https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:37:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2686060 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:39:15 +0000 wheres_c 2686060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you tried searching for mommy groups on Meetup.com? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2686023 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:06:37 +0000 Bao 2686023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: yes, same weather here but I'll try and get them out! I like the nature bracelet idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2686022 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:03:51 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2686022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: today we went for a walk and DS gathered things in a bag (sticks, leaves, rocks, etc). We came home and taped them to a big sheet of paper and then he coloured on it. Not super exciting for me. But excerise and he has fun. </p> <p>I also remember someone posting once about putting a piece of tape on their daughters wrist (sticky side out) and going on a walk and making a nature bracelet. Super cute!</p> <p>It's crappy and cold and wet here but we went anyway! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2686020 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:01:02 +0000 Bao 2686020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: thank you so much :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2686018 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 18:59:55 +0000 Greentea 2686018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: aw, don't feel bad. I get it though. I love being outside, so most of our adventures are free outdoor adventures. I personally don't want to sit around with a bunch of other parents and kids, but that's just me. My girls and I thrive in unstructured "environments." I would share your own interests with them. I think time to be unstructured, even bored, makes for creativity and coping skills. Young kids need attention, nurturing, and stimulation- but that can come from sharing interests and exploring the world with them. IRL, by the way, all the parents I know are a bit trapped inside with kids- for one, it is winter, and even I, the ultimate outdoor lover- I get trapped because honestly, this is a tough gig and we inevitably get trapped inside cooking, wiping butts, etc.</p> <p>Eta: just read your update :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685995 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:50:50 +0000 Bao 2685995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Went to the library tonight and they were such stinkers and I even had DH's help, so I guess staying home is just better for everyone haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685622 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:56:54 +0000 edelweiss 2685622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i agree with others that have said that if your kids are content, i wouldn't worry about it too much. do what works for you guys. it's an amazing thing to have kids playing happily at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685618 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:52:34 +0000 FaithFertility 2685618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD is 2 so playing outside looking for things or the park really make her day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685613 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:44:35 +0000 winniebee 2685613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think we all get caught up in making life exciting for our kids when in reality, they are happy to stay home and play with their toys most of the time. </p> <p>A few ideas:</p> <p>- Library time just to pick out new books<br /> - Themed week at home - themed baking, art, and learning about a topic (you can read about stuff on the internet with the older)<br /> - My kids like going to the mall and riding the carousel or just playing in the crappy kids space there! You can have a slice of pizza for lunch and that's a treat.<br /> - Play dates. We moved away for a year to a ridiculously small town with little going on. I started a play group on Mondays and it was a huge hit. We rotated hosting (the host made muffins or had a snack) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685612 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:41:56 +0000 winniebee 2685612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I agree I totally take the kids to the library for time fillers - even an hour there in the morning is fun for them. They get to take home new books and a DVD and that's a big deal, especailly for my older kid! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685594 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:23:38 +0000 Bao 2685594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: there honestly isn't a lot for the winter months, just checked but I'm going to keep researching and taking notes! </p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: yes, absolutely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685592 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:22:26 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2685592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I wonder if a toy rotation would break up the monotony of playing at home. Could one meal a day be an all hands on deck activity? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685574 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:52:19 +0000 Mamaof2 2685574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: google "free things to do in (your city)"</p> <p>I was shocked how many cool things were less than 10 mins away from me! and FREE!</p> <p>As a side - kids lives don't need to be exciting - I imagine you are bored, not them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685571 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:50:14 +0000 Bao 2685571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I will look that up, thanks so much! I was on a roll with nature activities last summer but with winter I'm blanking on ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685570 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:48:49 +0000 looch 2685570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: It's called the Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie.</p> <p>Might give you some inspo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting/page/2#post-2685550 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:26:15 +0000 Bao 2685550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: my kids actually love Sam's Club, free samples haha! And yes I really love the themed activities at home, I'm going to do something today I think. No Chick-Fil-A but we do have a mall about 30 minutes away. </p> <p>We are going to go to the library tonight after dinner just to hang out :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685546 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:23:17 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2685546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know what you mean! With 3 kids, its hard to commit to activities and lessons (and plus it costs $$). I feel like everyone else has family commitments (we dont often have family around) or playdates! </p> <p>Our big weekend outing is usually Costco! Kinda lame but the kids do enjoy it. </p> <p>I love the suggestions here of doing some themes. My kids love even just nature scavenger hunts in the yard. Or an outdoor craft. </p> <p>Do you have a Chick-Fil-A or some place like the mall with an indoor play area? I would post on FB the night before something like "Hey we are planning to go to XYZ location at 10am tomorrow, let us know if anyone wants to meet up!" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685545 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:21:56 +0000 Bao 2685545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: we do but even those memberships aren't in our budget :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685544 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:14:09 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2685544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: i havent read this whole thread, but do you have a local ymca? that was my lifeline when i was home. we got to use up to 2 hours of nursery every day. i would drop the kids off and then go to a class or workout on my own or just sit in a chair and play on my phone. there was a cost for the mwmbership but it was cheaper than a lot of activities for what you get in return. for a while i even worked 1-2 shifts a week in the nursery and got a tiny paycheck and a free membership, so that was nice too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685543 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:09:27 +0000 Bao 2685543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2littlepumpkins: My 4 year old is in preschool 4 afternoons a week, so kind of the same situation! As far as lessons or activities, I've asked and at least my oldest says she doesn't want to do anything right now. So I guess I shouldn't stress because maybe in a few years she will want to do EVERYTHING!</p> <p>@Greentea: It's not my style either, but kind of feel forced to try it...not going to lie I was feeling pretty bad when I first posted this thread</p> <p>@gingerbebe: @Cherrybee: Thank you, they really do seem very content to me, at least 90% of the time!</p> <p>@looch: We do actually, one of the perks of living near a lot of woods/country area. As long as it's not below freezing or too much snow we could do that. Great idea!</p> <p>@Mrs. Carrot: Thank you, this makes me feel better. </p> <p>Thank you everyone so so much. I was feeling pretty down when I first posted this thread, but now I'm feeling much better about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685538 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 07:33:22 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2685538@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: We live in a major metro area with access to a ton of free museums, play spaces, you name it, and most of the time if you ask what we did on the weekends, I'll tell you we did errands, played at home and maybe went to Target or Barnes and Noble so that LO can run around the toy aisles. Even with a ton of resources around it can be hard to get out of the daily grind, so don't worry too much about it. Definitely explore what's possible if you're feeling stagnated, but definitely don't worry about keeping up with "everyone else." Remember that most of us don't put Target runs on Facebook/Instagram :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685537 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 07:24:38 +0000 looch 2685537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a nature preserve nearby? You can do so many activities related to nature and being outdoors. I have a book at home, I am<br /> Blanking on the name, but it has ideas for lessons, planned seasonally.</p> <p>My son doesn't do well in unstructured environments, he gets bored. So I really need to find things to do otherwise the entire family suffers. I plan to take some time off in a few weeks, my son is in school during the week, but I am already making plans on how I will fill up the summer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685521 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 04:41:40 +0000 Cherrybee 2685521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: Kids' lives aren't meant to be exciting! :heart: They've got a playmate in each other and loads of unstructured play time - that's awesome! Soon they will be at school and knee deep in homework.... It sounds like they are happy so let them enjoy hanging out at home while they still can. </p> <p>@gingerbebe: wow, can I hang out at your house for a week? It sounds like so much fun! A French themed week!! That's the half term school holiday sorted for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685504 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 23:23:42 +0000 gingerbebe 2685504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I think your girls liking to play at home with each other and spend time with you is a positive thing - it means they feel happy and secure and stable there and you're obviously doing something right if they are so content. There will come a time when they will ask for an activity or sports team or whatever, but for now, I think they would be perfectly happy having their horizons broadened through adventures and learning you bring home to them through books and activities. When the weather is nicer, you guys can go out and collect rocks and play mud kitchen or whatever, but if its cold and snowy, just embrace that. Make snow ice cream, learn about penguins and the Arctic, talk about all your favorite ways to stay cozy and warm when its cold out. You're doing great mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685500 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 23:00:29 +0000 twodoghouse 2685500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This time of year is hard for me for activities, too. Especially since I deal with seasonal depression which makes it hard for me to get motivated. This year the kids started preschool which is a lot of action, but in the past when we get stuck in a rut, I try to plan special activities for us to just do at home. Most of our days are just free play all day long, so it's easy to spice it up by just coming up with a few things to do. Maybe we will read Valentine's books all day, make pancakes colored pink, and then make cards with heart stickers and pink markers. We're not actually doing anything different (and not anything that costs much money or makes us go out driving in snowy weather or anything), but it has the feel of something "special." Having a couple days that are more structured with these special activities helps us get through the other boring days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685499 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:54:58 +0000 Greentea 2685499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: yeah, I don't do playdates or structured activities, but that's not my style, I suppose. Like @gingerbebe: suggested, and what I was trying to say, I think it is about finding, developing interests. We are researching birds, learning bird calls, and go to wildlife refuges to try to find them, things like that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685490 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:23:11 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2685490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, with DD we have tried quite a few lessons, etc., but nothing really stuck. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685489 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:22:34 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2685489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: Similar situation here. Poor DS. DD at least goes to school five mornings (til 1) per week, but DS doesn't really do anything. He's still napping a lot and between that and DD's schedule it's basically impossible to take him to story hour or anything before she comes home, and by the time she comes home, she tends to be sort of tired and just wanting to chill at home. It's not so bad when the weather is nice because going outside seems to re-energize both of them, but it really hasn't been these past few weeks at least. I'm trying to get DS solidly on to one nap and then get an activity or two or three in the AMs. Next year he will go to preschool too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685481 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:10:42 +0000 snowjewelz 2685481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't have a lot of extra money for classes, etc so I have to be creative! DD1 is only in daycare 3 half days a week... She is only 2 so she's also fairly content to play at home. Even a quick trip to a supermarket/Target is still a trip for her. Our library has museum passes you can loan for free, so DH and I both take turns taking our museum passes to take her maybe once or twice a month. I stalked Groupon and got a Gymboree open gym pass, and a toddler time pass for a bounce place for cheap to get her out of the house. We also have church on Sundays, people come over every Friday and it's saving grace that she has cousins her age so we get together sometimes to play. It may not be SUPER fun but we make it work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-like-my-kids-lives-are-not-that-exciting#post-2685479 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:06:52 +0000 caterw 2685479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a local moms group and people are alllllways trying to meet other moms on there and set up play dates. I think a lot of moms get super bored. I have a great friend group of wonderful women who have similar aged kids to mine.... But I still get lonely! I definitely try to get out of those house every day (even if we just run up to the grocery store) but it doesn't always happen. We like to go to the library/ Barnes and noble for storytimes, the bounce place, and take classes at local churches (and the rec center but I know you don't have one). We also have some churches and businesses that do mom's morning out, which is a playgroup but you get to leave and run errands for a couple hours- they are usually cheap or sometimes even free! </p>