im a stay at home mummy to sam who is almost 13 months old. we are living at the moment in the middle of no where and can only go for walks during the week to keep ourselves occupied!!

we are both getting quite fed up and bored of doing the same things during the week. i was wondering if anyone has any fun ideas?

emilie and sam x x x

Hi
I found that Matthew (18m) likes to help with chores!! I give him a duster and he helps dust, he carries clothes to the washing machine and he helps unload the shopping.
I have also just bought some shiny card and some Xmas stickers - I'm going to let Matthew put the sticker son the card and give these to grandparents etc from him. Not sure how it'll go tho...!!!

Hope this might help, tho i understand that your LO is a bit younger.
Juliette

i work but i have found lots to keep luke entertained such as drawing i brought a pack of pencils 70p from asda they are small chunky ones he waits for the post man to come so he can draw on the back of the envelope its not much but keeps him waiting then gives him something to do maybe you could throw bread to the birds and watch them eat it i used to do that with my mom it was nice luke likes to play drums with my pots and pans to its fun and he learns to. the crazy things we do as parents!!!

Why not find time on your walks to find interesting things to do arty stuff with. The different coloured leaves make great collages and bark makes good patterns when used as stamps. I must admit though my lo (17mnths) really does like the simple things like his tuppaware band (the bowls are great drums and some rice in a pot with a lid is a great shaker), rolling and chasing balls up and down the hall and pushing the broom around the kitchen. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to keep your baby entertained all the time. Take a step back and watch what they do and then take your inspiration from their little self invented games.

I have a 2yr old and work, and live in quite a busy area where there is lots to do; but i still find it difficult knowing what to do to entertain him!! Do you drive? IS there any toddler groups, or softplay areas that you could get to with him? I took my lo to these sorts of things from about 9 months and he loved just being in a dif environment and being able to move! Or swimming- thats a great one, if u can get out?
things to do at home is always hard when there younger, especially as the weather gets worst, cos you cant just go and play outside!
You could try getting him to help with the chores, i bought my lo a kids dustpan and brush and mop, as he was always trying to play with mine!! What about baking a cake- mmm maybe a lil young for that! My lo loves to draw, or paint or anything like that... i know can be a bit messy but just strip them off or put some old clothes on them......

xx

My Mum suggested putting the washing up bowl on the floor in the kitchen or bathroom and doing some water play with toys, plastic cups, bottles etc. Will be messy, but old clothes and a big towel should make it bearable!!

the girls love helping me with things like folding up. i put the clothes on the floor, i try to fold up and they just run off with everything or unfold what i have done. keeps them and me busy...lol

Max loves going to the library. I try to go at the same time each week, because a lovely lady works there and always says hello to Max.
We spend a while looking at the books, tehn take some home.

We dance, too! Max got a CD for his birthday with songs and nursery rhymes, so I put that on and we dance, play some instruments and sing along.

He also loves pillow mountain! I pile up loads of pillows and cushions in the living room and he climbs up them and falls about. Always fun!

At the moment I'm trying to teach him how to play catch. I throw him a ball , and he tries to eat it. Hmmmm. Bit more work needed, I think!

Lily loves loading the tumble drier, then taking the clothes out, then putting them back again. This can usually keep her entertained for a while. A few days ago we also had Lily chasing a torch beam round the room. We shone the torch on the floor (with lights on low for good effect) and Lily spent ages chasing it round. Also tired her out too so she was ready for bed.
xx