CaitlinL

I agree with a lot of the other comments, and also am in solidarity with you that weekends (especially long weekends) can feel hard.

I am definitely in favor of letting kids get bored, although it is hard (especially at first). It’s also hard with littler kids, so I have this suggestion (which is totally taken from other people): start playing with your toddler for a few minutes, then slowly back away. Rinse and repeat as needed. As they get older I also tell them I will read them three stories, play one game, etc., then I am going to do something that I need/want to do. We will usually hang out in our family room, which is generally child-proofed and full of toys that our 15-month-old can play with. I also keep a few things I like to do around but out of reach of said 15-month-old, like a book, magazine, or knitting project, so I can read or knit for a few minutes and feel like I am getting some time to do what I want, too.

I love getting outside for all of us, even though we sometimes spend more time getting ready than we do outside.

Also please be prepared that there will be whining! I heard on a podcast (possibly Best of Both Worlds, highly recommend) with regards to chores, that you should expect zero whining, but the chores should still be done. Same thing with going outside, being bored, etc. There can be whining, but I hold firm that this is how things will be. Changing my expectations to include whining somehow makes it a little easier (even though I still hate whining!). I try to remind myself that it’s not my job to make/keep my children happy 100% of the time; it’s my job to show them how to navigate the world and try to make themselves happy and also deal with the things they need to do.

Also highly recommend following The Busy Toddler on IG/the internet. She does have lots of activity suggestions, but also great ideas for very low-key ways to entertain your kid(s) and also get downtime for yourself.