baby), water play in the sink or bowl on the floor with measuring spoons and cups, dance to music yours and theirs, run in the sprinkler/baby pool, parks, picnics, feed the ducks, the pet store for a field trip, Children's Museum (coupons at travelmemphis.com), Lichterman Center, Library programs. Remember it's easy to get caught up in housework when you're home....getting out of the house sometimes is the best way to stay out of that trap. Have fun and good luck!
Hi M.! I would love for you to read my webpage I made about staying at home! I hope you will get a lot out of it. go to www.myspace.com/hooker1202
You can email or call if you want to talk!
B.
There are lots of free storytimes available at bookstores and libraries. There are parks and McDonald's playlands. Last summer, we went outside in the morning and came back inside for a morning snack at 10a (when it started getting hot) & a favorite PBS show came on. Lunchtime and naptime were strict & structured. The afternoon was usually free-play time while I cooked dinner. Your schedule is up to you & your children. You can find printable activities all over the web (for "coloring time" every day). Good luck! Let me know if you want a play group - I have a friend who just moved back to Southaven & is a mother of 2.
