Things to do with an 18 month old?

[mountainboo]

Hi all,

We go out for a walk every morning and sometimes I take my son to the park. The mornings aren\'t a problem. It\'s the afternoons that we have trouble finding things to do.

At home he is not able to roam freely as we have an Alsation so he is restricted. What sort of things can I be doing with him that don\'t involve spending money? I take him to a toddler group once a week and rhyme time at my local library also once a week.

Is he too young to help bake a cake or help me clean the house or something?

TIA

[annie0000]

There are loads of things to do with him and yes, he can help you about the house - just copying what you do. you could make dough and play with that, do little jigsaws, finger paint ( you can use ketchup on a chopping board). My boys used to like going to the pet shop to see the fish (far cheaper than the aquarium). If the weather was really bad, I used to take them to the local shopping centre to let them run about (during the day while it is quiet) baking is good - he will like messing about with bread dough or making pizzas. Put music on and dance about.

[chelle7272]

My son had a little toy hoover and would follow me round copying when I was cleaning - somehow he's gone off the idea now he's 13 but anyhow - and he used to like going round the shops playing with toys, early learning centre used to have a big train track set up, and some centres have soft play areas for bored little children.
And all annie's suggestion are great - especially the pet shop

[annie0000]

Just thought of a couple more - we used to make things out of big cardboard boxes - pretend is was a bus or a tank or a fire engine. we had one of thos little tends from ikea (think it was about £5.00) we used to put it up in the house and play games in it or use it as our house and have a picnic with the stuffed toys - little bowls with crisps, raisins, popcorn and chopped fruit. or just make your own from a big sheet over a couple of chairs.

[mountainboo]

Great ideas there, thanks ladies. The cardboard boxes one is good, my husband works from home so we have lots. Also the playdough thing too. I will try them all. Thanks again

[B00]

I'm confused a bit here (Yes i know, nothing new there then!)

Why is your son restricted because you have a dog?

[ladybird49]

What comes 1st the child or the dog? surely the dog can go outside in the garden while you and little one play?

[spudqueen]

All good answers, but don't forget that you can also read to him. I used to take my boys to the library once a week and let them choose 3 books which we would then read (over and over again!) during the week before another trip to the library. Some librarys also have toddler sessions.

[4getmenot]

Put the dog outside. make it a run.