Playcentre with baby and toddler question
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Forum Name: General Chat
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Topic: Playcentre with baby and toddler question
Posted By: Caro07
Subject: Playcentre with baby and toddler question
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 1:43pm
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We have been going to PC for about 18 months now. Since J was born I have really struggled to get as involved as I would like to (with leading activities and also helping with tidying and cleaning). J isn't a great sleeper when we are out and I spend most of my time carrying him or jiggling him in the sling to try and get him to sleep. Doesn't give me much time to play with S or to help out with PC activities. The last time I tried to run an activity S wouldn't sit down and J screamed the place down so I managed about 10 seconds before someone else had to take over!!
I can't see an end to this, keep hoping that as j gets older it will get easier but it doesn't seem to. Now he is older he wants less sleep but screams if I put him down for longer than a few minutes. All the other mums are very understanding and kind but I feel that sometimes I am not pulling my weight. How has everyone else managed this? TIA  ------------- Caroline, SAHM to 2 boys, S (4 years old) and J (2 years old) 
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Replies:
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 1:54pm
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maybe you need to have a firmer carrier like a moby or ergo so you dont have to jiggle him, or put him in the pram.... or on the ground next to you and get him involved.
I'm sure the other mothers dont mind as they would have either been there or will be in the same boat eventually. |
Posted By: Caro07
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 3:22pm
I have a Moby but find that if he is restless he is big enough to thrash around a bit in the Moby. Looking at a back-carry one next I think. Just have to keep trying to get him involved I guess. Unfortunately he has a real aversion to the buggy too so that is out 
Thanks for your advice. ------------- Caroline, SAHM to 2 boys, S (4 years old) and J (2 years old)
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 6:22pm
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It will get easier, I usually go for a drive before PC in the hope that the baby has a sleep before hand then I leave him in the car until he wakes (I can see the car from PC)
I find its better now, that I can give the baby a biscuit and that keeps him entertained for a bit. Also don't be afraid to ask the other mums to have a hold, they are usually happy to, so you can go spend some time with your older child. Also I find I can put the baby in a swing and push my older boy on the other one at the same time which works well. But playcentre is finishing soon, so hopefully your baby will be that little bit older by the time you go back next year ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Caro07
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 7:16pm
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Yep, Jo that is what I am hoping. By the time we go back he will be 9 months. Definitely can't give up playcentre though - it is my lifeline!1 ------------- Caroline, SAHM to 2 boys, S (4 years old) and J (2 years old)
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 09 December 2010 at 8:12pm
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Playcentre is great in the way that you will get your turn to help out another mother in the same situation as you right now.
Tips that help me is that I have Andrew in a carry pack. Front pack. I do clean up and setting up like that when he doesnt want to be put down. For activities there is lots you can do with setting something up beforehand and then just keeping and eye on it. I also found 7 to 9 months the worst. After that it gets a bit better and after a year they are off and you will just be running after them and getting yourself full of paint and water the whole time. Good luck and if you really do feel bad bring it up with the other moms and just say that you are feeling a big guilty and finding it difficult and perhaps one of the other moms can take him off you while you do an activity or you can read stories at clean up time and keep kids busy and out of the way while they do clean-up. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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