Two Under 2

Playground tips

Hi!  I don't belong here.  I've lurked some because quite frankly I think you women are awesome!  But I just started watching a 14 month old boy and my son is 22 months.  My husband doesn't go in to work untiil the afternoon and we usually take the boys to the playground in the morning so I haven't been, or necessarily HAVE to be, alone.  But I'd like to be more comfortable with the idea eventually. 

Neither ones are bolters.  DS has gotten way better about listening to me on when to come back etc. but there's so much to do at the playground and nothing holds his attention for more than 2 minutes, usually less.  He also loves none playground things, like walking in the grass (dude, we have that at home kid!).  The other boy actuallly will happily play with something for several minutes but gets opinionated about what and I think would be annoyed if I made him stop everything to follow DS around. 

I guess it would be better to work on DS listening to me and staying where I can see him.  He isn't an exceptional risk taker but there's a few spots at each playground in town that could be trouble.  Obviously that's unrealistic for his age but eventually I'd have to get to that point.  I don't know how he's supposed to learn that without practice though and he's always had verrrry selective hearing when it comes to me. 

If you have 2 toddlers I'd love to know how you handle the playground!

ETA:  I can handle them in our yard just fine, DS comes back when I call him so I know he CAN do it but it's so much more distracting at the playground. Also, we're thinking about getting a tricycle or balance bike for him for his birthday.  Anyone have experience with that at the playground with another tot?  It just popped in my head that if we brought that he would at least be occupied with that some though I'm sure that's a ways off too, at first I imagine there will be a lot of falling, running people over and trying to take it on the playground equipment.

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Re: Playground tips

  • I take my two kids to the playground all the time alone--however they're nearly 13 months apart. When my youngest was 14 months she was still content to stay in the carrier most of the time since she wasn't steady on her feet yet, so I'd put her in the swing/down the slide from time to time but she was still content to chill in the carrier for the majority of the trip so it was easier since I had my hands free for my older child. At around 17 months she got really interested in playing on all the equipment and didnt want to be in the carrier anymore so I started following her and letting my oldest venture on his own. However by that point my oldest was already 2.5, and there's a huge difference between 2.5 and 20 months. At 20 months I don't think I'd be really comfortable not being close nearby to a child while he played on the playground honestly and I doubt he would consistently listen to you at that young an age. I'd probably find other activities for the two of them together until your child is older--story time at the library would be fun.
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  • DS was a late walker, so he was closer to 18months before the playground was an adventure. With DD being 2.5 I was in the same boat as pp and let DD venture on her own. Or we set rules for staying in the same area and moving on together to something new. With the oldest being 20 months I would only be comfortable if he was able to stay close by to the other child, and really follow directions. If they arent kids that bolt, that helps confidence too. Not sure that helps, but GL!
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