Hellobee Boards

Back when I was nannying 2 year olds, it was all about a schedule and predictability to keep them occupied. It was easier to remind them that it was "time for...." then to keep responding to requests for Elmo or whatever. (Unless Daniel is at a scheduled time).

Obviously, time at a local park is ideal, but also think of a back-up plan to automatically roll with if the weather doesn't comply. For instance, playing in the snow in the yard. Or getting dressed up in rain gear and bringing the potted plants outside to get watered (puddle stomping if you're okay with that sort of thing).

There's usually a scheduled story time at local libraries to go to.

Also, have a toy or an activity that is reserved for independent play. For instance, only let your kid play with a certain doll or toy when they are sitting quietly in their room (or on a blanket within eyeshot). If they fuss or demand attention, explain they will only get the toy if they play quietly like a big kid. This can be started with 10 minutes and extended gradually so that you can get yourself some time to do chores or return phone calls/e-mails. (Or in my case, give me time to fix lunch and tend to the other children I was watching).

If your child is transition to being at home after being used to a daycare setting, finding a mom's group and scheduling some play dates or play groups at the park with a familiar bunch of children might help with their social needs.

If this applies to you, you can also build a daily religious activity into your day, like reading a Bible story from a children's bible, learning a new song (maybe even with hand motions), and doing a coloring sheet related to that lesson. (Think of it as a daily Sunday school).

It really helps me and the two year old I watch to have a predictable rhythm to our days. Usually it is breakfast, get dressed, hair and teeth then we do a craft or bake (sometimes the crafts are elaborate art projects and sometimes we just color together). After that is preschool pickup for the older one. They have twenty minutes to play while I unpack the back pack and get lunch ready. Then lunch, twenty minutes to play, nap and then we usually play something together or go to the park. A few times a week we pack a lunch and go somewhere after preschool, naps just happen in the car those days or when we get back but thankfully she is super flexible on naps now.

I try to incorporate 3 really interesting art project/science experiment/baking projects each week and 2-3 guided play things for the late afternoon where we set up a grocery store or lemonade stand or build a fort. We usually do two "field trips" a week when the weather is gross, more when it is nice.