Two Cents' Worth

This will be another regular blog feature on Wednesdays (check out 'organize it' Mondays).

Two Cents' Worth

This will include tips and ideas or just something to make you think.  Topics may include house keeping, exercising, organizing, parenting, and more.  They will mostly be my opinion so take it for what it's worth :)

Alone Play Time

This one was a GREAT idea from my sister Stephanie. 

  Stephanie is just 15 mths older than me and my closest sibling (in more than just age).  She married her Swiss sweetheart just 8 mths before my wedding and had beautiful twin daughters just 3 mths after I had Hailey.  We talk frequently as we experience marriage and family together :)

If you have one child you will know how often they demand your attention.  Why is it that they always 'have' to play with Mommy?  Wouldn't it be great if they just played by themselves?!?  I was in the midst of this challenge when my smart sister suggested I give my daughter play time by herself.  I hadn't thought of this before (duh).

Have your child choose some toys they would like to play with and take them to their room.  Leave them inside with the toys and close the door (explain to them first that they will be having some play time by themselves and you will come get them when the time is up).  Leave them for 30 minutes, twice a day.  

They will learn to play by themselves and it will help them to have some relaxing quiet play (we all know how crazy they get jumping around on couches and large toys).  I am sure this was even more benificial for my sisters twins but it sure gave me a nice breather each day.  I was feeling so smoothered by my needy toddler.

Now I'm not going to say your child will love it, especially at first.  There will be crying and attempted escapes but stick with it.  Children need to experience play without some one else always being there 'showing' them 'how' to play. 

It makes a big difference in the amount of crying and tantrums I hear each day and also gives me time to spend alone with my baby.

I don't remember to do this everyday but I should because since I started Hailey's imagination has blossomed and she has become more calm...  Thank you Stephanie for the inspiration!

Try it with your kids, no matter what age (of course babies are too little for this, you have to feel comfortable leaving them on their own - and make sure their room is safe for them).  Everyone could use some quiet alone time!

Take it for what it's worth