So, now I have a confession, or a momfession as I'm calling it. And please don't think less of me when you hear it, I'm just bein' real!... here we go: I've been using the TV as a babysitter. I know, I know- that's like top on the list of things NOT to do to your kids. I don't have much of an excuse. When we were packing to move I also used the TV as a babysitter so the boxes I was packing wouldn't automatically become unpacked, but now there is no real reason except me-time.
You see, in the mornings while Lincoln is taking his am nap (or screaming in his crib, which seems to be the case more often- I keep telling him 13 months is way too early to drop an am nap, b/c then he's so cranky in the pm, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms...) - during this time Georgia and I have about 1.5 hours together. And, lately I've realized that she watches TV for at least an hour of that time! It's just that it keeps her occupied, in one place, semi-quiet so she doesn't wake a potentially sleeping brother, and I will defend by saying she does occasionally learn something! This is the time for her to visit with friends Super-Why, Dora , Mickey, or the ever-popular George, and for mommy to check email, do laundry or even shower.
But now I'm feeling like I should take more advantage of this time together and do something more specific with her. She's such a little sponge and I'd like to build in some specific learning activities into our day. Which is why I'm even making this confession- really I could have been content with my shame, but I'm asking for ideas. If you could have an hour with your 2- and 3/4- year old, what might you do? Well, maybe 45 mins... I still need that shower! ;)
Some non-TV things we DO: coloring- using crayons is a privilage, b/c we only get them out when baby brother isn't around, b/c we know he'll simultaneously eat them and color on the walls... although Georgia would rather organize the colors rather than anything! She's such a little sorter! Also- puzzles- she's really into them right now. She definitely does not get this from me as I am not a fan of puzzles, even 9-pc Dora ones. But she loves it and I love to watch her. She always figures it out and also always puts them together the same way, every time, which I find intresting. Check out that focus, below!
Update from when I started this post: I went to Big Lots today and happened upon these fun Martha Stewart craft kits that I thought I could use in my new & improved "Georgia Time". Yes, you could probably come up with some of this craftiness on your own, but could you buy all the supplies to do it for less than $2? Check out your Big Lots for some...
2 comments:
Kathyrn-check out http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/. She has a lot of very helpful ideas for working with toddlers. Also, at the end of each Tot School post of hers, lots of moms link to their blogs posts about what they are doing with their kids. It's been VERY helpful in figuring out what to do with Molly. A few others that I read for ideas: http://totallytots.blogspot.com/, http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/, http://activitymom.blogspot.com/.
Hey. Your finds at Big Lots look like fun. I look forward to Logan getting old enough to do some activities like puzzles, coloring, making puppets, etc. Miss y'all!
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