Passing time with toddlers

A great discussion is taking place in the Stay At Home Moms group about what, exactly, people do with their babies and toddlers ALL DAY LONG. Because the days, especially in the winter, can get a little long, right, mamas?

For my son and I, it’s all about getting out of the house - not because he needs to so much, but because I do. It’s my way of being there for him.  My son would probably be happy to stay at home and play with his toys, and of course sometimes we do that. But most of the time we head out—to playgroup, music class, an indoor playspace—because I’ve found I actually give my son more undivided attention when we’re out.

At home, I’m cleaning, hopping online, cooking, checking my iPhone. but rarely getting down on the floor and playing with him, even when he’s asking me to. Much as I love my son, I just get bored and Type-A antsy playing trucks with him! When we’re out, I’m much less likely to pull out my phone and play Words with Friends (well, I still sneak in a little),or get distracted by laundry that “needs” to be done, Christmas cards that “have” to be written, carpets that “must” be vacuumed. Plus I’m definitely not as creative as Christi, one of our members, who mentioned that she has a cool craft project for her son to do every afternoon!