R.D. asks from Richmond, VA on August 22, 2011
Soooo Miserable!!
My 20 month old son is hating every second of this beach trip :( Poor little dude wants to be in the POOL, can't swim because of his cast. He hates the beach because he can't move or play in the sand or the waves. He hates our condo because he isn't allowed to play with most of the stuff in here. It's not super touristy; there's nothing close for him to do (there's putt-putt and go-carts, but he can't do either of those!)... GRRRRRR!! This was such a bad idea :( My poor daughters are missing me so bad because I'm been trying to deal with the baby... this is only our second day here! It will get better, RIGHT?! Any thoughts as to what I can do to make this babe more comfortable and keep him entertained?? I'm so upset :(
So What Happened?™
I did bring him some of his favorite toys, coloring books, crayons, etc... there's REALLY nothing around us kid friendly to do. My husband doesn't get here until Wednesday and my poor mom can't relax because the girls are on HER back since I can't be with them. I feel bad for all of us!
@SnowKoko, THAT I've been thinking about. His cast cover gets too tight on his leg though, I don't know how else to keep it safe.
Featured Answers
M.F. answers from Youngstown on August 22, 2011
My cousins little boy broke his arm on vacation and he had a cover for it so he could go in the water. Could you try that?
3 moms found this helpful
K.P. answers from New York on August 22, 2011
I second the garbage bag/duct tape idea! My sister had a broken arm at the same age and my mom wrapped her arm (right up to her shoulder) in a garbage bag, duct taped it and let her loose in the kiddie pool! Because it's his leg, you're going to have to be extra careful, but no reason poor little Roman has to swelter while the chickies are swimming!
Popsicles go a long way too in the heat.
Where are you? OBX? or did you go somewhere else?
2 moms found this helpful
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R.M. answers from Washington DC on August 22, 2011
Oh crud!! I was looking forward to enjoying your beach vacation via your posts since we won't be able to go to the beach this year! But I must say I was worried for you with a baby in a cast.
Deep breath! First grab a laundry basket and go around the condo and pick up and put away as many of the non-touchables you can - lock them in a closet or something - just make as much of the space you can Roman friendly. (I do this at my house before busy kids arrive so their parents can relax as much as possible;-).
Next, let's brain storm a way to make the beach work - is there some kind of easy-to-carry play surface you could pick up at Walmart or Target - like a plastic or blow-up kiddie pool you could put under a beach umbrella so you can put Roman and his toys in a minimally sandy environment? The girls could probably help you carry something like that to the beach. Or maybe a tarp or picnic blanket thing - we have one that folds up into it's own carrying case - it's plastic on one side a softer, more fabric like finish on the other.
The good thing about finding something with sides is you could put it pretty close to the water so you felt more like you were being with both the girls and the baby.
If you can get the condo baby friendly then you can focus on doing summer camp things there when the beach is too much for the baby. Our evening bonfire got rained out at our family reunion, but we let the kids make s'mores in the microwave and over the electric burners, we made peanut butter candy and rolled it in melted chocolate,etc. One of my cousins made mini marshmallow shooters from PVC pipes (found directions on the internet) and the kids had an awesome time shooting marshmallows and the dogs had fun eating up the spent ammo.
- You get the idea - fun and silly like a sleep over party. I don't know about you, but I need the beach to feel like a real break from day to day real life! Sure hope it gets better and you have some fun!
P.S. I think you are amazing and really brave and confident to head to the beach with 3 kids by yourself. If you can do that - you can tackle this too!
3 moms found this helpful
K.E. answers from Buffalo on August 22, 2011
Oh wow, can you and your mom tag team until hubby gets there?
What about a play zone?
Can you place him in a daycare in the area for just 2 hours so the girls can get your time and everyone can take a small break.
oh I am not sure what to do it sounds like you are doing a great job, but when our kids love the water there is no reasoning with them when they cannot.
Sorry:(
3 moms found this helpful
A.V. answers from Washington DC on August 22, 2011
I would buy him a new toy and let him play with that instead. Or see what's around you besides the beach or the pool (maybe a zoo or museum) and take the family there for an afternoon. When we were at the lake a couple of years ago, we found out about a toddler program at the nature center and we also took DD to a working farm where they gave tours.
3 moms found this helpful
Y.C. answers from Washington DC on August 22, 2011
Sounds awful. I would separate your agenda - one parent keeps the girls happy, and another parent entertains the little guy separately for at least half of each day - going to places that he can enjoy. Rent some beach bikes with a baby seat, and take him bike riding. Golf carts. Boating would be good, if possible. Hang in there!
3 moms found this helpful
K.F. answers from Washington DC on August 22, 2011
Could you give him a plastic tub filled with water, put boats in it, and let him play? Is the cast on his arm or leg? Couldn't you cover the cast securely with a plastic wrap and tape, and let him play in shallow water? I'd also give him water toys like a water gun, if he could spray about with that maybe he'd be distracted. Good luck!
3 moms found this helpful
M.F. answers from Youngstown on August 22, 2011
My cousins little boy broke his arm on vacation and he had a cover for it so he could go in the water. Could you try that?
3 moms found this helpful
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on August 22, 2011
Head to the North Carolina Aquarium! With a stroller. Repeat if necessary.
And will your mom split duties? You watch/entertain him inside while she takes the older ones to the pool or beach then switch?
Day trip to see the wild ponies at Shackleford Banks.
Maybe do a day trip (or half day) to Beaufort?
Bike with a trailer?
3 moms found this helpful
K.P. answers from New York on August 22, 2011
I second the garbage bag/duct tape idea! My sister had a broken arm at the same age and my mom wrapped her arm (right up to her shoulder) in a garbage bag, duct taped it and let her loose in the kiddie pool! Because it's his leg, you're going to have to be extra careful, but no reason poor little Roman has to swelter while the chickies are swimming!
Popsicles go a long way too in the heat.
Where are you? OBX? or did you go somewhere else?
2 moms found this helpful
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