I Am Feeling Stuck

hi A.! i was wondering if you had tried "playdates" with her. it's great for both of you to meet new people and socialize with them. there's "mom" groups here in port st lucie, try the gymnastics place "all around gymnastics" off of village green and holbrook. on fridays they have "tot time" where you go and take her to play and you stay with her, it's only $5 and you both get to meet new people! it's not a class and there's no commitment to always go, you just drop in on fridays at 9:00 am. that's what i did when i first moved here 3 years ago and knew NO ONE!! hope it helps.

Hi A. M,
when my son was 11 months old he liked playing with (don't laugh) pots and pans and wooden spoons. He would leave all his cars and building block, go to the kitchen cupboard and take out his 'toys', never tought that would keep him busy and quiet he would cook and make 'music'. He now plays the guitar and no, he doesn't cook.
Have fun
J.

When my kids were infants,they liked me to read them stories,play with BIG piece Puzzles and play with big
cardboard boxes(empty).Have you made a plaster print of her hand yet? M. M.

PS. My mom Had 15 kids,( I am number 10 )so we always
had something to play. I have 5 kids and the thing they liked best was to be held as I read them a book.When my first child was three,she told me she knew how to read,so
I asked her to read to me and she goes read, read read,read.

Have you tried baby sign language? Learning it is fun and you're always learning something new. In addition, if you choose to use American Sign Language signs over gestures or mime, the benefits you and your baby can receive from it can last a lifetime (increases language acquisition and vocabulary, learning to read is easier & builds the foundation for a second language to name a few). There are many ways to learn, you can purchase books and videos (Signing Time is the BEST!), take classes and some areas even have signing playgroups. There are several programs to choose from: Sign2Me (ASL), www.sign2me.com, and Baby Signs (loosely based on ASL w/gestures & homemade signs), www.babysigns.com, are the two most popular.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

A.

let her paint with vanella pudding under some shade outside. then you can let her play in a sprinkler to wash her off

I don't know what kind of classes you are going to, but you might try mother-daughter exercise classes. My kids never got tired of going to the children's museum (in Washington, D.C.), here there were interactive exhibits (puppet shows, blowing bubbles, etc.) When I was little, my parents would take me to the library to story hour and to check out books. I would amuse myself for hours playing records on my little record player. In Florida there are always opportunities to go swimming.

As a mom and grandmom, my advice to you is, just sit back and anjoy your baby girl. Parks, classes, zoos, etc. are great.
also, play groups with other moms. But the time will be gone before you know it, and, and one day you will be giving your baby girl advice on her baby. Some of the best times are when you just get down on the floor with them and let them be theirselves and you watch and interract with them. I know you also feel like you have little time, between the washing, cleaning cooking and child rearing....but the childrearing part will be gone one day and you will always have the cooking and cleaning and washing. Just enjoy your daughter...she is ALWAYS learning.

mom and grandmom of some awsome adults and grandchildren.

Dear A.,

to you it may seem like the same thing every day and the same toy every day. But, to your little girl, although it is the same activity, she notices and learns different things all the time. I also have a, well almost 12 month, little girl and although she plays with the same toys I see her discovering and touching different parts of the toy or noticing a purpouse of another. You probably get a little bored of the same thing and the same activity all the time but I bet your little one has so much fun exploring the world in a different way every day.

Hi There,
There are tons of things you can do that may seem like nothing but really are very engaging for your daughter. Walks around the neighborhood, reading to her, puzzles (she may be too young to do them, but she'll enjoy grabbing and manipulating the pieces). Go to Barnes and Noble and let her see the other kids around her and read new books there. Some of them even have a train table she can play with.
Another really great thing for both you and your child is to join a mom's playgroup. Depending on where you are, there are several around. Just look them up on Yahoo Groups, Meetup.com, etc. Your daughter will get the chance to interact with other kids and you will meet other moms and get other ideas on stuff to do. The one I belong to is called Careers to Crayons. We're based in Coral Gables, but meet weekly at parks around the area. We also have a book club that meets about every other month, a mom's night out that meets every month and special outings with the kids (this month we went to Elmo's Birthday at Books and Books). The mom's group is the best thing I ever did for me and my daughter.

Good Luck!

Hey A.!
Well, there are some cute books like 365 days of creative play. I really like that one because the activities are so varied and you can adjust it according to the age. I'm sure you could find other cute ones in the children's section at Barnes and Nobles.
Speaking of Barnes and Nobles...they do a weekly storytime and sometimes they have someone that dresses in character.
Also, most libraries have weekly storytime as well. Maybe your little one will enjoy it and even make some friends.
The Hollywood Library even pairs up their storytime with crafts sometimes.
Also, this website: http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-festivals... has lots of info on what's going on in South Florida..like festivals and other family friendly events. Look on the left tab of it to see the different calendars and activities.
Oh, another thing I thought of is that I signed up for babycenter.com and each week it emails an update of what your baby should be doing and included in the emails are two new activities to do with your child that week. Maybe that could get your creative juices flowing again, LOL.
I did just start a group for moms on yahoo...you can follow the link at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youngmomsofsf/ if you want to check it out and join.
Well...best of luck. I only have a 3 month old and I'm already starting to get stir crazy...I'm not so much worried about him being bored,,,it's me I'm worried about :).
Smiles,
Lexi

well, you can always take her to the zoo or to the pool. sometimes strolling around would be nice for the baby and maybe going to different parks for a different scenery. Take her some place where she can bond with other infants so that she may grow to be a social child and playful with other infants. I took my son to sesame street. He loved it.

Hi A., I am a Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 9, I raised my oldest Granddaughter and when she was a baby, I read to her at least an hour a day. When into first grade, much to my surprise, she was reading at the fifth grade level. Reading, going to the zoo, anyplace that has animals are excellent for children. Taking a child anywhere is an experience, so just enjoy, don't worry your daughter will grow up and take care of you one day.

Dear A.,
I found a company that has great toys, they are all safe and educational. My son loves them and so do his friends. I got involved when he turned a year, he is now 16months and loves his playroom. www.Discoverytoyslink.com/LisaRyan They seem to carry more then the run of the mill toys, she will love roll n play. The is also having sales right now so check it out. Also the measure up cups, so many things you can do with them.
Ryan's mom

Do crafts!!!! Also playdoh!!!! Believe it or not you can do things a million times and they love it anyway!!!!!

Read to her! I know (as mom of 4YO son) that it feels so lazy and self-indulgent to just sit and read out loud, but even if you're reading her YOUR books and magazines, it's helping her to learn to talk, AND letting your brain have 'adult fuel.'
Try it!
Best,
R.

In the beginning you are introducing the world to your new daughter. You are teaching her all about her mother, her family, her home, her neighborhood. This is exciting! This is your time to make her aware of how she fits into your life. You are the cruise director, the tour guide, the master worker. You want her to know you and share your interests. You want her to see a woman healthy and happy and always learning. You can introduce new foods, new textures, new words, new movements, new sounds etc. She knows almost nothing and you know almost everything! Converse and share with her. Let her shadow you as you live your day. I used to enjoy "reading" Richard Scarey picture books with my son to introduce vocabulary. Reading is FUNdamental. I also had friends in Germany who sent me German language picture books which were a challenge for me too, to pronounce and learn new words. Babar books have french language picture books too and that kept me interested. What do you see?, what do you say? Water play is great if you have a pitcher and and a dish pan. If your doll is walking, balance or obstacle work is fun. Textures can be introduced, oogy, rough, prickly, silky , slippery etc. It's fun to see what she will like and what not. Let's see, listening is great too. Call her attention to bird sounds or rain or dogs. Ask her what do you hear? Music is wonderful. Sing along or action songs like jazzercise. You can do it for your own amusement and your little girl can attempt the moves too. Mickey Mouse had a routine I seem to recall. Wipe off markers and a piece of paper can be fun and mommy can jot notes at the same time. In all, I guess I want to say keep learning yourself and you can better share the joy. The first 3 years are filled with wonder. Fill your hours with baby with exploration but don't fill your day with only baby. There are times when she should amuse herself or get her needed rest so she can grow. It's a lot, but you can do it. You asked the question and that is the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

Hi. Have you tried art or gardening perhaps? It's something the two of you can create together. Let the mess happen, you can always clean it up! She'll have a blast doing something out of the ordinary and you may surprise yourself with the creativity you actually do have. Good luck!

Do you have a copy of Dr. Becky Bailey's "I Love You Rituals"? And do you belong to a playgroup that plans trips to the fire station or police station?

Hi A., Our nanny takes our 20 month old daughter to a free reading class at the library once a week and also she goes to see Oopsy the Clown at various Publix stores a few times a week. Silly stuff but gets her out of the house.

Hi A.,

I suggest that you go to the nearest bookstore, or better yet, preschool teacher's school supply store or website and order the basic books on activities for preschoolers. You will get a wealth of ideas from there.

all the best,
B.

I felt the same way, by 11 months you just feel there is nothing new you can do. I joined an awesome Mom's group that had a packed calendar of things to do. You didn't have to go to every playdate but it was nice to have options and other Moms to get ideas from. I joined mine from Meetup.com and it found a group in my area. I never needed to go more than 10 miles I think. There were also 55 moms in the group so there was always someone at the playgroup even though not everyone was there. I also want to say that signing with your baby/toddler is a great way to have fun too. My son is 14 months and signs 8 different words correctly. www.babysigningtime.com is my favorite.

Hi What helped me a lot was incorporating something to do on my own( in my case studying online when my baby goes to sleep, or when I have 30 minutes for me)
I felt more full filed and I came with a bit more patience and a bit more creativity to spend with him.
So it helped me, be better with him when I took more care of myself( of course with what I can which is not too much time, energy or money jajaja) =)
Hope it helps

Hi A.,

There are many things that you can do with your child such as: The library or book store have a children section for storytelling, puppet shows, children theater, music shows, music songs: classical, jazz, gospel, dance,introduction to the musical instruments, etc. Children at that age need to be involved in some sort of movement exercise. Swimming lessons, waterparks,the beach, sandbox, fingers & toes painting "ha!"; bake a cake, brownies, etc; it may be messy but children need to learn how to explore, card games that help them to recognize shapes, sounds, pictures, the earlier you start the better. You'll be surprise what a child can retain. The best teacher a child will ever have is "YOU". Also, try children museums, aquariums, planetariums, etc. ferry trip, train rides, carousel, the zoo, blowing bubbles, hide and seek, the hokey-pokey, etc. These are a few ideas. Take Care! and Enjoy these precious times with your child , they go by so quickly. Peace, W.M. Jackson

this may sound crazy but with my sone now 3 and my daughter now 10 months who will now get to go on crazy trips with mom.

I use to take a day and make it a "let me show you what mommy likes to do"...
I would take my son to the bowling ally, go to stores I liked and just introduce them to sites and sounds that were not the norm. Music stores, hat shops, art stores, pet shops ect....

I would allow get him out of his stroller (he was walking at 11 months) and let him move about when possiable, touch things that he normally did not see and hear things that were not every day to him.

Art stores with painting and pictures where the best and bring your camera pet shops were fun too....you get out of the house and he still gets and education...

think outside the box...keep having fun

Reading books, listening to music...and dancing together, coloring with crayons (or finger paints) are just some of the things that I do with my 18 1/2 month old boy while my 2 daughters are in school. Do you encourage your little girl to play alone too? Babies don't always have to play with you...you could begin with building blocks and then have your little one continue while you go wash dishes...or better yet, sit down and read yourself. No matter what activity you choose, even if it is as simple as lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling fan, your baby loves time spent with you. Don't worry that you are out of ideas. Just enjoy each and every moment...without worrying so much.

I've been there, myself. Life becomes mundane. You just need a change. I am sure you just need to search yourself for some hobbies or new habbits you always wanted to include in your and your child's life. How about going on a weekly outing to the library. My husband started me into this and it changed my life. I also just joined Meetup.com. They have several different Mommies groups and other types of groups and there are alot of activities they do together. Socializing and getting fresh air is a great way to feel unstuck. Best wishes to you and your child. Have fun!

I would recommend books called "Baby Games" and "Toddler Games". The Broward Library has them (maybe not all branches, but go online and request them). They have dozens and dozens of age-appropriate activities and games for you to do with your baby. They all help the baby's development and are cute, fun, and mostly easy.
I know how you feel -- I never knew much more than Patty Cake and This Little Piggy.

Hi A.,

I felt the same way and sometimes thought i would go crazy if i don't do something different from a daily routine, however what becomes boring for us is needed stability for our little ones, take your baby food shopping explore different colors. You'll be surprised how much they love and look forward to the same routine. Try to set up play dates (it's fun to play with other kids toys) at this age it's only parallel play however it's a start of establishing long term friends. Also check out mygym.com they have great classes for the little ones, both of my girls love it. Change toys from one week to another, what haven't been seen or used for while becomes like new again. I let my girls watch baby einstein and sesame street. Sometimes it's a totlal lifesaver especially on those rainy or windy days. Also don't forget building blocks, they are great way to entertain and learn. Let your child explore books, read to her, even if she does not seem to into it let her explore the colors, try the touch and feel books they are great for kids this age.

Mom of 2 beautiful girls, 33 months and 15 months old.

Hi dear, I have a 12 mths old and have gone through the same. What has helped me a lot is reading parenting ,agazine....not that I have a lot of time to read but they always have very creative games that I would have never thought of. For example my c hild Lorenzo loves playing with sand, but I don't have a sand box at home and he likes to taste it, so I read you can get corn meal in a bowl/bucket and hide little toys in it and have him search. Hope that helps. The magazine is not that expensive.

I have also done some of the classes and felt the same way. I was lucky enough to find an awesome mom's group to join. They do many different creative event throughout the week. For example today we are going strawberry picking.

At 11 months, you could start some very simple craft products. My boys loved to finger paint, and I think you can buy some very non-toxic, maybe even organic type paints. There might even be a homemade type paint you could make with food coloring.

She could also hold those very large crayons and learn to color; the marks would be very primitive, but the learning curve on how to hold the crayon would be picked up quickly.

I think that bathtubs are under used also. You can get very creative, without it being actual "bath time", using simple measureing cups and container from the kitchen. Plastic spoons and other utensils are fun for them to scoop, dip, and splash with.

Or, simply sitting outside in one of those blow up pools. They require much less attention than being in a pool - and she can have similar bathtime fun while being outside or on the patio.

It's also fun to stroll down the different piers we have here. Lots of people to see, along with birds, fish, and lots of fresh air.
Have fun with her...these days go by quickly.
K.
Pompano Beach

At this age you could start reading to her more. There's books that have activities and at the same time your teaching her your having fun with her. Believe me this will help her with vocabulary, and when she starts to read.

Hi A.,
My children are now grown, but I found that repetition of the same things worked best for them. Like you I kept feeling as though I needed to give them more stimulation, but found that they thrived better on repetition, with me adding one new thing a little at a time. The same for foods too! Good luck, I'm sure youre doing a great job.
S.

dear A.,
you should check for library and bookstore near you that offer free toddler program , or other program ,like the 10am to 12 free show from aventura mall
remember also that your job as a mommy can be also educationnal for your daughter, shopping etc..
good luck , i have been there, i kept home my 2 girls until almost 3 years old each

This is just my opinion, but it seems to me that you are way too overstressed over "doing" things with your child, as if you were going to get graded on how much stimulation you provide for her. At this stage in life, children are literal little sponges, who pick up on everything around them, the things even you are not perceiving. She will learn no matter what you do or don't do, so rather than being tied up in a knot about what you are 'doing', just enjoy "being", and enjoy to the fullest. Joy is the best teacher for a young child, and if she sees you happy that will be one of the most important lessons she will get from you.
I know this is not the answer you wanted, but believe me, it works to just enjoy life and pass that feeling of excitement about everything around you. Simple things, eating, bathing, breezes blowing, oh boy we're going to the supermarket and ooh look at the pretty and bright labels on the bottles in the shampoo isle type stuff. Look, smell, touch, feel... anything that is not dangerous. You will be teaching her to love to look at the life around her. As she gets older, she will be making up her own mind as to what things she likes best.
On the other hand, children not only love, but thrive on repetition and constancy. It builds security in them, so don't be afrad of repeating the same things over and over. You may get bored, but she's not likely to, and even if she does you will know it soon enough by her lack of interest.
Oh, and BTW, you got some excellent suggestions from other posters as well. :-)

Reading books to her and looking at pictures, and pointing at them and telling her what this is, and such, its surprising how they take in slowly but surely. Also listening to music and moving to it, most children love it, and even if you are not mucically inclined, play good music whenever appropriate and give her that wonderful gift. I'm a grandma, and its so much easier and more fun the second time around, of course I get the best of them and then mom has to take over 24/7 !!! hope I have given you a little inspiration, you don't realize (I didn't) when you've got young children to care for, how fast they grow up, and when they're so young and innocent, even though there is more for you to do to care for them, its the best time to fill their heart and soul, soon they'll be all grown up and full of themselves, just keep trying to put good stuff in while you can!!

Hi A....my name is A. also. I really agree with all the other suggestions..my daughter is now 18 months. At that age we started finger painting and coloring...which was very primative at that point, but got her started. She now LOVES to color, and she is very good at recognizing colors...i think this early play helped. Sometimes i would just take the crayons and color for her and describe the color..or let her pick her paint color and name the color. We love the Wellington library..located near the mall. They have a nice play area for kids..and you can usually find other moms and kids there for impromptu playdates. I also use a baby pool in the backyard. We walk around the neighborhood. we also have a yearly membership to Lion Country Safari. It is only $50 per year for you...free for baby. the drive through part is not that thrilling until baby can turn around..but there is a lot to walk through...and learning in every corner. besides seeing animals and feeding giraffes, I would point out flowers and colors. See if there is a local zoo, etc that you can buy an annual pass to. Even the science museum is fun..they have aquariums that my daughter loves. the biggest tip I can give is that this time will pass...yes, in a sentimental way, your baby will grow up...but in a selfish way, let me assure you, this time will pass. I really got bored when Star was that age. I felt "stuck" in the house...but so quickly they just really become much more fun. and I don't mean that in any un-loving way...it is just that now Star can kick a ball, and really color, and "cooks" in her kitchen...playtime gets really fun...and she also plays great alone in her room..she can entertain herself. She can spend the longest time just flipping through her books. so, keep your head up that it will get more action packed soon. Another thing i do is swim lessons. We go to the British swim school for a mommy and me class. Near the wellington mall. they are AWESOME..Star has learned so much..and has a blast. she dropped her afternoon nap a few months ago..and I nearly had a heart attack...what, less time to get things done!!!!...but it has been for the better. We go out almost every afternoon...and it REALLY breaks up the day...whether grocery shopping, or to a local farm, the library, or swimming, she has fun, I get a break, and the house stays clean while we are out!!!! Chin up, girl, it will be less mundane very soon!!!

A. C. :)