Need Advise

Check for MOMS, MOPS or any other type of 'play groups' that are in your area. Also, is she involved in your pregnancy? Does she go to the doctor with you, shopping for baby things? I remember my first going through some changes at three and I was also pregnant. This is (and will continue to be) a big adjustment for her. Make sure that you talk to and listen to her. Sometimes all they need is to know that you "get it". Something as simple as "I know you are mad because...but you...." can do wonders.

check meetup.com for a moms group in your area. If you find a good one your little girl can make some friends, and so will you. Our group also does a coffee with the mommies and other moms outings. which you need, it seems. and she may need you to leave, and come back, so that she knows you will come back then leaving isn't so traumatic.

Playgrounds! My three year old loves them. He was in daycare until about 8 months ago and I think misses being around all the kids, so we go to the playground at least once a week and he adores socializing with the other kids. It's free, it's relaxing... :) Take a soccer ball (for the two of you to kick around if no one else is on the playground), pack a picnic lunch, bring lots of water! Lay a soft blanket down on the ground for you and you can lean against a tree and read a book or watch your baby girl from a distance. Just, don't be the mom that lets her child get away with anything on the playground because you're not paying any attention to her... Make sure she minds her manners, but after a few trips to the playground, she'll know what she can and can't do, and you can just settle down and enjoy a summer afternoon.

Blessings and prayers for a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery!

I have a 3 yr old and a 23 month old so I fully understand how children this age can run you ragged. They challenge my patience every single day. Here are a couple of activities that I've started doing to change up the routine.

~~Nature Walks- just a walk around the neighborhood to look at birds in the sky, different trees & plants is very interesting for kids this age. I also use these outings as a way to reinforce learning concepts (ie. what color are those flowers? how many trees do you see?). It's also when I work on things like holding mommy's hand when we walk near cars/streets and looking for cars before crossing the street. I go on walks with them a couple times a week in the morning before it gets too hot out. It keeps them busy and gets you out of the house even if only for a short period.
~~Library- maybe try looking into when the nearest library has story hour and go at that time so your daughter can not only hear a story, but also socialize with other kids her age. After story hour, she can help you pick some books to take home. Some branches even have small play areas with blocks and puzzles so you can sit down while she plays for a little bit.
~~Painting- I bought some watercolor paints at Michaels and a big book of plain paper. I know it sounds like a bit of a mess but it'll keep her occupied for a good bit of time and the mess is minimal. Plus, you'll end up with some great keepsakes. :)
~~Go out to eat- I'm not talking about a big deal. Just maybe lunch once in a while at a kid friendly place like a Peter Piper Pizza or McDonald's with a playground so she can romp around with other kids.

I hope this helps. Best wishes!

The library on Golflinks has story times on tuesday at 11am and on Thursday at 10:30 am. I enjoy taking my children there to get out of the house but still be cool. Have you tried the childrens museum I know you can get a membership so it is cheaper to go more often.

Unfortunatly MOPS is out for the summer. However when it starts up there are a few around Tucson. One at Pantano Christian Church. Also one at El Camino Baptist Church.

Try looking for a mom's group! I belong to one that's through meetup.com Try to look for one in your area. Not only does it help my son learn to share and get along, it's so nice for me to get out and have an adult conversation during the day. My group of mom's is amazing and I don't know what I would do w/o them! I would also try to get out of the house by yourself and let your daughter get used to being w/ your husband. When the baby comes she's going to have to be ok with Daddy doing stuff with her! Good luck and God bless!

Hi R.,
I have taught both my children how to play alone. I look at it as a "skill" everyone has to learn.

It will take a little time and consistency from you and your husband (he'll have to be willing to put up with some screaming while he's working - sorry), but it will benefit her socially and psychologically in her future.
T

not sure where you live but check your city recreation. Like we live in Chandler and my 4 yr actually does a summer preschool program. Its really cheap and she stays buys then there are swim lessons and all kinds of classes!

2 ideas for you, get a play group together. try and find Mom's with similar aged kids. i had a group in colorado that I met through our hospital's new mom luncheon. 3 or 4 Mom's that you can connect with and play at each others homes or at parks. One great source of these Moms is a local MOPS group. google MOPS and find one in your area. I belong to one and find our chats very valuable and social opportunities. I have a demanding, sensitive 3 year old. I find talking through the behavior after the outbursts are over in a matter of fact way and role playing better ways to express himself are helping some. For example my son will repeatedly say" will you play with me" even while I AM playing with him. so later I tell him he only needs to ask once and mommy does not like to hear it many times. Or I say next time lets not yell, but ask this way etc. she knows something is up with pregnancy and does not know how to express it. my son reacts more strongly when something out of the ordinary is going on. they thrive on routine and pick up changes with a panic. Go for gentle reassurance and patience- hard when they push our buttons!

Hi R.,
I dont know if you have ever heard of it but MOPS is a great group to get involved with. There is one at Pantano Christian Church. It is on the corner of Houghton and 29th. I also live in Vail and am a stay at home mom. I have found this to be a great resource not only for getting out of the house but also for support from other moms going through the same things I am. You can find the link on Pantano's website PCCWIRED.org. Hope to see you there.
A.

If you come to Rita Ranch (near Vail) you can swim at the Purple Heart Park pool for just .25 cents per child/$1.00 for adults. She can run around the park/playground too. You can also take her to Park Mall and let her run around in the indoor playground for free. Tucson Moms and MOPS might be some good group to join, so she can have playdates and you can meet other moms.

P.S. I just wanted to add the OTT YMCA - for about $50 a month, the whole family can join. No contracts, so you can join for just the summer months if you wanted to. Childcare is FREE and you can get time to workout/swim (even free classes like yoga/pilates)...plus it's a great way to meet new kids/moms together!

Best,
C.

I am not sure if there is a library in Vail but they just opened a brand new one on Sahuarita Road just east of I-19 (across from Rancho Sahuarita) and they have LOTS of little kid activities at the branch - not enough teen stuff for my son, but tons for younger kids. You can sign up for the reading programs and earn prizes for reading with your child as well as yourself (if you ever get a chance to read for yourself). "Check it out!"