I feel like an awful parent

[Ldkalleck]

I'm 19 weeks and still so incredibly tired. I feel like, because of how tired I am, I'm not mothering my 3 year old as effectively as I have in the past. Most days we spend watching cartoons, and she rarely eats a real meal. I give her snacks during the day and then she refuses to eat dinner. She's mostly potty trained but sometimes after so many accidents, I'm too tired to keep cleaning and put her in a pull up. My house has never been so constantly cluttered. My daughter has always been ahead in speech and development, but I'm afraid that this never ending sleepiness will put her behind. Any ideas on activities to keep her away from the TV without draining me? I can't stand feeling like a bad parent.

[Ldkalleck]

I would love to take her to a park, but we live in Portland and it rains all but  like 1 month a year. I think I might make her a binder of activities that she can do without much fuss. I've tried to schedule our days, but then I end up needing time to rest and throwing it off. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

[Shawnnie]

You're not a bad parent and completely get where you're coming from. I got a little lucky since my sons birthday just passed and now he had these two computers, leaPad and a Vtech laptop that keep him entertained and they're educational. I have found that when I'm just extremely drained, cartoons, books, or even playing small games with flash cards works because you can still engage with your child without the added physical activity

[cch1029]

I totally feel you!!! I find games on my computer my son is only 2 and we sit down and play. I read him stories. I get tired a lot since I'm in my 3rd trimester. On nice days I take him to the park or outside on the deck and blow bubbles with him. He enjoys it every time. I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with him.

[mrssandefur]

I know how you feel, sometimes if my son sleeps through lunch I just give him a big snack and wait for my husband to get home. He runs and plays in the living room during the day and every now and then I take him on the front porch to play but I'm just so far along now I can't do much with him. Try finding a small park that you can sit on the bench or just follow her while she plays (cause IDK about you but I sure as heck HATE climbing in those things even when I'm.not pregnant lol) puzzles and colors. Try teaching her to write her name.or ABC's. Right now is the perfect time to teach her things before baby gets here and.before kindergarten in the next few years.

[Ldkalleck]

She has a few puzzles and actually spends a great deal of time playing with Barbies, but I wonder if I'm just not being active enough with her.  She does love a few games on my phone. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[eve0512]

I have a 16 month old and I'm 20 weeks and let me tell u it hasn't been easy... so I feel u! We are great parents! I want to believe in that, but sometimes it is hard when I know I'm to tired to run after her and put the tv or something on...

[steph_ut]

Around 3, my daughter REALLY latched on to puzzles. She will do puzzles and memory games for a solid hour if given the opportunity! Does she have any puzzles? They sell quite a few nice ones of varying difficulties at stores like TJ Maxx (if you're in the States).

Do you have an ipad/iphone/ipod touch? If so, there are lots of games and interactive electronic books for preschoolers that don't require using a mouse, trackpad or keyboard. Our daughter loves them so much, I have had to limit her math game time - I know she's learning math as she plays it, but I worry about her getting wired on that one thing and not focusing enough on other skills.

[Ldkalleck]

She can't really maneuver the lap top track pad, but I could definitely do it with her. Coloring is a good idea too. We're getting a ton if craft supplies out tonight and painting and glittering. I'll just deal with the mess when I can. :-)

[farO_jan]

Try coloring books, books to read. Sit her next to you and just color with her. I did it with my son and it works well so far. Let her watch her favorite cartoon, then do computer games.

[Ldkalleck]

I'm not really familiar with the area because I moved from 2500 miles away. I've considered taking her to the children's museum once a week, but that still gives me 4 more days to account for (husband keeps her busy when he's off.)

[sachasmommy]

there are great online games on the computer that are educational for kids...can you get her into any playgroups during the day so that you can get a break?