Little Miss trying to find something to do!
I am a Mummy in Need of inspiration for things to do with my gorgeous Little Miss! I’ve hit a rut in the last few months and it makes me a bit sad. You see, last year, around September time, Little Miss was just a wee 3 months old. She was starting to sit up on her own and was very alert and active and I wanted to be a good Mummy. I found out about our local Sure Start Children’s Centre in Market Deeping from the Health Visitor. I picked up a brochure and found an exciting list of classes and programmes and opportunities to crawl out of the hole we were living in. I enrolled in a Baby Massage Class and a music class called JellyBeans. I went to our first class, JellyBeans, with a bit of nervousness but found it to be the best thing we had done up to that point. I met some amazing (and some scary) Mums and got out of the house on a regular basis.
We became regulars at the Children’s Centre. Attending classes, events, walking groups…Little Miss and I were there for them all! We found 5 or 6 other Mummies who had all had Baby Girls within 2 weeks of Little Miss’ birthday. We became a lovely group- having coffee mornings, play dates, walking outings, evenings “off”…the lot. And then summer came. Our girls had their birthdays and became Toddlers! Two of the mummies returned to work and for the most part, we’ve drifted apart. Our lives have gone in slightly different directions mainly because none of us are attending programmes at the Children’s Centre any longer. And that’s part of what makes me sad. Our local Sure Start Children’s Centre doesn’t have any programmes for “our age” girls any more. They have infant and baby/mummy programmes and things for nursery age and school age children but there’s a gap in the programming for 1-3 year olds. Right smack dab where we are! I’m also sad because our Mummy group has drifted apart as well. It’s bound to happen as your children get older but it still makes me a bit wistful for the days gone by!
We still have our best mates to pal about with and I’m ever so grateful for them but I’m getting stuck in a rut! We stay indoors a lot of the time because the weather has been rubbish lately and I’m a bit of a fair-weather person. I don’t mind a bit of drizzle as Little Miss is always snug as a bug in a rug but when it comes to the driving rain and gale force winds of late, inside is where I want to be. There doesn’t seem to be a plethora of child friendly places to take your child when the weather is British and I fear that I have become a bit too comfortable staying in the house. Little Miss has her toys and Cbeebies while Mummy has the computer and the kitchen. I don’t know what to do in my area (Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire borders- Peterborough is the nearest “big” city) and I am out of ideas for what to do with Little Miss when we’re at home.
So, what I’m asking for is ideas…suggestions…kicks in the butt…projects…all geared around a nearly 18month old Little Miss and a stuck-in-a-rut-needing-a-kick-in-the-butt Mummy. How do you fill the hours of your day? When you stay at home, how do you do “it all”? Housework, entertaining Little Miss/Mister, remembering who you are? I’m open for suggestion people…within reason mind you. So here are some things to bear in mind:
- 18 month old Little Miss, rather precocious, loves animals, dancing and talking
- Late 30-something Mummy, rather out of ideas, loves music & blogging & Little Miss (and hubby too!)
- Living in Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire- near P’boro
- Can drive but moderately terrified of tackling London or other major cities by automobile
- Money IS an object…classes that cost money are probably not a possibililty but fares or fees to do one-off adventures would be ok on a once-a-week basis
I am ready for your ideas and will publish them in a follow up post and let you know how we get on! Put on your thinking caps…Cafe Bebe is open for business. Ready…steady…go… (Thank you!)
I know exactly what you mean Karin – but we do try and get out most days, otherwise i would go mad…!! Currently we attend “Jelly Beans” on Monday mornings with Penny & Megan up until Christmas, then its back onto the waiting list….Wednesdays we attend “Messy Play” at the centre – and on Thursdays we go to “Tumble Tots” – other than these I don’t know what else is on locally, suggest you look at Netmums for ideas perhaps
btw. have you stopped doing the “mums on the move” walks on Fridays…? I don’t mind walking in the wind and a little rain…!!!
We fill our days in different ways but when we are having a stay at home day, we do lots of craft activities which usually involve pouring glue everywhere and chucking sprkly bits on the paper!
Playdoh is a great one as well and seems to keep Little Miss A busy for hours.
We go to the library quite a lot and they do free sessions on rhyme time etc but I don’t tend to do those
I’ll keep thinking an hopefully come up with some more.
Hello! Perhaps you should mention to the Sure Start/ Children’s centre that you’re unhappy and want more for her age? Have you tried ASK.com?They provide an up to date service on what is going on in your area.
Play ideas:
*Musical instuments- trawl second hand shops/car boot sales or make your own.
*Colouring- does need supervision as they like to eat crayons/pencils, stencils are great.Best place to go is Wilko’s or Yellow Moon.com.Get your self a large box (cardboard or plastic) and every now and then add stuff to it.Stamps are great, but you can always use vegetables like we did when we were kids.
*Cooking-All my kids started at 18 months.Biscuits are simple.They don’t have to be perfect.I have recipes on my blog which all my kids have helped to make.It’s a great way to get kids interested in food, you can teach them where food comes from.
*Puppets-Make your own out of old socks.Get a large card box and make a simple theatre.
*Dance- Buy a CD of nursery rhymes and shake your booty!
*Playdoh- You make you own, they only mix all colours up any way.A small rolling pin and cutters are requires.
*Take a walk-20 minutes walking outside can be great fun.She can pick up leaves, twigs get her to explore her environment.Bring home your fines and make a collage and put it.
*Library-Does your library have rhyme time sessions? Libraries are great for the both of you she gets to read new books and you get books out on kids crafts etc.Look out for the magazine primary times when your in there.It has lots of events and ideas featured.
That’s a few things.I hope it’s helpful.
Aly
My Hodge Podge Life
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Hi Emma…haven’t really stopped doing Mums on the Move but got a bit discouraged as it seemed like lately, no one is available. But can give it a go again!
Thanks for the suggestions…will try to implement more creative time at home!
Wow! Aly…thanks for all of the suggestions. I will check out our local libraries and see what’s on. Free is good. Will also work to build a store of crafty things in our house.
You’ve got some great ideas for indoor activities.
In terms of out and about activities that are free, my top tips (depends where you live) would be things like:
Swimming – Flea started swimming at 10 weeks and by the time she was 18 months old we’d go twice a week. There’s a government scheme at the moment that means local authority and YMCA pools will let kids swim for free, which we joined and use every week.
YMCA – WAY cheaper than commercial classes, they will often run Mum and toddler exercise classes, yoga or massage classes and sometimes even toddler dance and fitness classes.
Picnics. Everything is fun to Flea if there’s a picnic attached. Check out local Forestry Commission and National Trust properties – they often have great playgrounds for kids and loads of open spaces, but we also just used to go to the beach and the local parks.
Library – your local library should have children’s story times, we also used to have a singing time.
Mother & Toddler groups – your local Children’s Information Service or perhaps health visitor will have a list of mum and toddler groups, which I’ve always found to be invaluable, particularly when I moved to LYtham – we only paid a pound a time to cover the cost of a cup of tea and a biscuit, and Flea got to play with other kids.
Church – depending on how you feel about it, churches can be good – ours has a mother and toddler group and also holds regular family fun days, parties and gatherings at times like Easter, Halloween and Bonfire Night, plus a weekly children’s group after church on a Sunday. But if it’s not your scene, maybe not!
HTH!
Following on from Emma’s comments messy play is fab you really must come 1pm-2pm tomorrow!! They get to do lots of different activities each week, painting, colouring, playdoh, water, we made firework biscuits one week (icing digestives with black icing then topping with edible sprinkles!!) and the best bit of all is someone else cleans up the mess at the end you just walk away! If little miss decides she’s had enough of getting messy there are always lots of toys out for them all to play with as well!
I have a couple of really good action songs cd’s (tumble tots online shop!) and we dance to them its a good work out for me and lots of fun for my little miss! Come and have a cuppa/play day with me/Emma/both! Would be lovely to have the little misses playing together.
I haven’t done it so much recently, as like you say the weather has been rubbish, but I was going to the park once a week, little miss walked down on reins, played on the climbing frames, ran round the field then I pushed her home on her trike!!
Would be lovely to see more of you so get out of your comfy warm house and come to mine instead……!!
Lots of fab ideas above. I have to say I think that mummy time is key to all of this, I could give you a list of craft activities coming out of my ears, BUT you really have to have your heart in it. I must say that it becomes a bit of a chore after a while, unless I have had a break for myself.
However, if you put in a search ‘craft activities’ on the internet there are loads of great sites where you can print out colouring in sheets, origami and so on. Check out ‘Kids Craft Weekly’ they have a facebook page for some brilliant and unusual ideas. If she has a local friend invite them over for a joint craft activities, so much easier
Cooking is of course another mainstay. Making cookies with a friend always goes down well.
We use the library a lot, and also all the local museums which quite often run special baby/toddler sessions. We could happily go around Duxford every day of the year.
As Sally mentioned our church also does special baby and toddler sessions which can be quite good.
Feeding the ducks is a good time wasting one, you can drag that out all morning if you talk about the plants and trees and ducks. Bring stuff back and make a collage of it.
Things like a bus ride can be fun even if you go nowhere…
We try to do play dates where toddler boy goes to his friends house for an activity without me and then we swop over. This is the BEST. The kids love it and you get a break from constantly entertaining.
From my childminder training I would say that children should not be constantly entertained all the time. You need to try to get them to play alone with their toys, its actually very good for them. If you haven’t already, set up a little home corner and encourage role play, dressing up and so on…
First, I know exactly how you feel so please know that you are not alone in this! I think we all get stuck in a rut at some point – the same meals, the same TV schedule, the same games. I think half the problem is trying to do too much and feeling crap when it doesn’t all get done. Kids are generally very easily entertained so it doesn’t always need a full on schedule to keep them happy. I certainly don’t have a magic formula but for what it’s worth:
Try to get out to visit a friend or invite them to you at least once a week (preferably visit them – change of scenery!)
Have a designated ‘treat’ day/morning when you go somewhere for coffee/juice and share a scone. Try different little coffee shops.
Some of the classic activities are the best; colouring, water play, hide and seek, dressing up, dance, bake, sticking, read stories, build things – this may only take 5 mins per activity but she’ll be getting a lot out of each thing.
Go to the local library – they often do story telling type activities and again, it’s a change of scenery – and is free!
I find I give myself less of a hard time when I have dedicated time for the boys and dedicated time for me. So, 7am to 7pm is pretty much boys time (!) but within that, I grab the odd 10-30 mins while they are playing, or watching a little TV to do a few chores etc. I have also made peace with the fact that cleaning is going to have to happen with them hanging off my ankles. Give the child a cloth and they will merrily follow you around!
I also find it impossible to write/blog/tweet when the boys are around so although I’m itching to get to the computer, it just doesn’t work! I now only really do this on an evening – or on one of the 2 mornings when the boys are both at creche. That way, I don’t feel guilty, they get my attention (most of the time) and it makes it a bit easier.
Hope that helps a little – sorry for the essay, but I SO know how you feel! Good luck
Local council should list the library inforamtion and also other childrens centres, you do not need stick to one.
Local Churches often have mum and toddler groups 60p a session ours is.
Swimming
Our library does a reading session once a week, but also has play things and we visit once a week.
Netmums has a local section with lots of activities, as does Mumsnet, which will give you ideas of your local petting farms.
Local museums often have childrens activities at certian times, as do art galleries, our local one does a craft time for under 4′s
you can buy a local guide http://www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk, which lists soft play, local parks, free activities, tumble tots, kindermusic etc
Ask your local school for a copy of primary times, there is often calssifieds for things to do as well as money off coupons
If you are looking for crafts, then take a look at my web site.
Family or childrens information service should also be able to offer help and advice.
Local NCT Magazine.
Baking, you can pop little miss in her high chair and give her cookie dough etc. I have let the boys join in from being tiny.
TBH she will enjoy having her own cleaning kit (feather duster, cloth adn pretend spray) and follow you coping as much as anything else. A play kitchen in your kitchen area. Pots and pans out of the kitchen cabinets too.
National Trust properties and English Herriatage offer lovley houses and castle ruins etc for running around (annual passes are often great to have)
Local leisure centre pay offer a childrens gym or soft play which will be less expensive that a commerical one.
I Hope this gives you some ideas.
I would make sure you have at least two regular planned activities a week – it helps break it up. I know money’s an issue, but if you can scrape the dosh together, as Sally has said swimming is fab, Little Miss is at the perfect age. Then you need a free one, so the library is your best bet. Always always go for a walk every day, rain or snow!
Cooking is a fantastic way to while away a few hours – little kids love making and decorating cakes and cookies. There’s some great recipes on Annabel Karmel’s site.
And if you’re going a bit stir crazy, ask your MiL or someone else to have her for half a day. It’s really important to have some time to yourself to recharge your batteries. Tap up your local beauty salons for a free facial/cut and blow dry/manicure in exchange for a mention on your blog, or join a book group one evening a week (I know it’ll take you away from your hubby but it’ll be good for you!) so you can exchange some ideas and make new friends and keep your brain super active.
Oh, and forget the housework. Just do what you need to do to keep it reasonably tidy/clean.
Wow! I thought, I’ll have a quick look at the comments while I think up a couple of suggestions. And I’ve just read the most amazing list of things to do.
We’re lucky in that we live opposite the park, so there’s no excuse. Charlie loves fresh air, there’s an aviary as well as the obligatory swings and slides. It doesn’t take much to make it seem like an adventure.
I agree that it’s a good idea to tell Sure Start you are not happy. If there is a demand for a group, surely they can offer something.
What about groups at your local library. Ours has a regular reading group for under 5s.
I attended our local leisure centre when IJ was a baby. A group of mums set up a babminton group together and it was great. The other mums would watch the little ones while four of us played. It may not be possible for you to do that, it’s quite difficult when they are able to move around, but maybe something could be happening at your local leisure centre.
Also, is there any way you can do a shout out to other mums in your area. There must be lots of you in the same situation.
Hope that gives you something to think about! It’s not easy I know.
Thanks Rosie…Library is the resounding suggestion…will try to galvanise some other mums. I seem to be the one who always does that though. Sometimes I want someone else to be in charge! Thanks for your help!
We’ll have to come visit you! When was the Blogger Meet Up at yours, by the way?
I like the suggestion about the housework…shouldn’t have a problem following that one. I’ll work on the swimming…there is a leisure centre in the next town and in Stamford so we’ll look into that one for sure. It would be good for Mummy and for Little Miss! Thanks Liz;)
YES! Great ideas…you have inspired me. And I will take the leap and start letting Little Miss participate in the kitchen! I’ve been terrified of the oven. Thanks so much for your great advice!
Thanks Hazel, I really appreciate you taking the time to make suggestions and knowing that you struggle a bit as well! It helps to know I’m not the only one!
I’ve got a good start on Little Miss’ play corner and she’s very good at that already. I like the bus idea! I’ll try that one day…even if it’s not my favourite mode of transportation. I’ve got to not be afraid to let her explore and do…it’s hard because I worry! Thanks for your support tho…wish we had more museums and stuff like that around us!
Will have to make more of an effort to get my butt across the road!
I’m definitely going to do the swimming as Little Miss is a nut for swimming. We don’t have a local YMCA so that doesn’t work but I’m going to explore the local libraries around and see what’s on offer. Thanks so much for commenting Sally…I really appreciate it!
I know that rut, my H is 2.5yrs so here’s the sort of things we’ve been getting up to over the last year, many already been mentioned…
Trips to the park to feed ducks, have picnics, play on playgrounds, meet pals
Swimming, used to do lessons now take him on my own
Library, he and I love reading & its a great way to change/rotate books (DVDs too)
Housework – he loves “helping” make it a game, give him his own cloths etc!
Garden centres – the aquatic centres are as a good as an aquarium to them!
Baking/cooking – I’m no Nigella but the cake mixes easy & good fun
The other thing I do which I find a god send with Santas visit just around the corner is to hide away quite a lot of the non-main presents once opened, or I still have some unopened from last Christmas and Birthday (I know what’s inside!) Then when we’re on a bad weather day we have a new toy, which always helps!
Stellar ideas Mrs…thanks so much for taking the time to comment considering your busy work load these days! You’re a star.
I’m totally with you and I feel sad that our “group” has dispersed somewhat – weren’t we supposed to be having Mummies Nite Off again this year?!?!? I think the weather makes it even worse, we’re not really fairweather people but sometimes I think we probably get a little lazy and daren’t venture too far from the warmth of our lounges. Baby Bean really enjoyed herself at Messy Play and that has geared me up to get our there and do more fun things – for her and me. My trouble is finding the time to get my work done too, I’m really struggling with the work/leisure time balance but I think we should make a New Year’s Resolution early?
I’m with you BEST MATE!!! If it wasn’t for you and Baby Bean, Little Miss and I would be lost. Love you loads…and let’s build our New Year’s resolutions next week. Onward and upward!
Messy Play at the centre has been a god send to us as our bungalow isn’t exactly big! Also I recommend the local mother and toddler groups, only £1 for a coffee and biscuit and the little ones can play with as many toys as they like. Yes mummies nite off has been forgotten but perhaps a special Christmas get together would be nice…. perhaps a get together around ours on a Friday lunchtime or a meal out again…? What do you think…?
I’m all for get-togethers, you know that! I was saying to Sabina that we should have a Christmas playgroup/party for all of us soon. At mine is fine…will FB everyone about it.
Which Mother & Toddler Group are you going to Emma? I might have to tag along…it would be good for Little Miss to meet some new friends. We’ll walk and talk about it tomorrow.
Its lovely to see them making new friends and its good for us too..!
We have been to the “Little Rascals” mother & toddler group on a Tuesday and Friday from 10am in Market Deeping (Green School) I’ll give you more details when I see you but they are listed on the Netmums website. There is also a group in Glinton but I haven’t tried that one yet…;-)
Thanks Emma…will get that info from you soon!