paulkkuzman's Profile

I really don't know why this article is such a big deal, I've seen very similar posts before on ohdeedoh (what you can do to help parents with premature babies, etc). I'm guessing the reason why, is that the article shows up on the main AT page? I usually only check the family section and the kitchn, so I really don't know.
But to offer up some experience, my oldest was 18 mo when I was put on bedrest for the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy. At the time we lived in a one bedroom apt, so we were also short on space. If they want to read some new books, have dad/partner take the kiddo to the library to pick out some books for the week. Ditto on getting the toddler out when you can, grocery store, park, kids musuem, etc. Mine gotta little stir crazy because my partner works 50 hrs wk, and was use to getting out with me. I would try to relax on the couch and have a box of toys (that we picked out the night before), and just let her have at it in the living room. One huge help for us was receiving homemade frozen meals that we could just pop into the oven. And we never really watched tv up to this point, but we got netfix, cuddled on the couch together and watched sesame street, shaun the sheep, wallace and gromit, when I was really exhausted. Another huge thing for us was letting my partner take over the strenous routines (bathtime, dinner, cleaning), which actually resulted in a fun and bonding experince for dad and toddler. All these things also helped after the baby was born too, everyone was already adjusted to a slower paced routine which is exactly what you need the first month. Good luck to your friend!