My Son Has Cabin Fever...

I know cabin fever all to well
We always did the store thing but no buying
I would suggest some workbooks/activity books(Walmart has them) I am thinking at
daycare they had a schedule and did lots of activities there are so many thngs to do with a
five year old that can be fun for you too
It will help find the kid in yourself games,puzzles,Sit down and play when the baby naps enjoy this time together before you know it he will be gone all day long. Make up your own school Here is a good site to check out
www.dltk-kids.com
if you don't want to buy a whole bunch of stuff go online and search free works sheets or
free coloring sheets. Also there are tons of sites for that age online to play games and learn.
If you need any sites I have tons saved.
Have a great day

I am not sure where you live -

www.achildscircle.com

I have never been there, but planning to go soon.

I have the same problem with my daughter and she's not even 2....and i have an 8 month old son. So what i normally do is try to plan one or two trips a day to any place but the house. I take her to the grocery store to pick up even the littlest things, or the library, or to wal-mart and since he's old enough maybe you can have him show you the new things he likes and sometimes you can let him play with the toys. My cousin suggested doing play dates with children his age or friends from his old school. There are a lot of websites with good suggestions...you just have to look. It's hard in the winter on all kids......and us parents too since we can't take them to the park or outside too long for a nice walk. Taking them to the mall and walking around a bit can be fun too....we play I spy. I'm only 21 but I feel twice that sometimes..... good luck and if you ever need anything please feel free to contact me.......if you come across any good ideas please let me know. :)

Check out your local park district, sometimes they have indoor play grounds. You could also make a monthly calandar and write different things to do on it each day, like they do in school. He will have something to look forward to each day and have something to get excited about. You can pick little projects or games to play with him and I am sure he will love it. He might just be getting bored. You can do an arts and crafts day, a book day and you can look up fun experimental projects on the internet such as making slim or play dough.

C.,
Since you are in Kenosha, could you go to Gurnee Mills? Is that the mall near you? Even if they don't have organized activities for kids, your son could run around and have many things to look at while being active. Libraries are also so good for kids. They all have programs. Also, Kindermusik is a very nice program. It costs about $10/class. If this is not within your budget, I would ask if there is any financial assistance available.
Good luck and congratulations.
Amy

Check online if your community or one close by has a local MOMs Club (mom offering moms support) we have one in our town and is it wonderful - we have playdates at members houses, parks, "field trips", library events, Moms Night Outs, and family outings, etc., most if not all are free and of course all children are welcome. It saved me from not having any one to discuss adult issues with during the day and it also lets my son play with others. Other clubs may be called Moms of Preschoolers, Moms of Mutiples, etc., they are a great way to meet other moms and get "friends" for our own children.
here is the website
http://www.momsclub.org/links.html#Wisconsin

Definitly get him involved in something. It doesn't need to cost a lot or be something major. See if your libraries have a story hour. Is there anyone you can have a playdate with? Is there a gymnastics class or some other sort of physical activity "class" that you could take him too. Do you have a rereation department where you live? Their classes are usually resonably priced. If he is used to being with other kids, he will miss it and end up driving you nuts. Find something that is not too much for you to take the baby with. It will help you get through the winter. Both of my sons were born in the winter and I thought I would go crazy. Getting out of the house occasionally really helped. Good luck.

C.