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Equal Time/Activities -NEED SUGGESTIONS

2ktBride2ktBride
in Two Under 2

Hi All,  My husband and I recently had our first little one and are looking forward to TTC this spring.  (I have a history of cysts and know this can have a huge negative impact on our fertility.)  We currently have our LO enrolled in several classes including swimming, musicology and mommy play groups.  When we have our next one I'm trying to figure out how to make sure the new LO gets the same opportunities while still caring for our oldest.  We unfortunately have very little family support (MIL has stage 4 colon cancer) and all of our friends are working parents.  Does anyone else have a similar situation or suggestions on how to provide new and exciting experiences for both children?  Most of these activities require parent involvement/participation and do not allow older children in the room during class time.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

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Re: Equal Time/Activities -NEED SUGGESTIONS

  • shadykatieshadykatie

    What is musicology?

      

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  • CaitlinJ22CaitlinJ22 member

    wow your LO is 2 months old and doing all of that?

     We do gymboree, and siblings are welcome, when DD became mobile then I signed him up. They both love it and we go several times a week. They have music, art and play classes. It works for us. 

    You won't be able to do everything the same when they are so close...it just won't happen unless you have tons of family or a nanny around. I know people that do give their kids the same classes etc, but their kids are 4 plus years apart.  Even though I started activities with DS earlier than DD, I feel DD is luckier since she has her brother around to entertain and love her. 

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  • jf198400jf198400 member
    Your LO seems awfully young to be involved in so many activities.  I think activities are more for the parents at that age.  My DD goes to gym class and music class now mostly to keep her entertained over the summer and prepare her to start DC.  I think the obvious answer to your question if you want both children involved in activities is to split up the responsibility between you and your DH.  One of you takes LO1 to swimming while the other takes LO2 to gym, etc.  You can also try to find more activities that they can both attend- like playdates, open gym period at places like The Little Gym, etc.  I think you're over-thinking this.
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  • Ivana_StolichnayaIvana_Stolichnaya member
    When does your child ever nap?  2 months seems awfully young for all those classes.  I would calm it down a bit.
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  • howleyshellhowleyshell member
    imageCaitlinJ22:

    You won't be able to do everything the same when they are so close...it just won't happen unless you have tons of family or a nanny around.. 

    This.

    Instead of doing classes that you pay for and don't allow siblings you look for activities that can be done after work hours so you and DH can divide and conquer.  Think swim lessons, etc.  Many places offer weekend and evening classes to accommodate working parents.

    We did a LOT of play grounds, children's museum, zoo and library story time.

    Neither of my kids are the worse for wear for not having a ton of scheduled enrichment activities.  Life is an enrichment activity - it's just your job to expose them to every day stuff and encourage the learning process.

    They're toddlers/babies. What they need most is love and interaction with their parents and their world - not organized classes.

    With 2 and no support around you shift your priorities a bit.  

    And with 2 so close in age what the 2nd may lack in organized activities is more than made up for by constant exposure to an older child and language.

    My 2nd child talked sooner, learned ABC's and letter sounds sooner and learned math concepts sooner all because they're close in age so he's always around when my oldest is working on those things.

    You're not short changing a 2nd child if they don't get a carbon copy infant/toddler experience.   Different doesn't mean worse, it just means different. 

    Our IF journey: 1 m/c, 1 IVF with only 3 eggs retrieved yielding Dylan and a lost twin, 1 shocker unmedicated BFP resulting in Jace, 3 more unmedicated pregnancies ending in more losses.
    Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
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  • sunnybrook.sunnybrook. member

    I have no idea what musicology is. Is it a music class? Would bring your 2 year old to the music class and to mommy play groups. You can have LO in the infant seat if it's safe to do so. If there's a lot of moving around, you can wear baby in a carrier.

    There is no way to safely do swimming except for a 1:1 ration. Have you son take the class when you know your DH is home so one of you can go or else hire a sitter to stay with baby. We haven't been able to do any swim lessons for my twins because of my husband's erratic schedule. 

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  • 2ktBride2ktBride
    Thank you everyone for your perspectives!  I really do enjoy these activities...and I agree, it's mostly for moms to get out of the house and support each other at this young age.  My cousin keeps insisting that I need to have at least one activity planned each day (she had really bad postpartum and getting out of the house helped her).  I've tried to keep at least 2 days a week "free" to just relax and enjoy our little miracle without the stress of running around.
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  • 2ktBride2ktBride

    Sorry!  I just realized I didn't answer everyone's questions about musicology.  It's a program here in Arizona.  I've copied below a brief description from their website.  One of the instructors came to our Mom's group a few weeks ago and did a great demonstration.  Our LO loved the music and I learned several ways to play with him that also helps him with his physical and mental development. 

     https://site.musicologyaz.com/

    What is MUSICOLOGY?

    Music is the one activity that lights up all areas of the brain.  Research shows that early exposure to music plays an important role in wiring the brain for reading, math, language, social skills and learning. 

    MUSICOLOGY is an enhanced music program designed specifically for newborns through 5-year olds.  Parents and caregivers are along for that important one on one time with their child, while an experienced teacher orchestrates the fun! 

    In a fun and engaging atmosphere, children will explore different musical instruments, creative movement, dancing and singing.  They will be exposed to beats and rhythms spanning different eras and various parts of the world    .

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  • navybride06navybride06 member

    We go to library and will continue when next one is here.  We also joined the Children's museum locally with a Travel membership and have now been to 4 others for Free!!  That both can do.  We also take swim lessons.

    At this age I am keeping it free/cheap.  Our rec department has a on of things to do also. Check out yours. 

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