I have never felt so rageful until my SO turns on the tv in the bedroom and then leaves and I’m nursing and trapped and forced to listen to the damn pharmaceutical commercials for the 100th time. I always get up and turn it off now even if it means making the baby upset. And I have never ordered a bark collar until I was nap trapped by the baby. This works surprisingly well and doesn’t use electric shocks: NPS No Shock Bark Collar for... https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08XLVD8DN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I always make him a cake, his favorite dinner, and buy something small. Like a shirt or shorts he won't buy for himself but needs. Last year I did a vidday video gift for him and he really enjoyed that. You have to pay for it but it wasn't to expensive.
The clock we got was this off of amazon. And yah, she's 4 so she totally still needs a steady structure. Free range parenting just doesn't fly well for kids on the spectrum since they need so much all up in the face learning. I hope the interactive schedule works well and you find the incentives she'll respond too!
Exactly - we have a boogie board on the back of our stroller, and I packed the stroller pockets with high-value treats like raisins, fruit strips, and a piece of chocolate (for emergencies). Toddler would walk alongside the stroller or ride on the boogie board, and if we needed to stop or she ran off I would offer a snack.
We also got one of these handles to attach to the side of the stroller as another option to keep her close if she wanted to walk.
TSLA is my go-to these days!
TSLA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control Yoga Leggings, Non See-Through 4 Way Stretch Workout Running Tights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5JRHWH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ATZKFbTJ2FKWK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
As a SAHM this Clever Fox Planner is my bible. I’ve used it for the past two years and so excited to start a new one in January. It seriously keeps me sane and super organized.
My 6 month old loves this water mat. He has a lot of fun on it in the living room. It also helps cool him down after a walk.
Hey!! Yeah, we got it on amazon from Albott I believe, I just tried to find it but it's unavailable now... found one like it but it's more expensive and ours came WITH the playpen so -__- lol, maybe something you like will be in the recommendations from there! Sorry!
Of course!
At this age, I’ve always found choices and a visual timer to be a good place to start. Choices because like you said, communicating wants is a challenge at this age regardless. And I typically use the timer to count down to the start of the bedtime routine and then reset it to countdown from when we start the bedtime routine until actual bedtime.
This it the timer I’ve always used and kids typically Love it. Easy to read and easy for them to check on and understand!
https://www.amazon.com/Secura-60-Minute-Mechanical-Countdown-Collapsible/dp/B07PKTNYWQ
I do Montessori at home for my 2 under 2. I suggest to start with this book:
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805211128/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XTNK5MY4ZJRP987K7C49
Once they go to school my job as a parent is done, right? So I’m just going to lay on my couch , adorned in this, eating chocolates, while watching soap operas.
I got my son an astronaut helmet like this and covered the vents with fabric and taped the visor down.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGYV2VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RRcOFbWBY1SEJ
We have traditonal masks, too. I started giving him a choice and he eventually start picking the masks over the helmet.
I make sure to tell him that I am also uncomfortable and that I don't like wearing masks too, but that they are like shoes we have to wear them to leave the house. I don't want him to think that something is wrong with him for not being comfortable in his mask.
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IA5LSH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_l6cOFbT4BTT0V
This is the helmet we got him.
These are the 100% the best leggings for the price. IUGA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control, Workout Pants for Women 4 Way Stretch Yoga Leggings with Pockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079BJ3TCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-m1KFbYA494DA I’ve had them over a year now and it’s pilling just a bit but still in great shape. Also my friend bought the purple ones and the colors are accurate.
I am sorry the link isn't working. This is the sweater. I wear it a few times a week!
I thought we had kept the box (wife tends to enforce these things for some reason) but seems we'd thrown it sometime in the last month. Since it was a gift I had to do a quick look around I found it on Amazon here. Good to know it's easy to find a new one should anything happen, heh.
Once they start leaking through a diaper more than 2 nights in a row, it's time to go up in size.
This is the best thing I've found for urine enzymes cleaning https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYKNY7S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have an almost 3 YO and an 8 month old. I found I did not follow through on rotating toys, despite liking this idea. I recently bought these mesh organizer bags and they have been super helpful. Bigger toys stay out and accessible, and toys with smaller parts each have a bag. The bags are clear so my toddler can see what’s in them. Right now we have a bag for each of the following: a playmobil set, baby doll accessories, farm animal figurines, forest animal figurines, play baking accessories. Smaller bags go in a basket on a shelf and bigger bags go on a shelf. Highly recommend!
Diaper Wet Bags. They are a little expensive, but totally worth it for the organization. They're designed to carry cloth diapers, meaning they are water proof and easy to clean. They were a life-saver last summer. There's lots of different sizes and designs out there, but here's an example
So, make 2 bags for each kid. In each one have a bathing suit, reusable swim diaper, waterproof shoes. You decide to go out to the splash pad, you grab a bag, slide it into a backpack, have fun, put all the wet stuff back in the bag, get home and dump it in the wash, it goes right into the bag for next time. Have two of them so you can bounce back and forth without rushing the laundry or drying time.
I also use them for snacks. Once a month I buy snacks in bulk (goldfish, yogurt drops, Cheerios, trail mix) and scoop them into snack bags. I keep 2 diaper wet bags in the pantry and make sure those have a handful of pouches and snacks so I can just grab and go with those.
I first run our robot vacuum (we have a Eufy 11s) and then use an "O Cedar Hardwood Floor N'More" mop with washable microfiber pads. I just have a spray bottle of water that I wet the floor with, and then wipe/scrub with the mop.
https://www.amazon.com/Cedar-Hardwood-Microfiber-Telescoping-Handle/dp/B06XWJV9PN/
Yes and I wrote it! Hear me out: The Ulitmate Stay-at-Home Manual published with Penguin books and available at most bookstores, but even better, probably at your local library. As at-home parents, we got to save where we can.
I know that it's geared towards dads, but the advice in there is for any at home parent. From setting up routines, schedules, cleaning with toddlers and babies, cooking with toddlers and babies, how to find adventures and get out of the house, side hustle that actually work (no MLMs!), and how to go back to work. Plus how to find your community, but on that one would be different for moms. But there is good advice throughout.
Not only my best advice as a 14-year stay at home dad, but my dads group I've been with for the entire time. We have raised 16 kids together as stay at home parents. But wait, there's more (I've always wanted to say that.) 57 other at home dads give their best parenting hacks. All actionalble, and stuff you can use right now. and I finished writing it during the actual pandemic. So I get it. I understand the burnout as I virtual schooled my three kids. One in highschool, one in middle school, and one in elementary. So trust me, I get it.
The advice in there really is for every parent, and there are moms that have given reviews that loved in. Moms have a tough time in the at home parent world. I've seen it for over a decade. I hope this book is able to help.
But if it doesn't you'll have a laugh because it's funny, too. I teach dads through humor tighted at my time at Second City. So if you've ever had a baby woken up by a door to door salesman that rings during naptime, you'll get it.
So there you go, a book on how to ACTUALLY DO THE SAHP thing. It's all covered as best I could.
This is exactly what happened to me with my first! Finally I bought him a straw bear cup off of Amazon and he would drink from the straw! It was the only way anyone else could feed him.
Special Supplies Juice Bear Bottle Drinking Cup with 3 Long Straws, Squeezable Therapy and Special Needs Assistive Drink Container, Spill Proof and Leak Resistant Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086J188MD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N6KDFV1CPF54292RNBGJ
It's not really a book about being a sahp, but I found this one really useful for activities and some perspective.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/194314785X/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_JM3Q06BBC1A3XG25SWS5
She has a good Instagram as well.
I wear these almost exclusively now. Supportive, comfortable, affordable, very adjustable, and lots of size and color options. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DR5LJY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_9KPZBT39GKFFAQE7167Q?psc=1
I wear these every freaking day. I have 4 pair. They have the PERFECT pockets on the sides for my cell phone when I'm running around outside with my toddler or carrying him upstairs for a diaper change or threatening him in the grocery store as he zombie screams loud enough to to rattle glass bottles. They are thin so I don't sweat and comfy. I swear by them.
syrinx High Waisted Leggings with Pockets for Women - Tummy Control 4 Way Stretch Workout Running Yoga Pants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DTF5R53/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_4KCJE0777WYJW21SWVCP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are amazing - they cut through fruit & veg and I’ve used them regularly with 2yo children. It takes a while for them to get used to holding & cutting but they’ll get better with practise! Start with bananas ☺️
Also - pouring, stirring, rolling etc. all amazing fine motor skills and great for language building! Honestly just let them do what you’re doing (aside from hot ovens etc.) Have spares on hand because it may get messy!
This book has improved my afternoons with my toddler so much. I'm beat by this time of day too and my brain is fried. There are so many ideas that are sooooo simple and fun it almost has me face palming that I didn't come up with it. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Let's Play Together!: 365 activities, games & projects for young children https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948174162/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_WMG86DCYH5FHPQAR4YE1
I scrolled through my camera roll to find some stuff my son and I did when he was that little to get some ideas.
In our living room I grabbed about 10 pillows from around the house and made a square, threw a king size blanket on it and plopped him in there. He loved it and was super safe if he fell back! Plus crawling over the pillows trying to escape burned off a little energy.
My son was a really early walker so you can skip over this part if it doesn’t apply to you, but around that age my son looooved practicing to stand up in his pack and play in the living room. I put the thinnest pillows I could find around the walls and we would spend so much time watching him stand.
A water mat was really fun for him! One like this: CUKU Tummy time Water Play mat Baby & Toddlers is The Perfect Fun time Play Inflatable Water mat,Activity Center Your Baby's Stimulation Growth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SKGG41P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZJQ069VDQMVW4GCSXPE4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 You can put it underneath an activity center, or do some tummy time with it.
There are also lots of sensory bin activities based on age if you’d be interested in something like that. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just blend some Cheerio’s and put them in a box with a little shovel or regular toys and let her feel it. Jello works too, or even snow! Or you can roll her little socks into a ball and stick them in a kitchen whisk and have her try to get them out.
This is very choppy and ramble-y I apologize! All of that to say though whatever you do is great :) the CDC has a free milestone checklist app and it helped me come up with activities based on the skills they were asking. I hope that helps even just a little!
I'm not the best person to ask because I get all my stuff off of Amazon which is dubious quality. That said, two recommendations:
Fleece-lined thermal leggings these just feel solid. They're thick and warm and really do hold up well (and are indeed water resistant as evidenced by a toddler dumping a cup of water on them).
SATINA leggings these are not nearly as thick or durable (I'm holding onto a few pairs that have a LOT of holes in them, like a lot), but they're super comfortable and the deep pockets are fantastic. One pair has randomly lost a lot of the elastic so while they don't look bad, they feel saggier than the others. They're incredibly comfortable and look really nice, though, IMO. I wore them throughout my postpartum and pretty much continuously for over a year, so they've been through the war.
I'm sure others can recommend better quality brands, but these both have deep pockets which is what sold me on them.
Yes! My 5 year old daughter and my 14 and 16 year old step sons get something every year. I love these “minor” holidays. You better believe a leprechaun leaves them something on St. Patrick’s day too! For my daughter it’s often a treat and a small Lego set and maybe a book. The boys get treats and sometimes a new hat or something else small they would be into. Often a book as well. Just something to make them feel loved and brighten their day.
I recently bought my daughter this game and wish I had known about it earlier. It’s actually been something the whole family has been able to enjoy together. My kids are not big into drawing but everyone seems to find this “game” fun and relaxing. It’s by the same author who wrote Mix It Up and Press Here. Both of those are favorites in our house.
Chronicle Books Ready, Set, Draw!: A Game of Creativity and Imagination (Drawing Game for Children and Adults, Interactive Game for Preschoolers to Kids Ages 3+) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452175632/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_9AXEXMFP0D2EB5AVJWHH
My kids love playing in the cold and snow so don’t worry about taking her out in the cold. I had my youngest rolling around in the snow in his snow suite when he was around nine month. No harm at all he loved it. My kids are 22 months and almost 4. I bundle them up and take them to play outside. I grew up in Russia and learned to skate when I was 3. So don’t worry about the kid and the cold as long as she is wearing the right clothing she will be fine.
If you think it’s depression try getting what’s called a daylight lamp they also have lightbulbs you use. They admit blue uva/uvb light and simulate the sun. People with seasonal depression have been show to get help with these. They aren’t expansive either.
TheraLite Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp - 10,000 LUX LED Lamp - Sun Lamp Mood Light to Fight Low Energy and Sunlight Deprivation, White, 1 Count (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM7Q6CP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MVEWP6G6DCYZXWNYM089
Hisoo 9W LED Full Spectrum Light Bulb Light Therapy Lamp Bulb High CRI Cool White Natural Sunlight Bulb Eye-Care Dimmable Light Lamp Happy Light for Study Office Bedroom Living Room (2pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HML5CD1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HZ42DB2WRKC4ACWRFY7B
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094CXCD1Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share](These) are hands down my best purchase of 2021. I bought them while I was pregnant and needed more support while standing, and I haven’t taken them off since.
isotoner Women's Cozy Terry Hoodback Clog Slipper with Soft Memory Foam, Comfort Arch Support, and an Indoor/Outdoor Sole https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IPEXBWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V6Z48Z3G7TQWEFVWFHZQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have hip pain as well and hardwood floors and I love these. Supper comfy and good support.
I never pluck anymore, have your brows done in two minutes. Zero pain. Hang in there mama
This DBT workbook helps me between therapy sessions (I've been with my therapist for longer than I've been married, but sometimes I have to go long stretches without seeing her). I recommend shopping around for a therapist that you jive with - it can take a few tries, but it's so, so worth it! And CBT isn't the only kind of therapy either, you can look into music therapy, art therapy, animal support therapy, etc. etc.; there are lots of options.
However! Like somebody else said, there are times you can't address the behavior until your neurochemistry is in order. I'm bipolar, and I take Quetiapine (the generic version of Seroquel). On God, I'd been on SSRIs on and off for about 19 years because I was wrongly diagnosed with comorbidities of bipolar disorder rather than the disorder itself - Quetiapine worked within less than 2 weeks and it's changed my LIFE. So if you're considering the medication route make sure you get evaluated and correctly diagnosed. Usually with SSRIs I had to jump doses or try a different medication around every 3-4 months. I've been on my Quetiapine for almost 3 years now and haven't even needed to go up to 50mg.
It's awesome to have the right medication and address the environmental factors so that you can function better. Good luck!
When he's 3 1/2 try this - my friend's son loves it and begs to "do knee surgery" every time he comes over. Of course, he's totally in to power tools, and his dad just had an ACL repair, so that might explain his interest. Our 4 year old neighbour used to love playing Siberia with me. Sorry, nothing relevant for 2 yr olds.
If you really need such an app, then find a secure one and install. Tell him that you have installed a WhatsApp spy ap on his phone which will show you everything that he does over the phone. The purpose of this app is only to protect him from possible danger. You can also choose to block some social apps and games which are inappropriate for him to use independently right now. Also, inform him of the rules of using the phone.If he deletes the app, the phone will be taken back anytime.
Haha nice! Hey my baby is 8 months old too..
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
Yeah I'm impatient too....I want people to hear about the times I wipe the table, dammit!
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
These guys are making an app, I think. In the mean time...
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
Yay! I want to hear all about how you dusted and cleaned!
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
Thanks for your interest!
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
Thanks for your reply!
Come join the party of the Morning Narwhals, where we have 15 pre-set tasks, like making supper, watering the plants, and paying the bills.
Let me know what else you do for the family, and approximately how many minutes it takes, and I will add it soon! Keep up the good work, and let's appreciate the thankless hard work that we all put in every day!
LOVE this alarm clock, Little Hippo Mella. It’s functions are super easy to set, and both my kiddos respond wonderfully to it for bed time/wake-up.
For naps, set the timer and the circle around the face will turn a bright green.
For bed time, Mella will ‘go to sleep’ at the designated time set.
For wake up, Mella will first turn a soft yellow 30 minutes before the actual set ‘wake up’ time. Then it’ll turn bright green for ‘wake up’.
Also has an alarm sound function, but both my kiddos don’t need that and have done well playing quietly until Mella turns green.
You can also adjust the brightness of the light, and there is a nightlight function that runs on a timer.
👍10/10, would recommend 👍
That's usually a safe bet. It's really wonderful. I haven't gotten a chance really to take a full relaxing bath alone so this is a good substitute. I fill the bath up to the normal depth I take a bath in and my hands are never off him. He really likes to lounge so we alternate between tummy time on my chest, leaning back with his head between my breasts, or I'll rest my left ankle on my right knee and nestle him into the triangle so his feet are on my chest. The last one is really the best way I've found to get him washed but sometimes it's just a fun, let's cool off in some cooler water and I don't even bother using soap. Definitely have a small washcloth on had to wipe her face
We also have a silicone ring, a rubber duck with the bottom hole filled by silicone and a whale fountain that keep his attention. Occasionally when my husband is home he'll hold the baby while I quick wash in the shower then I'll fill the tub.
And yeah the distance babies get when they pee is hilarious to me. I was shocked when my neice was born to learn that it wasn't just a boy thing.
It's like this one: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003HS5JN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_6NBY4ZW0WRSND57GK0PC
So the kid loves it. Sorry it's not more elaborate though, sounds like you had something more exciting in mind. :) It is potentially the cutest thing I've ever seen though, when he wears it.
Yep.
My SIL sent me a few books she read to her littles when they were this age that I think are helpful. "Hands are not for hitting" and "feet are not for kicking"
(I don't know how to make a short link on mobile... Sorry... Apparently there's a biting one too... Thankfully that's not a problem for us currently but good to know if she turns into a biter.)
I read them to her a couple times a week when she's happy and then when it's meltdown island death match time and she's trying to scratch my eyes out and bitch slap me I hold her hands down and tell her hands are not for hitting and that she needs to use nice hands on mom.
Internally I'm rage screaming at her bc I'm tired of getting hit by a crazed toddler. She will be 2 in a few weeks and the hitting has gone in spurts for the last 6 months but has definitely been amping up lately.
I was awful on crutches when I broke my ankle. I highly recommend a scooter, no falling and a handy basket at the front for everything you can’t carry with crutches.
Not sure if this link will work, but something like this.
Both this comment and the one above are spot on. I would like to add that financial privilege is not the only form privilege that plays into stay at home parenting and that there are many facets to privilege. Ijeoma Oluo wrote very succinctly about this in her book, I'll go ahead and quote her directly "Who doesn't have this same freedom or opportunity that I'm enjoying now."
So though many of us stay home because financially it makes more sense than working another job that would not cover the cost of childcare, this is often times still a choice.
Fengbay 2 Pack High Waist Yoga Pants, Pocket Yoga Pants Tummy Control Workout Running 4 Way Stretch Yoga Leggings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCJH3N2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Iq3KFb3ZDSH2X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My favorite leggings ever. I’m 5 months postpartum and these make me feel better about myself. They are comfy and have the side pockets. I have 4 pair and literally wear them every day.
These are my favorite pair. I’ve ordered three pairs. I haven’t tried the pair with a phone pocket yet, because that wasn’t available when I originally ordered, but I can fully recommend the pocketless ones. They are flattering on my mom bulge and extremely comfortable.
SATINA High Waisted Leggings - 25 Colors - Super Soft Full Length Opaque Slim https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083C58G34/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ujgLFb0ACVP28
Fengbay 2 Pack High Waist Yoga Pants, Pocket Yoga Pants Tummy Control Workout Running 4 Way Stretch Yoga Leggings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085QJNGKK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6i2KFbZ7ES1J8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are great. I need to get some comfortable thongs to go with them though.
We got us one of these: LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children's Sleep Trainer, Alarm Clock, Night Light and Sleep Sounds Machine (Bright Purple) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3ZFTT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vcSpFb4NDFZT5
My trick is a robovac
Every morning I’ll put my 10 month old into his packnplay & run the robovac. He’s so entertained while watching it that I usually can get a few rooms picked up without any fuss and on top of that the vacuuming gets done everyday. Not sure how I ever got things done without it.
this is the apron i have. the strings are very long, the apron is wide, the material is thick, the pockets are wide enough to fit a variety of items. the print is gorgeous and i throw it in the wash with my cloth diapers so it takes a beating. definitely worth less than $10!
At home I just wear a tank top with a self bra and usually my husbands boxers. I run hot and typically wear shorts year round in the home. I haven’t found a pair of lounge shorts that I’ve been in love with. I also found a couple pair of joggers on amazon. That are super comfortable and nice enough to run errands in when I want a break from leggings. Amazon Brand - find. Women's Slouchy Joggers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAJHG0C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tmtwFbBHDQ8H1
For other basics like shirts, cardigans, leggings, etc... I love aerie.
I’m obsessed with jumpsuits from Amazon like these: KIRUNDO 2020 Women’s Casual Round Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit Drawstring Waist Stretchy Lon... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082QTX374/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_YKzsFb...
Dress up or down and feel like pajamas.
Creativity with small children is a learned habit. :) The more you do the more opportunities you see for fun. If you're desperate you can buy something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Toddlers-Busy-Book-Activities-3-Year-Old/dp/0671317741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323272663&sr=8-1 which will give you a lot of very very very SIMPLE ideas that make you think "Gee, this is dumb. I can do better than this" and suddenly you come up with a genius idea involving empty cans, string, and paperclips.