How to structure a day for young ones

[playfelt]

Yes the kids themselves will feed off each other for play but also you will be busier so you won't have the downtime that right now seems like gaps to fill. If you look at the kids during those gaps there is still plenty of things set out for them that they have not touched or tried yet so no excuse for them being bored. But it takes longer to change 5 diapers than it does 1 so everyone just goes on about their merry way playing while you change all 5 diapers so those gaps of what do we do now (what do I do now) naturally disappear. It is so hard for many kids these days to play without an adult leading it that that is really the skill I am teaching the kids - to be able to function without me.

[sunnydays]

Agreed! I have six in diapers including my own daughter and I definitely don't have time to get bored! And as Playfelt said, while I am changing diapers, wiping noses, consoling crying babies etc, the others learn to play independently. I am always there in case they have problems, but they really do need to learn to fill in their own gaps...too much structure in my opinion is causing our young people to be unimaginative, stressed out and unable to think for themselves. My own two little ones (2 and 4) play all day with each other on weekends without much intervention on my part...they have huge imaginations and they are never "bored". I do find if I sit down in the playroom and I'm not doing something, the kids instantly hover around me and want me to play with them or want to sit on me, etc. Some cuddle time is good and necessary, but not to the point that they are clinging on me all day long. Finding that balance is key!

Yes the kids themselves will feed off each other for play but also you will be busier so you won't have the downtime that right now seems like gaps to fill. If you look at the kids during those gaps there is still plenty of things set out for them that they have not touched or tried yet so no excuse for them being bored. But it takes longer to change 5 diapers than it does 1 so everyone just goes on about their merry way playing while you change all 5 diapers so those gaps of what do we do now (what do I do now) naturally disappear. It is so hard for many kids these days to play without an adult leading it that that is really the skill I am teaching the kids - to be able to function without me.