I know, it's cold and wet out, we can't play outside and we're both going stir crazy. We can't get out since he's been on this 'potty kick'... YAY for the potty, but boo on the fact that I've severely neglected my housework and REAL work this past week because of it. I have SO much catching up to do :(
He flips out if I try to stick him in a diaper, but won't keep the insert to the potty in place; I have to watch him like a hawk to avoid an accident (please don't give me more to clean).
I hate to admit it, but I've resorted to t.v. today... he's not a huge t.v. watcher at ALL, but today, it's helping a little.
He's intentionally pushing my buttons, maybe for attention, while I try to get my mazillion things done.
I feel bad but my hands are tied, I can't NOT get this stuff done.
No, there's no one who can lend me a hand today :(
So what can I do to keep the poor little guy entertained? I do feel bad because I know he's bored... but I HAVE to get this stuff done.
He's 22 months old... I've already tried swapping out toys to give him something 'new' to play with... no dice.
I'm trying to get him to 'help' me with my housework, but he's doing to opposite of helping today.
He's throwing temper tantrums left and right (usually time out works, today is just awful though!!)
I'm frazzled.
Suggestions please :)
The bath is a GREAT idea, thanks :)
I really can't go anywhere until *I* take a shower, so we can't do anything outside the house...
well, you could make a bigger mess....give him some PlayDoh!
as for the whole "plucking my last nerve"....totally get it: last night, my DH twanged my last nerve & I don't mean sexually!
TGIF!
Pots and a spoon. It maybe loud but, he can pretend to make Momma something good to eat. Try a plastic spoon to make it less aggravating for you. My son Loved cooking when he was a little guy like yours. If that fails see if you have a baby doll he can play with, that was another winner for my son. He loved caring, feeding and changing the baby. Once your hubby gets home take a bath so you can unwind :)
Take care.
Give him a bubble bath and clean the bathroom when he's in the tub...always buys me some time. Can you take a ride to the library or bookstore nearby to break up the day?Then make something like cupcakes to decorate after naptime....hope he still takes a nap! :) You both deserve chocolate today! Nothing wrong with putting on a movie...I DVRed kids movie Robot this am to buy me a little time to clean this weekend!
DISCLAIMER, Joke to follow: Silence is golden, duct tape is grey. LOL. Maybe if you just do what you need to do and 'let him be' within reason of course he'll occupy himself. His plan is working because everything he does get's your immediate attention.
My 6 yr old step daughter does this to me from time to time. She got out of the shower the other night. I put my head in the bathroom because I heard the water off and I said "are you done?" she answererd "dry me off" I said "WHAT?" She has and is very capable of getting herself completely ready for bed. Then at bedtime she said she couldn't get the covers pulled down on the bed......... really? Hang in there!
I agree with Jim, just give him something and let him be. He will eventually entertain himself and it is good for him to learn that. I also figure that you can only do so much in one day and if some things don't get done then oh well they will still be there tomorrow.
Is there something specific he wants to do together? Sometimes they'll let you get things done more easily if you meet their needs first. So if my daughter wants me to play board games rather than keep putting her off and her keep asking me, sometimes it works better if I tell her I will play 1 or 2 games and then I must _______. Then she is more content and can go about playing on her own while I get whatever it is done. Of course my kids are older so negotiating might not work as well with a 22 month old.
Put rice, or popping corn, or beans of any kind in his little socks, tie off the ends and make beanbags for him. Give him a laundry basket and let him play beanbag toss.
Give him socks to match and sort.
Make him a tent out of the kitchen table and a couple of blankets and let him have a fort. Put some of his toys in there and let him play.
Turn on music and let him dance.
Give him a flash light in a dim room.
The housework can wait? Only do what you CAN do.
Have him play w/some blocks in the kitchen while you do the dishes?
I think it is ok to resort to a DVD movie or TV once in awhile for your sanity. Also, this may be the time for you to just sit & relax for a few mins while he watches his cartoons. It may be the only rest you get.
He may be pushing your buttons because he is bored & wants your attention. He may be feeling "couped up". (sp?)
How about a toy that has sound? We have several of those and you can resort to those noisy, pesky ones in times like these.
Stuffed animals? Have him put one "to bed & tuck him in".
Build a mini fort for his age: blanket draped over 2 laundry baskets. Show him by going under & putting a fouple of his toys underneath.
If all else fails, go for a quick, short outing weather permitting (even to the store). Sometimes a change of scenery does wonders for both of us.
Build blocks & have him kock them down. I do this then run & do a quick chore nearby then run right back. Exhuasting? Yes. Get some work done? Yes.
I admit, I have let a lot of housework slide & only tackle the absolute necessities for cleanliness!
