Activities for Younger Sibling

It;'s funny that Amanda H said the same thing, but I am also in the MOMS Club, and my kids are 9, 5, and 2. The best thing is just ideas. There are always things to do that cover all age ranges in our chapter so that my kids are occupied, plus the play groups help me meet other SAHM.

I also switch kids with my neighbors. My neighbor next door takes my 2 yr old, and the one across the street takes the 5 yo. We swap out so that they kids are never playing at the same house at the same time. That is a HUGE sanity saver.

Good luck, I will be reading your responses myself for ideas.
-C.

What about making time everyday for both kinds of activities? Go outside for walks, catch a ball, swim, etc. Then have some quiet time where you can read, play video games, play board games, etc. Maybe set up a schedule if that helps. It doesn't have to be strict, just something like after breakfast play outside for an hour, then play inside with mom for an hour, then independent play while mom does some chores and makes lunch.

Is there a common activity they both enjoy? Do they like arts and crafts? Playdough is something that my kids will do together for a LONG time. I usually pull it out when I need some time to accomplish things. My son helps his little sister with the "tools" she hasn't figured out how to work yet. They get creative together and really play well together with this activity. The sandbox is another activity they play well together.

Hi D.,
I understand that your 4 yr old has playdates because he has been to school and has made friends--playdates don't really happen til then! :)
But I think when your 4 yr old has a playdate, you should try to entertain your younger O. and let your older son enjoy his friend to himself.
My son is an "only" but a lot of his friends have younger siblings of the same age. Do any of your son's friends have younger sibllings? Maybe you could arrange swap playdates and your 2 yr old could go over there while their 4 yo comes to your house?
If he insists on joining the older kids, some activities are ageless: Plahdoh, water play outside, hide & seek, Lincoln Logs, Hot wheels, trains, painting, coloring, etc.
Do you have the game Hullabaloo by Cranium? That is good for multiple kids and I think your 2 yo would get a kick out of it as well. Hope this helps. Good luck.

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Hi D.,
My children are starting to have the same type of problems, but I have one thing that really helps; The Mom's Club. The International Mom's Club is a great thing and there are chapters all over the area. It's a club literally for mom's and thier kids, of all ages. Through this I have found activities for both children, things we can all do together, support and ideas from other mom's, and playgroups for both of my children. Here is the website: www.momsclub.org
and if you're near the Moroeville area here's the chapter I'm involved in: www.geocities.com/monroevillemoms/
Good luck!

God Bless you for recognizing the differences in personalities and working towards developing each. There are many enrichment programs out there as well as playgroups. I of course am biased but KINDERMUSIK It develops the WHOLE child and is is a great program that respects each child's individuality.It is CHILD CENTERED There are age specific groups as well as Family Time in which all ages including the parent/guardian can participate in. Then the AT Home Materials let you continue the experience all week with each child at home. If you go to their website www.kindermusik.com you can put in your zip code and you can search for an educator in YOUR area. You will also be able to view a video clip as well as request a free class coupon.
I offer KM as part of my Child Care Program and have a wide age group and many differing personalities. We do a different theme each month but we do something with music and movement everyday.
I am sure that there are other programs that can suit his active personality such as gymboree or the *Y* will have some programs.
If it is something at home that you are looking to do you can email me and I will be glad to give you some active play suggestions.
Best of Luck to you.
God Bless