mollylouz

Extended time with no school/daycare is so tough! First off I agree with many others on this thread that it helps to just take the pressure off yourself! We have a 3 year old and a 4 month old – my daughter’s preschool teacher constantly says “as parents it’s not your job to entertain your child, it’s your job to let them learn how to entertain themselves.” Keep them safe and fed, but otherwise we rely a lot on “I’m not available right now because I’m (insert housework task) – you’re welcome to help me or you can find something else to do.” There is a lot of stomping and gnashing of teeth but then eventually she gets over it and starts to actually entertain herself with one of her numerous toys. We also have a free art station set up with paper, washable markers, modeling dough etc that she can access without assistance.
I think COVID also primed many of us with young kids to feel that we have to be very self reliant and formal with setting up social experiences and we’ve been actively trying to get over this inertia. Highly recommend having a casual text chain/email group/choose your social media platform of parents with kids who are similar ages. We do a lot of “I’m taking the kids to X park at X time tomorrow please join us if you’re free!” Maybe someone shows up and maybe not, but low stakes open invitations are such a gift to give and receive!!!