Anonymous wrote:Hire a babysitter. You need to get a handle on the 4year olds behavior and not just ignore it or get to a developmental ped to see if more is going on.

This. Work on parenting your 4yo so she's not "spirited" all 3 and 4yos are high energy and curious about the world around them. Doesnt mean tbeyre allowed to control family life though.

Where do you live? Bloombars (and especially Harambee) can be great for both kids too.. And fully contained. Nook playspace in Ballston would also be fantastic. And it is at a mall with a food court on the lowest level that has another little play area.

Library storytimes are also a good idea. The 1 year old is old enough to sit on a mat if you need to run after the 4-year old.

The key here is to GET OUT of the house. Days seem endless when you are stuck inside. Everyone will nap better and sleep better with more stimulation.
It can seem daunting but you got this!

IKEA - put the 4 year old in the playroom and stroll around with the 12 month old. Frozen yogurt as a treat before you leave.

Hire a babysitter. You need to get a handle on the 4year olds behavior and not just ignore it or get to a developmental ped to see if more is going on.

Advertise in your neighborhood listserv for a mother's helper. Try to find a nice 8-12 year oldmgirl who will come and play with your 4 year old for a while.

Where do you live? I agree with fenced in play areas, or something like Busy Bees, there are lot of other indoor play areas. Obviously this assumes the baby just has a minor cold and not something contagious like a stomach bug.

If your baby is running a fever, please don't go to a pool or a public play place.

I'm confused. Can you really not take your 4 yo outside because it would be unsafe?

So you can't leave the house?

That seems odd to me, or maybe I'm not fully understanding the issue.

It's just a few more short days; it'll be tough but I'm sure you can manage. Hang in there.

You need to get out of the house, can you take them to the pool? Or a splash pad? Then go get lunch, or get breakfast somewhere special before going to splash pad/pool.
Where do you live? I have a toddler and I go bonkers if I am home all day.

thank you for the suggestions. all are great, I am particularly interested in this busy bee place particularly because most of my mom friends are out of town or working so I don't have many moms with kids that could join me at a playground. I did take my kids to a playground near our house but there were no other kids there so it was a flop.

Throw so w mo way at this and go to a place like Busy Bee’s. That is great for both age ranges.

Right now, think of a fenced in playground. Then text all of your friends with kids and tell them you will be at xyz playground from 11am-1pm tomorrow.

Tomorrow, during your 12 month old’s morning nap do something fun with your 4 year old that the 12 month old can’t do. My kids liked to finger paint. But maybe yours would like to run through the sprinkler or whatever. When you are done playing, pack a quick lunch. After nap, drive to a fenced in playground, hopefully meet a friend, and eat lunch.

OP.

Yes. Thank you PP. I am thankful because I would not be good at it and it won't be fun for anyone. I am truly at awe with moms who do this every single day.

Be glad you are not a SAHM?

So I would refrain from saying I feel depressed because I doubt I have an actual medical condition, but I have been feeling pretty blah lately. I have been with the kids at home alone for 3 days now, 2 more to go. I am covering childcare while their school/daycare is off. I have a 4 year old and a 12 month old. I can't really go anywhere because my 4 year old is a super spirited child with a mind of her own, can't really control her so its a safety issue. On top of it all, the baby has mild illness running a fever so the whole situation is just not ideal. My 4 year old is very energetic, extremely curious and active ... you get it. I am trying to do my best but am exhausted. Running on little sleep because the baby is sleeping poorly due to the illness - i presume because she is otherwise a good sleeper. To make matters worse, my husband will be working later tomorrow, so he won't be back until 8ish ... probably even later. I feel so blah and just tired ... I am trying to love this moment with my kids but just feel like I want to curl up and sleep. Any advice for me?