elisha.websteremerson's Profile

I feel for your friend! I went through this last year. I was lucky enough, in that my family was able to fly in to help some, but for those weeks we had alone, the following took the edge off:

1. Books! We read a lot. We had a friend check us out a stack from the library that we made our way through.

2. PBSkids.org For some reason I felt less "guilty" over the educational computer games. My two year old couldn't exactly navigate the site on his own, but that was fine--I did it for him. We curled up together and played games together. He learned a lot this way, and we both had fun.

3. Imaginative play. I can't tell you all the things our couch turned into that time of our lives. We flew into space on a rocket. We pirated oceans. We parasailed and braved the school bus. I narrated everything with as much excitement as I could and Henry had a blast (I think. At least, he still requests those games now.)

4. TV. He watched an extra hour or so sometimes, but you have to forgive yourself. It's not the worst thing in the world--and really, there will be plenty of time to make up for it. As soon as things settled back to normal, Henry went right back into our old, active routine.

5. Lean on friends or acquaintances. (i.e. take EVERYONE up on their offer to help.) I felt a little weird about this. I'm not too comfortable in the role of helpless receiver, but I actually made friends through the experience, as I let my guard down and accepted the help of other moms in the area.

6. Good luck. Look into Leapfrog toys or other educational sit down things. Coloring books, etc. It's hard, but doable.