Hi all,

I am trying to find some new and different things to do with the twins during the day time like crafty things, drawing etc
I am posting it here as I know you will understand that some things that can be done easily with one small child may be almost impossible to do with TWO little ones, we can only supervise so much!

I'm just after something different to sitting about playing with toys.

Cheers

Jo

Hi Jo!

Aww I love to see your posts of late with those two sets of gorgeous blue eyes peering out at me!!!! So special!

Anyway my girls are not quite ready for many sit down type activities of yet (they can't reach the ground on the smallest table and chair set we've found!) but they really love the sand pit and playing with water - either in their pool or just a cm or two in the bottom of a big low sided square plastic tub thing (does that make sense?!?). When it's hot I chuck in a few ice blocks which really intruige them.

They are also really into putting things in and out of containers and their favorite toy at the moment is a bunch of baskets with lids that I got at Ikea (a set of three for $6 and I got two sets) and a whole lot of large gum nuts. They are forever putting them in a basket them dumping them out, sharing them then taking them back. That sort of thing.

I have a few ideas for 'containing' more structured activities like drawing or art activities from working in child care. Things like covering the whole table with paper and only offering one crayon each can help you keep things under control. Finger painting or playdough (if they are not eat 'everythingers' like mine are) on the tray of the high chair is another good way to keep things in check with two or more litle pairs of hands and feet on the loose.

Is that the sort if things you are looking for? I can probably think up lots of those kinds of activities or different ways to do old things - just let me know what sort of stuff you'd like to do.

I am always trying to think of places we can go and things we can do out of the house! We got a zoo pass for Christmas so have been to the zoo 5 times already this year - since we don't have to pay each time and we live close I am happy to go just for an hour or two here and there. I am not really good with most parks at the moment as they can both climb up things but not down. We did the local indoor play centre for play group today which wasn't as bad as I thought and will hopefully be better once they are walking. So anyone with ideas about getting out of the house would be great!

I'm also thinking about taking them to some kind of 'activity' like maybe mini maestros music or something mid year (we'd love to do swimming but that is out) - anyone done anything like that on your own, or am I mad to even think about it?

Sorry hijakced your thread there a bit Jo...

hugs

Kate

Hi Kate,

Thanks for your ideas. I don't drive so getting out and about is pretty limited for us to say the least at the moment still! We do however walk to and from school everyday so they get fresh air each day.

I'm just trying to find ways to do a few simple structured type things with them but not sure if they are still too young anyhow! I think they would eat playdough and even with drawing they tend to want to eat crayons after a few minutes!


Glad you like my signature, I am just working on another new one now actually so hopefully you will see my two little helpers below!

Jo

Oh such gorgeous little helpers!!!

Funny because my girls have a bit of a washing fetish... can't put down a basket of laudary (clean, wet or dirty) in this house without someone taking off with half of it on their bike!!!! We call our girls 'the unhelpful helpers'.

I've not even been game to try drawing with my girls yet as they are shocking with having a chew on anything and everything. But I know what you mean about wanting something new and different to do for a change. I think we all get bored doing the same old things with the same old toys which is why I tend to go out a bit - can't imagine not being able to drive places though! You are a saint!

hugs

Kate

Hi Jo, My girls are almost 22 months and I too have the problem of structured play. I do cover their table with butchers paper and sometimes drawing can last up to around 15 mins without much intervention.They are getting a lot better with eating the crayons. I also bought some small pencils which the girls dont seem to devour at all. Keep your eyes out for colouring books. I got some at target for 80c that have cats and dogs in them the girls liked colouring those.

they like to do wooden puzzles but require help and patience from me which frankly most of the time really have to force myself to do.
They are both really into shape sorters as well it's like all of a sudden somethings clicked and they know sort of what to do.

I save them shoe boxes they get a few days entertainment out of putting things in them and I occasionaly save the junk mail amd they'll search through to look for pictures of babies or animals etc.

If you have alot of plastic containers put some toys etc in them and let them figure out the lids and get a suprise with whats inside.

Am not game enough to try playdough just yet. wish they would let me read as I am an avid reader but not sure how anyone manages to get twins to sit still!!!


For some reason Kylie minogue is a big hit in our house. olivia will dance 5 songs straight before she even pauses. Excellent for when you are tryin to get their dinner on!!!

Good luck rebecca