How do I keep my overactive preschooler busy and engaged?
How do I keep my overactive preschooler busy and engaged?
My biggest challenge with my soon to be three years old is keeping her busy. She is active and creative but needs me to get involved at all times which eventually eats up my ME time.Have you tried engaging her with sensory activities? For example, you might give her a big bowl of shaving cream to play with (messy, but kids love it!) You could also give her activities she can participate in on her own, such as play dough, bubbles, threading beads, puzzles, painting, musical instruments, and more!
Aw such a precious time which for me seems to have flown too fast, I enjoyed doing things with my three when they were small... they all enjoyed crafts alot so see if you can engage her in any of the following :-):
1. walks collecting leaves, sticks ect in the park - when home - leaf rubbings, making stick people (i love doin this)
2. after a boiled egg breakfast, crush the shells and glue to card box and paint - pretty look like moisac.
3. Get her a scrap book and perhaps for half hour each day ask her to draw what she has done - u put feet up!.
4. playdoh ! down load non cook recipe from internet, make with her and she'll be entertained for hours..
hope help... xI like to engage my very busy almost three year old in my everyday tasks. For example he helps me with breakfast, lunch and dinner he loves it. Check out my hub for some ideas. What does she love? Keep it simple very simple I find this to be a life saver. I have him work along side me because thats where he wants to be and I can get most things done. I could set my son up with piles of toys,games etc but he will always end up following me around and wanting whatever I have. So I have small baskets of his own cooking tools and cleaning supplies he loves it. He sets the table and helps me unload the dishwasher. This also gives us time to chat and make observations. I promise he is just as busy if not busier than you little one and this works! I just started hubbing so if you want more ideas I have lots.
If you can afford it, sign her up for 2 short sessions of preschool.
Some children are naturally social and LOVE being in a group of other kids. - Or maybe you can form a mom's group and the mom's take turns keeping three kids busy for a block of time each week - just enough for you to get a break.
Check your town recreation department, your town library - they often have free groups for preschoolers.
Jean
