I've written before about how Kiddo goes berserk in evening. It's an ongoing problems, and every "solution" we have tried to introduce works for a while, but then wears off. Please don't suggest we have a "routine". We've had a consistent routine for 3 years. While Kiddo still goes crazy during his bedtime routine, it is really the period between dinner and bedtime that is the hardest for me. Most of the time, Daddy-O is not yet home and pre-New Kid I could sit down and read books with Kiddo. For various reasons... I won't bore you ... that is no longer an option.
My latest tactic is the "Quiet Time Jar".
I covered a cardboard salt container (I have been hoarding them, because I knew they'd come in handy for something!) with fancy paper and gave it a label. It's a little bumpy and messy, but seriously... if you want pictures of beautiful handmade crafts, this is not the blog for you.
Inside I placed popsicle sticks with a variety of activities on them. Kiddo can add his own as he thinks of them, too. Each evening he can choose an activity out of the container -- either randomly or by design -- to occupy himself.
Let's see how long this strategy lasts.
I'd love to know what all of your quiet time activities are!
ReplyDeleteGirl, I recently had the exact same idea, only my activities were going to be written on paper and put into a sack. I even made a list of the things to include. Only I never got around to actually making it. I like the craft stick ideas. That's fun. Gonna probably have to steal this. Good luck with making it work!
ReplyDeleteHey,do whatever works. I hope you have prolonged success with this strategy.
ReplyDeleteAh! I've been hoarding salt containers, too. I knew there was a reason for it.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with the "night insanity" and I have yet to find a solution that sticks.
If we keep jumping from tactic to tactic, maybe we can outrun it until they grow out of it! :)
You crack me up--your honesty is a hoot!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has a bit of an issue with that weird post-dinner/before-bedtime period. Not only are parents tired but kid(s) are, too!
We used to listen to WXPN.org's "Kids Corner" radio show--dance, sing, etc. and then, head up to bed. In the summertime we go out into the backyard but in the winter...it's pretty much "hanging out in Ben's bedroom while he plays with Playmobil guys, etc.."
If I think of any better ideas ('cause that was a total non-help), I'll let you know. :)
Um, my solution is to let jr watch TV during that post-dinner, pre-bedtime hour. Don't tell anyone, but it totally mellows him out.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, though, I love the sticks idea! But does kiddo read, or does he pick one stick and you read it to him?
This is genius! You are brilliant!! On behalf of all stay-at-home moms, I thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteSo far these are the quiet time activities:
ReplyDeleteRead Books
Read magazines
Play with trains
build with blocks
make a collage
draw with oil pastels
listen to book on cd
puzzles
activity pages
but if Kiddo comes up with others, I'll let him add "approved" activities