My 5 year old is bored! I'm a stay at home mom, she has a 2 and a half year old brother and a newborn sister. Do you have any ideas for activities for us to do together? Or how to split up the day? She doesn't take naps anymore. I use my son's naptime to clean and to relax. I'm so overwhelmed with all her questions, clinginess, whining. She wants me but I feel tapped out. What to do to make her life and mine a bit easier?

Ds isn't that old, but I've found awesome educational preschool computer games that keep him occupied AND learning. I find that too much time at the computer causes the grumpies though! (Much like TV I suppose, but we don't have TV...). Some good ones are Reader Rabbit Preschool, Arthur's Afternoon Adventure, etc.

If she is that whimy she still may need a nap. I have a 5 year old son, 3 year old and 9 mo. old daughters. He doesn't usually sleep but he has to get in his bed and lay down for quiet time. Sometimes I let him take a book or cars, usually he ends up falling asleep. As far as things to do, I have the Hooked on Phonics set and sometimes I let him stay up and we do that together. He started reading with it when he was 4 and he gets better all the time.

I find that my 5yo enjoys helping lots and that busy-ness is helpful in fending off the whinies. It is sometimes more work for me than doing it myself but could be worth a try. I let her help prepare food in the kitchen, let her use a cloth to "dust" or wipe things down, sweep, etc. I also have her count things like books and honestly somedays just dream up things for her to do. I even pay her small amounts for doing some of these things as a reward. Some days this works quite well. She is also getting more socially focused (she has two older sisters aged 10 and 9 so gets this from them). I try to arrange a play date once a week or so by swapping kids with someone from church or the neighborhood.
I agree with other's suggestions about computer, videos, or hooked on phonics. Coloring books and writing tablets work well too. She could practice her name, etc. She should also spend some time getting comfortable with scissors. Most pre-k kids in my classroom LOVE cutting scraps. Playdough and other simple things can be worked on pretty independantly too. My daughter's current favorite educational toy is the Leapster by leap frog. Getting to play on it for a half hour or so a day is a huge treat!
I sympathize as my daughter is recently more homebound with me as I've just started on maternity leave. She's used to being much more on the go!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Beth

I had that same problem with my DD when she was that age. Letting her write for practice is great. And I picked up some educations books for writing and coloring at the Dollar Tree which come is handy. Also I had her make pictures for family. Using scissors is a great idea. Also some people suggest letting them play in shaving cream on the table (I have never done this, but the teachers say it's great).

I would also encourage her to play on her own, and see what she comes up with.

Shaving cream is a really great idea. We use it on tables at pre-k for home use I suggest that parents spray it on the tub surround walls. Kids can draw or write in it. It has the added benefit of eating a bit of soap scum too! I love anything which cuts down on my bathroom cleaning time. Menthol free might be a good idea to protect those little eyes. FYI we use pudding and jello for fingerplay at school too, but I personally think this is awful messy at home.
Beth

Shaving cream is a really great idea.

BWAHHahhahahhahha :lol:

I second computer games! dd id almost 4 and also bored especially since mommy has morning sickness. She's really enjoying her jumpstart computer preschool. . .keeps her busy and active and learning=) I can't wait for summer though!

Working in pre-k I see how much the kids love to builds things with block, read, paint, play with PlayDoh, coloring and just love to learn in general. They love to learn new things and all of them know their months of the year, days of the week, colors, shapes, and to write their name. Kids that age are little sponges and learn things very quickly.

Stephanie :D