Confession time again: I let my kids watch too much TV. They just love it and it keeps them happy! It came to a point where that's all they wanted to do. Joselyn would say "I want to watch TV" all day and I would usually oblige. I usually watched with them, and made sure that's not ALL they were doing, but it was getting out of hand. 
(Yo Gabba Gabba- both Joselyn and Landen adore this show and even Landen tries to ask for it by name)
Remember when I complained that my children were misbehaved? I then read this on a blog that I read often:
"The demeanor
of your child isn't simply the result of your parenting skills. In
Parenting the Strong-Willed Child, Forehand and Long talk about the
various factors that also influence your child's behavior. Here they
are...
...problems with TV aren't all about what the child is watching, but what
the child isn't doing while watching TV. This is something to consider.
I know many parents closely monitor what their children watch on TV. I
know I do. There are some great shows out there. But when your child is
watching TV, your child isn't interacting or playing. I think we need
to be mindful of the generation of children we are raising. I have
noticed teenagers are becoming more isolated as Internet chatting and texting
are becoming popular. I watch teenagers sit right by each other and
text people rather than talk to each other. We need to make sure our
children learn how to interact with other people face to face."
That kinda hit me hard. I think of myself as a pretty good mom, but I really want to raise a child who is well-rounded and well behaved and letting them watch TV all the time wasn't providing them the opportunity to learn how to master those skills.
So, I did something that I knew was going to be really hard. I limited TV time to 2 30 minute shows a day... one in the morning when they first wake up (to give ME time to wake up and get moving) and one in the evening.
Of course I had to start on the week where we have been stuck inside because of the weather. I would have taken the kids out to do fun things at the Library and such but Joselyn has a runny nose and is congested so I didn't think other people would appreciate me exposing her to their kids.
I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out something to do in our small town home that both of my kids will enjoy together. Crayons are out because Landen tried to eat them... that and any other craft related item.
Here are some things I came up with that keep them occupied for about 15 minutes (at least) at a time:
-Dancing: I created an awesome station on Pandora from the song "You are my Sunshine" by Elizabeth Mitchell. I love the folky vibe with music from Lisa Loeb and Jewel, and the kids love the upbeat tempos and familiar catchy songs. I put Joselyn in her ballet leotard and tutu and she dances her heart away. Landen tries too.
-Reading books: this is an easy one. Some of my kids' favorites:
Are You My Mother?
Blankie
The Gift of Nothing
In Grandma's Arms
-Hide and Seek
-Obstacle Courses: using blankets, pillows, chairs, the ottoman, couch etc. I create something for them to climb over and crawl under. They LOVE it.
-iphone games: both of my kids love Peekaboo Barn and Peekaboo Wild. Even Landen knows how to operate it.
-Singing time: I am in charge of singing time in the nurseries at church so I have ea few things up my sleeve. I try to recreate it at home.
-Pretend Play: Yesterday we had a tea party and made yummy stuff in Joselyn's play kitchen
Some suggestions that my mom gave me:
-Home Made Play Dough: I actually remember my mom making this stuff... it's "edible" (not tasty) so it would actually work for young kids!
Recipe:
2 cups Flour
1 cup salt
1 Tbs oil
3/4 cup water (can be colored with food coloring)
Mix dry ingredients. Add water and oil. Add more water if the mixture is dry and more flour if the
the mixture is sticky. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
-Let your children help with chores (make beds, sweep floors and give them rags to wipe things)
Just found a recipe for cooked finger paints too- not a bad idea!!
2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
3 cups cold water
2 cups hot water
food coloring
Combine flour and salt. Pour in cold water and beat mixture until smooth. Put mixture in large saucepan. Add hot water. Boil until glossy. Beat until smooth. Mix in coloring until you reach the
shade you like.
-Paint with pudding (there are lots of colors available)- I remember doing this once now that I think about it.
When kids are healthy, we like to:
-Go to the mall: let the kids ride in the stroller, get a pretzel and let them play in the play area (although they almost ALWAYS end of sick after this)
-Story time at the Libraries
-Pet Store: my kids LOVE looking at the fishes, birds, hamsters and other animals. This keeps theme occupied for a VERY long time!
-Play Dates: Joselyn does SO MUCH better when a friend is around. If any of you would like some time to yourself for a few hours, please bring them over in the morning for a play date! This is seriously my
So now I need your help. I really want more ideas. PLEASE share what you do with your kids when TV is not the favorite option? Any favorite books or ipod apps?
