Diaper Swappers

jacquielcf · 09-05-2012, 07:05 PM

Not sure if this counts as being "non-traditional", but does anyone have tips on how to manage 2 kids (3.5 yo girl and a 5 month old boy) without the help of TV? We don't actually have cable or even the "free channels" but I've been relying on DVDs and netflix a lot more that I'd like to since my son was born (and even while I was big, pregnant, and tired).. I try to set up activities for her, and sometimes that works, but sometimes she wants me to do them with her and the only way I can get my son down for a nap is to offer a DVD

Any advice?

knlrachel · 09-05-2012, 08:13 PM

I have to preface my answer by saying that I have the advantage now of having a 5.5 DD and a 3.5 DD so they can entertain each other well. But, I did have a 2 year old while having a baby and it can be tricky. I would suggest a bin of special toys/books that are only for when you are putting DS down for nap. Or maybe a special assignment (like sorting the laundry to be a big helper) to keep her busy. I personally love the tot-school and preschool ideas on www.1plus1plus1equals1.com. She has lots of things to do with toddlers and preschoolers. I also love the Gymboree books for ideas for what to do with these young ages. Maybe being more intentional when everyone is awake would allow her the space to be a bit more patient when you need to give one on one time. HTH! It does get easier...

MiriRose · 09-06-2012, 02:04 PM

I agree that it is a good idea to have special books/toys for these times. Also, maybe try slowly decreasing the time/days that she can watch TV. I know how tough it is!

*KaiMom* · 09-06-2012, 02:20 PM

Set a timer and stick to it. If I just turn on the tv for my kids I get lost in the "extra" time it creates for me and by the time I realize it it's been an hour or more. I'll set it for 15 mins. That seems to please them enough.

ColbyCreations · 09-06-2012, 06:51 PM

We do not have a TV in the main house, and my 5.5 and 3.5 yo are screen-free. It is tough. But I am sticking to my guns. DH and I recall watching a lot of TV as kids and want the opposite for our fam.

We do have a tv in the basement that we can use if there is something news worthy we want to catch.

I am trying to install a movie night for the family once a month and am struggling with choices (another post), b/c the kids have such limited screen time, they are afraid of a lot of "tv" things.

Anywho, to answer your question, I had trouble with nap time as well. Not sure what your sleeping/house arrangements are, but at first I would put DS1 right outside the (almost closed) bedroom door while I read/nursed DS2 so he could hear what was going on and still feel included. I would give him a book or two to look at quietly. It took him some time to understand what quiet meant, but eventually he got the point and just ended up doing his own quiet thing while I did the nap routine.

I also used (childrens) books on cd. You can get them from the library and they can listen to the book and flip through the pages at the same time. He really liked this.

It really is possible to go screen-free. It takes courage, patience and time on your part, but just stick with it. Some days I want to through in the screen free towel. But when I stick to my guns, I feel great and I know that my kids are getting the most out of life by using their minds to create fun and pass the time.

Best of luck to you!

daenikoffre · 09-29-2012, 12:01 AM

With running my own business as a WAHM with a [20 month old] little one in tow and the fact that we'll be ttc soon, I feel this post is a glimpse into my future. haha!

We're a TV-free family with a screen-free tot.

My partner and I occasionally watch a movie after kiddo's bedtime, but not while he's around. We also limit our screen time when he is awake. I don't really have much advice.. it just works for us. We have found a very calm and comfortable rhythm for our family, and when we have things to do, there just isn't any time for TV.

Just 1-2 activities per day is more than enough to fill a day, in addition to eating, naps, and general care. Pinterest is great for craft or sensory ideas, but unstructured free play is beneficial to young kiddos, too.

Sorry if that wasn't very helpful, but maybe it's at least a starting point for you?

Good luck!

Jlg325j · 10-04-2012, 06:58 PM

Getting any better?

09-05-2012, 07:05 PM	#1
jacquielcf Registered Users Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 77 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	TV-free? Not sure if this counts as being "non-traditional", but does anyone have tips on how to manage 2 kids (3.5 yo girl and a 5 month old boy) without the help of TV? We don't actually have cable or even the "free channels" but I've been relying on DVDs and netflix a lot more that I'd like to since my son was born (and even while I was big, pregnant, and tired).. I try to set up activities for her, and sometimes that works, but sometimes she wants me to do them with her and the only way I can get my son down for a nap is to offer a DVD Any advice?

09-05-2012, 08:13 PM	#2
knlrachel Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 982 Ratings: 13 Feedback: 100%	Re: TV-free? I have to preface my answer by saying that I have the advantage now of having a 5.5 DD and a 3.5 DD so they can entertain each other well. But, I did have a 2 year old while having a baby and it can be tricky. I would suggest a bin of special toys/books that are only for when you are putting DS down for nap. Or maybe a special assignment (like sorting the laundry to be a big helper) to keep her busy. I personally love the tot-school and preschool ideas on www.1plus1plus1equals1.com. She has lots of things to do with toddlers and preschoolers. I also love the Gymboree books for ideas for what to do with these young ages. Maybe being more intentional when everyone is awake would allow her the space to be a bit more patient when you need to give one on one time. HTH! It does get easier... __________________ Married to the Love of my Life - Mommy of two DD (4/07) (2/09) and one DS (12/10) intact Expecting another early October and another newbie (3/10) will be joining our family via adoption from China early 2013 My name is Rachel and I am addicted to cloth diapering...

09-06-2012, 02:04 PM	#3
MiriRose Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 14	Re: TV-free? I agree that it is a good idea to have special books/toys for these times. Also, maybe try slowly decreasing the time/days that she can watch TV. I know how tough it is!

09-06-2012, 02:20 PM	#4
KaiMom Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Where everything is bigger...Texas BABY! Posts: 3,734 Ratings: 76 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: TV-free? Set a timer and stick to it. If I just turn on the tv for my kids I get lost in the "extra" time it creates for me and by the time I realize it it's been an hour or more. I'll set it for 15 mins. That seems to please them enough. __________________ Amanda hopelessly in love with my US Marine and three little men 10, 5 and 25 months<--what! When did that happen? Do you love Scentsy? I take paypal!

09-06-2012, 06:51 PM	#5
ColbyCreations Registered Users Formerly: naperica Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,816 Ratings: 70 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: TV-free? We do not have a TV in the main house, and my 5.5 and 3.5 yo are screen-free. It is tough. But I am sticking to my guns. DH and I recall watching a lot of TV as kids and want the opposite for our fam. We do have a tv in the basement that we can use if there is something news worthy we want to catch. I am trying to install a movie night for the family once a month and am struggling with choices (another post), b/c the kids have such limited screen time, they are afraid of a lot of "tv" things. Anywho, to answer your question, I had trouble with nap time as well. Not sure what your sleeping/house arrangements are, but at first I would put DS1 right outside the (almost closed) bedroom door while I read/nursed DS2 so he could hear what was going on and still feel included. I would give him a book or two to look at quietly. It took him some time to understand what quiet meant, but eventually he got the point and just ended up doing his own quiet thing while I did the nap routine. I also used (childrens) books on cd. You can get them from the library and they can listen to the book and flip through the pages at the same time. He really liked this. It really is possible to go screen-free. It takes courage, patience and time on your part, but just stick with it. Some days I want to through in the screen free towel. But when I stick to my guns, I feel great and I know that my kids are getting the most out of life by using their minds to create fun and pass the time. Best of luck to you! __________________ Erica - WAHM/Wife to Dom, Myles, Colby. Come and Check out Colby Creations! Facebook Etsy