SAHM SOS - what do you do with your toddler all day?

Question

My 18 month old just dropped his second nap. So far we don’t have a super set schedule but the first day he took the one nap from 12-3, today he only took a nap from 12-1 😫 
I already did our usual activities, went to the grocery store, had him help me with various chores, spent time outside, did screen time, played, read, and let him have independent time. And I ran through that list by 3pm, and I’m so tired from being engaged all day.
Tell me how you spend your days with your one nap a day little one!

Answer

Both kids ready starting at 7, our the door for school run by 815, tv time while I finish my coffee, tv off and chores, lunch, nap, chore/running around/playtime, school pick up, activities, dinner, bath, bed.
I do not play with my kids all day or have them constantly with me. I have my house kiddo safe as it can be and engage with my little throughout the day but also have lots of opportunities for independent play. Sometimes she “helps” with chores, I have also introduced playdough and colouring so she can be occupied at the table and easily supervised while I’m doing dishes or making meals.

Answer

My kiddo has been 1 napping it since before he was a year old. He gets lots of independent time and then play time with mom and his sister when she’s home from school. I always had to entertain my older child and at 9 she still always wants to be entertained. I’m hoping since my son is more independent and likes to play alone I won’t always have to keep him entertained when he’s older 😬😬

Answer

I just let my toddler do his own thing most of the time. The house is proofed, so I don't have to worry about him hurting himself or breaking things. He normally follows me around and tries to "help" with whatever I'm doing, but we do have a general routine. 
We always start with getting dressed and breakfast, then a light clean up. I'll play with him for a bit before I log on for work (from home). He likes to play next to me with his markers or "cook" on my desk. As a last resort, he gets screen time. I generally work for 2 hours (with plenty of interruptions), and he gets a snack somewhere in there. We tidy up the house for a bit after that. My husband normally comes home around there, and then he takes over and plays with him and I make lunch. Baby gets lunch, then off for a nap around 12, and I go back to work. When he wakes up, he does whatever on the first floor, and we both watch him depending on where he is and where we're busy. Then it's time to start dinner at 3, eat between 4 to 5 (we like early dinner 😅). This is when I become a couch potato for a couple hours before I clean up the kitchen for the night. Baby normally gets hungry before dinner is done and gets a snack and won't really eat until 6. I leave his dinner out so he can nibble when he gets an appetite. Bedtime is at 7, and then I relax!

Answer

So my son is in daycare however, on the weekends we obviously have him home so this is what we do. Up at 7, have breakfast and clean up and then play. I have him help me clean up, wipe his high chair down, clean his hands and face, and throw things in the garbage. Play can be anything from independent, reading books, doing flash cards, laying on the floor just playing with each other. Then we head outside for some fresh air. Sometimes this is a walk and sometimes it’s just going out back to play with some toys. He really enjoys the change of scenery and we can typically spend 30 minutes to an hour out there. He has lunch at 11, do the same clean up with him and then off for a nap. Usually it’s 12-2;30. When he gets up we spend time in his room for yet another change of scenery. Then we go have a snack, typically I’ll put the tv on at this point. Once snack is done we either go outside again or we do a craft. I usually pick up some wooden crafts at the dollar store and let him go crazy with paint. That takes up a good amount of time and I can usually bring him into the kitchen while i prepare dinner. My kiddo loves helping with everything I am doing so I feel like I can do my adult things still and have a tiny helper. We also give him quiet time in his room, where he is placed in his bed to just chill. He seems to really like this as it almost resets him without having a nap. It’s only 30 minutes. Then dinner, bath and bed by 6:30. I should also add I have 5 month old twins so it gets pretty hectic at times. I’ve realized he doesn’t always need me to play with him but he needs me around him while playing so I can sit on the couch and watch him and he is happy playing about. I would also suggest you rotation if you don’t already do that. I find every time I do a You rotation he gets really excited about “new toys” And it keeps him engaged longer during independent play.

SAHM SOS - what do you do with your toddler all day?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey