November 23rd, 2007
While all you Yanks are fattened up and sitting around the house (if you’re not out shopping) I’m sitting home, with this miserable cough and have my sidekick home today as well. Carter was really groggy and not himself yesterday at daycare or when he came home so he’s here today. We’re chillin’.
I’ve forgotten what it’s like to stay home all day with a child. Even though it’s only 9am we’ve squabbled over the TV, breakfast and a diaper change, already.
I honestly have no idea what to do with a toddler all day. An infant was easy peasy - he was a bump on a log and fascinated by the sight of his own toes, but that doesn’t really cut it anymore. Now that he knows what his toes are and what they’re good for the allure is gone.
I don’t wanna deal with paint or Play-Doh and dammit, it’s cold outside.
Do I leave him in front of the television all day?
I could read to him, but he always just rips the book from my hands to look at the pictures and then throws it. Frankly, it pisses me off.
Take him to the mall? But we’re both sick and I don’t feel like getting dressed. Going out in public could cause a visit from Child Services. That’s out.
I don’t know how you Stay-at-home-parents do it. I really don’t. I know now that I can handle the first year, but when it comes to actually ENTERTAINING my child, I fall incredibly short. And I have a full year of him home when this new terror blessing arrives.
When we decided to have kids I don’t think the conversation ever included: But dude, what the hell are we going to do with him once he’s two and needs shit to do, cuz I suck at entertaining.
I just got dragged upstairs at the request of the toddler for a diaper change. I think he said something like: Bitch, change my ass.
But I’m not entirely sure.
Just wait until I’m old and you’re changin’ my ass kid.
What goes around, comes around.
Hahaha, love the translation about changing his diaper. You know, my parents didn’t entertain me when I was a kid. They gave me the tools to entertain myself. I know this is the age of over-involved parents, but I don’t feel guilty giving Alexander the paints, putting him somewhere that they can be wiped up, and saying, have at it. I mean, I do plan on taking him for a walk to see the sheep down the road today, so it’s not like we do anything together. But I don’t think there is any harm in letting a child entertain themselves. It didn’t hurt me. I can be timid in certain situations, but I think that’s more of a result of being an only child than a result of my mom saying “here you go, have fun with that.” If you are sick, and you need the recoup time, don’t feel bad about plopping him in front of the TV. Why didn’t you take him to school? I’m curious. I’m the same way, if I’m home because I’m sick, I keep Alexander home, too; but I really don’t get the rest I need.
You know, my mom never played with me either. I always was outside, making friends and playing with my brother… must be that parental guilt thing.
Carter’s home because he had a fever and was really off last night so I figured he’d be good for a day home too.
November 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
This has occurred to me too. But, the beauty of having kids 4 years apart is … Junior Kindergarten!
I suck at entertaining too. But I think when you’re home all day with kids you get into something of a routine.
And, for the record - I HATE playdoh. I keep meaning to blog about it. Maybe I shall. We have a no playdoh rule in our house.
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:49 pm
You’re supposed to entertain them?!?!?!?!?!? Glad I didn’t find THAT out until mine were 12 & almost ten…
Playdough stinks EXCEPT the homemade kind. The homemade kind, especially if you let them play with it in the bathtub where all messy playthings belong, is pretty innocuous.
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I wish I could offer up something, but I only have a dog to entertain as of now.
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm
aww…I LOVE playdoh!! It’s one of the things Ryan will play with by himself!! LOL
You do get into a routine. With the 5 yr old I can go tell him to do something on his own and he sometimes will. I’m used to entertaining him….he’s a very clingy boy, always has been, and has a difficult time playing on his own.
Let’s see….age 2….I always got down on the floor and played with the toys with him. We also worked on numbers, letters, shapes, and colors.
November 24th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
My little “angel” is 8 and I have no idea how to entertain her. I never have been able to, perhaps that is why Daddy is her favorite.
November 27th, 2007 at 1:36 pm