Feedback on my daily routine, please

[jazmic]

Hi everyone,

I have in my care a 1 year old, a 2.5 year old and my own kids who are 1 and 2.5 as well.

My 2.5 year old dcb gets bored easily. I know I probably shouldn't but I feel personally responsible when he does. It's as if he's telling me: "you're boring, lady!" lol. I have a well stocked playroom and the other kids seem to do ok. But if I'm not constantly directing him in terms of what toy to play with next, he just stands and looks around listlessly. Anyway, I was hoping to get some feedback on my daily routine to see where I could improve. Should I cut down free play time and up group time for example? Or should I encourage him to be more proactive?

8-8:30: drop off time (he arrives any time between 8 and 8:30)
8:30:9:30: Free play
9:30 - 10: Group time (story, music time, etc)
10 - 10:30: Snack time
10:30 - 11:30: Free play
11:30 - 12: Watch a show while I prep lunch
12:00 - 12:45ish: Lunch (very slow eaters!) lol
12:45 - 1ish: Wash up and prep for nap time
1-3ish: Nap
3-3:30: Snack time
3:30 - 4: play till pick up

These times are not set in stone, of course. What can I do to help with his boredom?

[fruitloop]

I don't think there is anything you can do to help with his boredom. At 2.5 he is MORE than capable to entertain himself. You should not have to be his constant entertainment nor should you have to tell him what to play with next. I personally would just leave him. He'll figure it out on his own.

[Dreamalittledream]

I posted something similar about being frustrated with my 4 year old DCG needing me to constantly direct play for her. I also have a 2.5 year old DCB who is the same. In both cases they have very bossy older siblings that definitely direct play for them at home. Someone advised to just let her be, that boredom would win out and she would find her own thing to do. It worked! Well, I should say that she has now become the 'bossy' older sister role for the 2.5 year old...they seem to be happy. Good luck!

[Cadillac]

Have some more structured play. Learning games, silly games, art, etc. I find kids do this stuff best right in the morning and right after they wake up. Give yourself a half hour after they come for free time and then do a few of these activities. do the same after nap. You may find that after some fun structured stuff they will want to wander away and do their own thing.

You can find TONS on the internet.

[Cadillac]

Oh yeah . . . . do you go outside? Outside is KEY. A must EVERYDAY unless its pouring outside or waaaaaay to cold/hot. He might just need to burn off some energy

[jazmic]

Thanks for the feedback, guys! It's hard for us to go outside everyday because of the way naps work with the younger ones, but we do try to go when we can. I think I will do more structured play, Flex. I was kind of leaning that way anyway. What sites do you find are the best for ideas?

[Cadillac]

I can't remember an specific sites right now. but if you want a shape learning activity just type in shape games for preschool/toddler . . . . you might have to search a bit but you'll find tons. you can always adapt games you find for your age group and interest level. spend a few nights on the internet typing in all sorts of things. you'll have a huge wack of games to try in no time. Simple crafts are also GREAT for the little ones. My little ones were painting at 13 months (with help and very close supervision) and LOVED it! The parents were also amazed at what their little ones accomplished.

[Cadillac]

Jazmic: P.s. I also sent you a private message to get you started

[sunnydays]

I don't know how your home is set-up, but could you use a baby monitor and go outside while the little ones are napping? Or take them all out after the morning naps are done? In summer I take them kids out twice a day, but in winter we try to get out once a day unless the weather is extreme...it really helps! I find these days that taking them all out after afternoon snack works well because then the parents pick-up from outside and you don't have to take them all back out of their snowsuits. However, ideally, outside time in the morning is great to tire them out for naptime

[sunnydays]

Oh, also, when you have freeplay time, what are you doing? As mine are all under 3, I am actually involved in freeplay time if that makes any sense. What I mean is, I am not off doing my own thing while they play. I sit on the floor and monitor closesly what is going on to make sure nobody is going to get hurt, to encourage positive interactions between the kids and stop them when they are interacting badly, etc and also I play games with them at times (they cook me play food, etc. Maybe you could also offer him two choices to help him getting started, for example "would you like to play with the play kitchen or the trucks?" He is obviously a bit overwhelmed by so many choices...it could help to give him some direction while not actually telling him what to do.