Fun Things to Do with a 3 Y/o

This was something that happened in my family that caused a lot of bitterness and hard feelings on my end - the older sister by 10 years.

My Mom would either refuse to let me do something or force me to take my sister along. She didn't want to tell my little sister no, or make her feel like I could do things she could not. I know this isn't your original issue - but I'll help you from it becoming one.

You need to tell your 4 year old that her big sister is OLDER and can do many things that she (the 4 y/o) cannot yet do - like sleep overs. When her big sister is driving, she will still have quite a way to wait. Nip it in the bud right away about letting the little one do almost everything the older sister can... it will eventually cause hard feelings.

Ideas:
Have a sleepover with her yourselves. Popcorn and a movie and let her crash on the couch or the floor (I personally would have to go to bed eventually, but you get the idea).
Have her watch the game on TV (maybe it will be so boring that she will decide she didn't want to go anyway :-).
Take her out for dinner while they are gone and have special time for just you, paint toenails...

Her turn will come. You are doing great!

I would find a local website that has tons of toddler things...do you have a free parenting magazine in your area? Our is called KC Parent, so maybe you can google something in your area?? Anyway, what about going to the skating rink or those inflatables places, that might be fun for both girls! Our local skating rink has a toddler skate each week for kids ages 3-6 so it's pretty mellow and the skates aren't quite as roll-y. My daughter is 3 and she loves going to those places with the inflatable slides and bounce houses. Also, I bet there are some open gyms around you in community centers or gymnastics places that might be fun. My daughter also loves those "live" shows that come to town like the Nickelodeon Live show and the Disney on Ice. It is so magical to the kids that are that age whereas the 12 y/o is likely "over" it! This time of year there are lots of those traveling shows, we are having Barney and Sesame STreet live here this month. I'm sure it's hard on her, poor thing, I know my daughter wouldn't get it either. Maybe you could have some of the girls over for a sleepover one night at your house and could explain that it would be nice to play with the little one for a while and when she goes to bed they can "party"! Good luck!

I think you are doing the right thing by not letting her go along...it definitely is important for her to realize that her sister is older. Anyways...I think you should begin your own "mommy dates", "daddy dates", whatever, when big sister is gone. Go to the movies, go out to eat (even McDonald's is great at that age), go to see Disney on Ice, go to the zoo, go to the museum, rent a movie and make it movie night, have a game night with her favorite games, etc. Anything that makes it all about her! Good luck!