The time I've dreaded as finally arrived - LM has dropped her afternoon nap most days (I was really hoping she would at least give me a few more months after the baby was born...sigh). Honestly, this has been harder for me to adjust to than taking care of two children. The day seems much longer when I don't get a two hour break mid-way through, and I need to get some of my work done while it is still light out (ie. taking pictures of clothes).
So, to keep my sanity and help both of us transition into this new phase I have been thinking of little activities for her to do while I take advantage of her busy mind and hands. Today it was color sorting buttons in a muffin tin.
She likes playing with my button jar, so I thought I could turn her usual dumping-them-out-and-then-putting-them-back-in-the-jar routine into a more educational activity.
It was as simple as taping different colored paper circles in a muffin tin (with a couple of misc. polka-dot cups thrown in). I didn't have brown paper so I colored one using a brown crayon, which you can do for all of them if you're lacking in paper supplies. She picked up on the concept quickly and it kept her entertained for awhile.
With a little help and direction from me all of the buttons were put in the right spot ...and then she made up her own button game that involved throwing handfuls of them up in the air. I'm pretty sure I'm missing quite a few now, but hey, I'll have some dresses listed in the shop soon so...SUCCESS!!!
This month I'm also using this dollar download to give me daily theme ideas. Right now I feel like I need to be told what to do or we'll end up sitting on the couch watching a movie everyday. Anyone else relate? What do you do to keep your kids and yourself happy/sane during stay-at-home days?
cute idea. the transition to no naps was always hard as a nanny! avery is growing up so fast, i can't believe it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I totally need to do this with my son, since I have never put my muffin tin to use with actual baking :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Me and the kiddies are going to do this tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I'm burning it to memory as we speak for future uses =)
ReplyDelete- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/
You are so creative, such a great idea, and I love the quilt below :) By the way, I put up some of Delilah's pictures from her photo shoot up on my photography blog :)
ReplyDeletemy daughter dropped her nap as soon as she turned two (too early for me!). She now spends an hour in her room after lunch, 'quiet time'. Evie spends her time looking at books, playing with toys, listening to music & very occasionally having a little nap! I need this hour to have a break & some sanity time! I recommend giving it a try :)
ReplyDeleteoh yes, mine still nap but finding time when they don't almost doesn't exist. If I need time, we don't do tv, we do water color and paper. I think that kids are drawn to water because thats where they start life. It doesnt come without a price (mess).
ReplyDeleteI have learned just a little water does the trick.
I simply couldn't survive without "nap" time. So every day at 2:00, we have "rest" time. My 19 m.o. takes a nap, and my four and five year olds each go in separate rooms for at least an hour. I tell them it's Mommy's rest time, too. They play with toys, look at books, and actually take naps sometimes. I'd highly recommend you try it. Everyone needs quiet time, and kids need to learn how to keep themselves busy!
ReplyDeleteI love your muffin tin idea! My four year old loves buttons, and he'd love sorting them like that!
I got here via Marta Writes. I just wanted to say great idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!!! awww.. she looks so cute sorting! I wish my M could do that with his toy cars!
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