RP: Am I overscheduling my 18 month old?

Meggie1129

I posted this on the SAHM board but I figured I would post it here too. . .

I always swore I would never be one of those parents whose grade school kids were involved in every single activity under the sun. However, I am almost feeling that way with my 18 month old! As a SAHM, I go nuts being home all day long. To be honest, I think DS does too. We are just always on the go though! We are in two different mom's groups so that is usually at least one meetup a week. I want to sign him up for a mommy and me music class that meets once a week, I try to fit in a storytime here and there, we go for lots of walks and bike rides, and then I try to get to the gym 3-4 times a week (so gym childcare for him). We always have at least one playdate or playgroup that we are invited too as well. Then there is all the other outings like the grocery store, Target, etc. DS is an extrememly sociable little boy and does well when we are out and about and at playgroups. He loves going to the gym and everyone always tells me how social he is. But then I wonder why he doesn't play well with his toys at home, but it is probably because we are hardly ever home! Is that bad that he is not that good at playing on his own?

 I almost feel like I should cut back on something, but I really don't want to cut back on the gym or the mom's groups I am in for sanity reasons, but then I feel like I am doing a disservice to him if we don't go to storytime or music class or stuff like that. Any thoughts? Is anyone else in a TON of activities and always on the go?

newportbride715

I don't think that is too many activities. It is 1-2 playdates per week, 1-2 storytimes per week, and one music class as well as daycare while you are at the gym, which many kids do everyday and that is fine.

I would probably try to cut back on errands, Target, etc. if anything, and try to work on relaxing and quiet play at home sometimes. I am a SAHM and we do Music Together once per week, 2 storytimes per week, and we plan on joining a gymnastics type class once per week in September. We also walk everyday and do the playground 2-4 times per week. I usually do errands and shopping on my own though. DS is good at playing by himself. I don't know if it is just him or if it because we are home a lot more than some people.... GL!

eta: I realize many ppl have to do errands w/ the LO's and I see nothing wrong w/ that at all, I was just basically saying that if you really need to cut back on something and want to be home a little more, I'd cut that rather than music class or mom's group which are obviously beneficial to both of you!

Tess12

It really sounds like you're planning your days according to his personality.  M also is an out-and-about baby.  She does much better when we're active and doing lots of different things.

If you want to encourage him to start enjoying some quiet play time, maybe you could plan on one afternoon a week just chilling at home.

jsugrin

I don't think it's too much.  If you had a scheduled activity every single day that would be a bit much IMO.  If you are worried about I would just set aside either a morning or afternoon twice a week to just be home.  Don't do a ton of chores but get down on the floor and play with him, that should help him get more used to playing at home and more interested in his toys and stuff.  Then you can work on leaving him to play by himself.  I do think it's important that they develop an ability to hang out and play without a  lot of stimulation.