I work all week long so I don't spend enough time with them. I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old. I really want to take them somewhere nice where they'll both have a good time. Any suggestions?
2007-01-06 02:52:38 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Often you will hear that it is quantity not quality, meaning that the more time you spend with them the happier you all will be. It is difficult to "make up for" feeling as if you don't see them enough by taking them places or buying them things. Think of all the movies that portray the "poor little rich boy" who simply wants attention from his parents rather than the lavish gifts from the busy parents and only the nanny to play with.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't fall into the trap of feeling as if you HAVE to take them special places because you work all week. What they would probably appreciate a great deal would be funny silly things that you can do right at home. Have a picnic on the floor of the livingroom, teach them how to do somersaults, cartwheels and jumping-jacks, get all the supplies for an ice cream sundae and let them pick their own toppings and make their own sundae, get some finger paints and let them paint, or even more fun than that; let them finger paint with pudding or whipped cream! Help them write and illustrate stories about what they do during the day (with their caregivers) and the most important activity of anything you can do with a child is read to them!!
As for outings, is it possible to take them places separately once in a while? The 4 year old is old enough to be going to more advanced plays and concerts. Of course there are dozens of Live Shows specially geared for young children too, look for Sesame Street Live, or Disney on Ice, or other Family entertainment live shows. That way all of you could go together.
Another thing to keep in mind is the importance of exercise. Taking them ice skating or roller skating or on walks or hikes and other physical activities as they get older will let them know that you consider physical health important. When they are young like this you can still go outside and kick a soccer ball around, or play tag or shoot hoops. If there is snow where you live then sledding is a huge favorite with little ones! Anything to keep them active, you don't want little couch potatoes on your hands.
One last thought, is there a YMCA or YWCA near your home? Often a membership there will be heaven sent. They have so many activities going on, and swimming is such a treat for little ones. Good luck, and have fun with your kids!!
2007-01-06 03:53:25 · answer #1 · answered by Alwaysasking 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Petting zoo, pony rides, any indoor playground (better than McDonalds though) Do you have pedal boats near you? Does you shopping mall have a kids play area? Some also have a central area with the animatronic rides that you pay a quarter to ride. What about lunch at Rainforest cafe? The animatronic animals are really fun for kids. Aquarium, ice cream! But bring a change of clothes and a container of wet wipes. What about making some food together. Maybe you could make personal pizza's.
2007-01-06 10:57:39 · answer #2 · answered by Happenstance 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take them to a petting zoo, a playground, or even to McDonald's or Burger King or anyplace with a play yard. Even if you work all week try to put in some time with them through the week so you don't feel guilty about the amount of time you spend away from them. Also try reading them a bedtime story or make up a funny game right before you put them to bed. It will help ease you conscious and they will enjoy the time they get from you. Remember they are only young once and all time is very precious. Pray on it and God will help you to balance your time
2007-01-06 11:11:28 · answer #3 · answered by YOYO 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Children's Museums, art museums, museums with dinosaurs, crafts at your table, nature walks in parks or the woods, a stroll along a body of water where you feel safe about the little one.
The most important things this age need is mommy. Time with mommy playing with them, paying attention to them, tending to them. More than 10 hours a week of separation from mommy is very damaging emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually.
Every bit of your time should go to minimizing and making up for the separation.
Enjoy them. Wherever you are, they'll love being.
2007-01-06 11:06:05 · answer #4 · answered by cassandra 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Michigan and there are some pretty cool indoor play places. You should search with in your city. We have places like Fantasy Forest, Chuck E Cheese and Jungle Java.
If you don't want to go out, you can always do things at home. We finger paint, take pictures, do plays (puppets) and other "exciting stuff". My son and 3...
2007-01-06 10:56:28 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you think your two year old could sit trough a movie? (I know mine couldn't) or maybe take them to Burger King and let them play on the playground. It is tough to find something for the smaller ones to do.
2007-01-06 10:57:27 · answer #6 · answered by ArkyGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, where do you live?
Perhaps museums, theater (Charlotte's Web), zoo, a learning center, library, a walk on the beach (don't forget sweaters), indoor pools (communtity pools), mini-golf, boardwalk,
bowling.
2007-01-06 11:43:50 · answer #7 · answered by Sabine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
6 flags
2007-01-06 11:08:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋