staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My older two have swim lessons for 1 hour 2 times a week. I need to be near the pool while they are swimming. My 3 year old is making me crazy. I've tried special toys, iphone games, reading stories, snacks. She spends the entire time either running circles around the pool or trying to get in the water. Other people have toddlers there. Mine seems to be the ONLY one that can't just sit and play. :glare: When she runs around the pool, I make her sit on my lap with me for a while and tell her she can't get down unless she will sit near me and play. As soon as her feet touch the ground, she is off. Any ideas on keeping her entertained? Or just getting her to behave? There is no option for her to be in the water. She has to be 4 years old. Keeping her from jumping into the pool is also complicated by the fact that I also have an infant with me. This child. She will be the one that pushes us over the edge. She is so active, so strong willed, so cute, so into everything... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Duct tape comes to mind... :tongue_smilie: I have no advice. My youngest is that kid, but we didn't have to do any pool-side waiting at that age. I'm not sure how you'd feel about it, but I might resort to electronic entertainment in that scenario, simply because of the safety element. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Duct tape comes to mind... :tongue_smilie: I have no advice. My youngest is that kid, but we didn't have to do any pool-side waiting at that age. I'm not sure how you'd feel about it, but I might resort to electronic entertainment in that scenario, simply because of the safety element. I've tried my iphone and it only interests her for like 2 seconds. Trust me... I am not opposed to electronic entertainment if it would keep her from diving headfirst into the pool. Is there something cheap I could purchase that might keep her occupied? Something that would be more entertaining than iphone preschool apps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'm curious as to why you need to be near the pool.... Our kids' swim school only requires parental involvement for babies and some toddlers. The rest of the parents sit in glassed-in observation rooms at the sides of the pool. (Where smaller kids can wander around as they like.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Could you possible bring a very small blow up pool, the kind that is maybe 2 ft across, fill it with 3 inches of pool water, and let her play in it? You could put a few water toys in it and a small net, and let her get in it. Each week you could put different things in it--like maybe some plastic jewels, a couple of sponges, coins and a net, etc. Kinda like a sensory tub but something she can sit in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'm curious as to why you need to be near the pool.... Our kids' swim school only requires parental involvement for babies and some toddlers. The rest of the parents sit in glassed-in observation rooms at the sides of the pool. (Where smaller kids can wander around as they like.) There is no observation room or place to wait near the pool without actually being in the pool area. I could take her back out to the car, but that is really my only other option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Lollipops :tongue_smilie: Maybe an mp3 player with audiobooks? Have her run like crazy before swim lesson time. Take her to the bookstore and let her pick something out that's super-ridiculously awesome, but she's only allowed to read/look at it when at the pool. Is there no way to take her out of the pool area for 10 minutes or so at a time? Just breaking things up makes the time seem to go faster. ETA: I see you can take her to the car. Keep interesting things there, and when she gets antsy, take her to the car to exchange for something new. The walk back and forth, while maybe draining for you, might eat up some time. You mentioned she has to be 4 to get in the water, but can you let her sit on the side with her feet in (or would that be just too tempting?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Can you put the baby in a sling or a stroller and walk laps around the pool? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureMoms Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) My twins are EXACTLY like that. It's why DD isn't allowed to have daytime activities until they are old enough to participate (or outgrow the insanity). Or until she can go without me. Obviously I don't really have anything helpful. Though I just read about the car. I'd do that. When I do have to wait with the twins we do it in the car. They climb about and sit in all the seats and I lock the doors and read a book. (sometimes my book, sometimes read to them) It works really really well. Edited October 3, 2012 by AdventureMoms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 You mentioned she has to be 4 to get in the water, but can you let her sit on the side with her feet in (or would that be just too tempting?) I've tried this... but she can't seem to keep from leaning forward and putting her hands in, then her arms in, then I'm grabbing her by the shirt to keep her from nosediving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Based on what you have written, it is possible that these 2x/weekly swimming lessons are not something you can realistically or safely do, unless some aspect of the set-up changes: Someone (friend, grandparent, aunt) goes along to help you manage one of the children (or stays home with them). The pool rules change to allow you to leave the pool during lesson time. Your three year old "gets it" that she may not run around or go near the pool. You come up with some system that works for all five of you, the pool staff, and everyone else at lessons. I'm not saying this to be snarky, really I am not. :willy_nilly::willy_nilly: :Angel_anim: See those whirling twins, next to that smiling angel? Those are mine, and I had two of them like that, not so long ago. They are manageable now, at 5.5, 5.5 and 7.5, but it wasn't always so. They used to be three, ya know. :D It's true, we didn't do certain things for a while, because I felt unsafe with the logistics. The more popular approach is to try to manage it all single-handed, go and go and go, wear yourself out, pretend you can keep track of that many little active people, but it never felt safe to me. Besides, I'm an old mom. Just my two cents, but I would prioritize safety (children's) and sanity (mine) over swimming lessons, even though the older children might have to wait a bit to start. If you could line up a sitter for your youngest two, or someone to go with you each time, it might be more manageable. I know that's no help, really, I just remember feeling the pressure to juggle it all when they were little, and it was empowering to me to finally say "No, this can wait." Good luck with your Tornado! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2squared Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 When I had this situation, I put my infant in either a stroller or a baby carrier, and I followed my toddler around the pool entertaining him. Those swim lessons were looooong. Do you truly have to be by the side of the pool? Could you wait in your vehicle for the older kids? That's my preferred method now. I've done the wait-by-the-side-and-drive-myself-insane-following-a-toddler-and-carrying-an-infant already. I'm not readily putting myself back in that situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My twins are EXACTLY like that. It's why DD isn't allowed to have daytime activities until they are old enough to participate (or outgrow the insanity). Or until she can go without me. Obviously I don't really have anything helpful. Though I just read about the car. I'd do that. When I do have to wait with the twins we do it in the car. They climb about and sit in all the seats and I lock the doors and read a book. (sometimes my book, sometimes read to them) It works really really well. :lol: I hadn't read your post when I posted, but see above. This is where we were a few years ago. It's a fun (exhausting) stage when twins are toddlers. Enjoy it while it lasts. We were just looking through some photos of when the girls were "little." ;) Those chubby cheeks! Those fat feet! For me at the time, it was a wonderful realization that we could stay home, more than the culture would have us believe, and things would be just fine. Of course, the OP's oldest are 7 and 5... that's tough, to have children ready for activities, along with a toddler and a newborn. If I had a toddler and a newborn (on top of these three), I'd :svengo:(a) pass out; and (b) send husband to the urologist; and © recruit help. OP, can you recruit anyone to help? More hands make it better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Of course, the OP's oldest are 7 and 5... that's tough, to have children ready for activities, along with a toddler and a newborn. If I had a toddler and a newborn (on top of these three), I'd :svengo:(a) pass out; and (b) send husband to the urologist; and © recruit help. OP, can you recruit anyone to help? More hands make it better. I don't know that I can find free help. And, if I have to pay someone twice a week, it's going to get very expensive. The older two loooooove swimming. I hate to pull them because they have younger siblings. There could potentially be more younger siblings down the road as well... so I feel like if we wait till all the little ones are older, the oldest may never do anything, kwim? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Based on what you have written, it is possible that these 2x/weekly swimming lessons are not something you can realistically or safely do, unless some aspect of the set-up changes: I don't know that I feel like the 3 year old is unsafe. I'd just like to not be chasing her the entire time. I mean, I know 3 year olds typically involve lots of chasing... but if we could just slightly reduce it! I feel like I can watch her well enough to keep her from diving in. There are also lots of coaches in the water and by the water that could help. However, I want her to stay out of their way as well. We did this last year and a good friend watched her. That friend moved away over the summer.... Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 If you think your 3 year old is capable of behaving well during swim lessons, you could try to remind her to behave by instantly taking her to the car when she doesn't follow your directions. Being strapped into her carseat with no entertainment is probably not as fun as playing nicely beside you or sitting in your lap being read to. Is she the kind of kid who might respond to something like this? Some are- others not so much. But I'd think that by age 3, you could talk to her about your expectations EVERY time you're going to swim lessons and follow through if she doesn't behave safely- because this is a safety issue as much as it's about minding you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leav97 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 This probably isn't helpful but, we resorted to one parent taking DD to swim and the other staying home with DS. DS can NOT handle 1.5 hour swim practices 3 days a week. I'm betting if it were that easy you'd already have made the change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureMoms Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 :lol: I hadn't read your post when I posted, but see above. This is where we were a few years ago. It's a fun (exhausting) stage when twins are toddlers. Enjoy it while it lasts. We were just looking through some photos of when the girls were "little." ;) Those chubby cheeks! Those fat feet! For me at the time, it was a wonderful realization that we could stay home, more than the culture would have us believe, and things would be just fine. Of course, the OP's oldest are 7 and 5... that's tough, to have children ready for activities, along with a toddler and a newborn. If I had a toddler and a newborn (on top of these three), I'd :svengo:(a) pass out; and (b) send husband to the urologist; and © recruit help. OP, can you recruit anyone to help? More hands make it better. It is exhausting!! I try to have fun but OMG the boys are nutcases. Nothing like their sister at that age. I find it better when we do go places because at home they get stir-crazy and I spend all day pulling them off each other (we bite, pull hair, and hit - charming). They don't do stuff like that when we're out. However there are some things that I just don't do, and that includes anything that involves water or requiring them to stay still for more than 1.5 seconds. And yes, it would be hard for big kids to have to limit activities. That's one of the reasons I'm done having kids! I look forward to my kids being able to do fun stuff without anyone needing to be chased or held down for an hour! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 If waiting in the car is an option, why not try that? It removes the visual enticement of the pool and restricts the moving around, even if she is out of her carseat and climbing around everything. My kids were NEVER the kids who sat quietly next to the pool while a sibling swam. You have my deepest sympathy! I am so glad the chasing years are over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 You could find a nearby park and take the little ones there while the oldest have their lessons. Or you could bring the stroller and take them for a walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I have a 2 yo that likes to dart away every chance she gets, so I feel for you. Do you have one of those backpacks that has a harness? Maybe try that and download some new preschool apps or even videos on your phone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 i'm wondering what your reasons are for wanting to be "on deck"? is it to observe your swimmers? if so, maybe you could stay for the beginning, and pop back in at the end, but spend the rest of the time walking around the neighborhood? exhausting the three year old might give you five minutes at the end to watch in peace. and at the beginning, if you leave the minute they run from you, they will quickly learn to not run if they want to stay. fwiw, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'd strap the baby to you and the 3 year old in a stroller. My fourth was a runner. You have my sympathies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIE! Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'd strap the baby to you and the 3 year old in a stroller. My fourth was a runner. You have my sympathies. :iagree: I was just about to post this. When my active ones are strapped into something they don't expect to be able to run amuck. Strap the 3 year old in a stroller and give him something to keep his hands busy. Read to him, let him play on your phone. Just don't unstrap him while you're there and he'll get the idea - similar to being strapped into a car seat. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) So, if I read this correctly, you don't actually have to be by the pool. It's more that you don't have anything else you feel you can do? Honestly, I'd leave. There must be somewhere you can take a walk. Or that you can drive to within five minutes. Or ten. I mean, even if all you do is bundle up the kids, get in the car, drive to the store, get out, get a cookie, bundle everyone back into the car and go back, then that's got to be better than what you're doing there trying to keep her out of the water. Edited October 3, 2012 by farrarwilliams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upward Journey Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 The year my oldest started swimming year round (2 1/2 hour practices, 5 days/wk) I had an infant and a 3yo (plus a 5 & 7yo). Because of driving distance and the price of gas, I couldn't just drop and come back, so I had to try and come up with things to keep them occupied. I did spend a fair amount of time following the 3yo around the pool ;) but we also went for walks, found playgrounds that were close, did quick errands that were in the vacinity, brought books, legos, small toys.... Yes, we sometimes had mishaps (toys getting launched into the pool for example) but most people there had btdt and knew how hard it is to keep a 3yo occupied for that amt. of time, in a closed space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 and I'm not usually an alarmist, but my nephew's 3yo nephew by marriage drowned last Saturday in FL with his mother sitting by the pool. All I can say is do whatever you have to do! I don't envy you the challenge. I have a feeling dgs is gonna be this kid (he kinda is already). :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'd strap the baby to you and the 3 year old in a stroller. My fourth was a runner. You have my sympathies. :lol::lol: I remember reading your blog one day (a few years ago) and thinking, "You have my sympathies." :lol::lol: Your post made me laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 :lol::lol: I remember reading your blog one day (a few years ago) and thinking, "You have my sympathies." :lol::lol: Your post made me laugh. :D :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 If you must stay, backpack harness: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 That was supposed to have a pic: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 This is why I have a double stroller :glare:. ALL of my children are unable to sit still for longer than three seconds, so I feel your pain. I would wear the baby and walk the three year old in the stroller. You get a workout and 3 yo can have a great (safe) view of the pool :001_smile:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I used to bring a huge bag with me to taekwondo to keep my 3yo occupied while my 6yo was in class. He was only allowed to play with these very special toys during that time. Here's some of the things I remembered bringing: A cookie sheet with alpha letters, crayons/pencils and coloring books/paper, scissors and paper, playdough, toy cars, duplos, slinkies, cardboard puzzles in ziplock bags, tangrams, blocks, card games like go fish, books and books and books. I know there was more; it was just awhile ago. It was a seriously big bag. Not as big as the lady with 5 boys, 3 of which weren't in class yet. She brought a rolling suitcase. When all else fails, snacks. Oh, and the above only kept him busy for 40 minutes or so, but at least I only had 20 minutes to chase him instead of an hour. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindyD Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Another one for waiting it out in the car. My son has golf class, and we've waited in the car many afternoons because it's not safe for my 2.5yr ds to be around them. It's not too bad really. He gets to roam around the van for 45 minutes and get a snack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I used to wait outside the pool and just watch the lessons from a glassed in area. My kids took lessons at a Country Club so I let them run in the halls unless there was someone else around. I got pretty good at finding obscure hallways for them to play in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 4, 2012 Author Share Posted October 4, 2012 I used to bring a huge bag with me to taekwondo to keep my 3yo occupied while my 6yo was in class.He was only allowed to play with these very special toys during that time. Here's some of the things I remembered bringing: A cookie sheet with alpha letters, crayons/pencils and coloring books/paper, scissors and paper, playdough, toy cars, duplos, slinkies, cardboard puzzles in ziplock bags, tangrams, blocks, card games like go fish, books and books and books. I know there was more; it was just awhile ago. It was a seriously big bag. Not as big as the lady with 5 boys, 3 of which weren't in class yet. She brought a rolling suitcase. When all else fails, snacks. Oh, and the above only kept him busy for 40 minutes or so, but at least I only had 20 minutes to chase him instead of an hour. HTH Hmmm... I actually have a cookie sheet and letters. I usually only let the 5 year old use them for school, so that would be a nice treat for her. All our playdough has been dried out for a while. A fresh stock of that might buy me five minutes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nart Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Can you download a show onto your iPhone? My 3 year old will only play with iPhone apps for a few minutes but he will sit and watch Team Umizoomi math cartoon or Go, Diego, Go. I rationalize it that he is at least safe and maybe learning math or Spanish. I just signed him up for private swim lessons while his older brother does a group swim lesson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TengoFive Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 We are at the pool 4-5 days a week for swim practice, depending on the season. I've never not had a toddler to watch there, so I feel your pain! My best advice, get the toddler to sleep for a nap before swim lessons. I did that with my last toddler and have started with my 2 year old now, even though it puts his nap really late in the day. It's worth it to not have to chase him for some of the 3 hours we're there. Bubbles have done well for us there too. I usually try to take a toy they don't have at home and rotate it out every few weeks. Trains, cars, etc. work well because they're moving them, but staying in one spot for the most part. Snack time in the stroller sometimes helps buy a few minutes of not chasing them around. If I think of more things we've done, I'll come back and edit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Could you possible bring a very small blow up pool, the kind that is maybe 2 ft across, fill it with 3 inches of pool water, and let her play in it? You could put a few water toys in it and a small net, and let her get in it. Each week you could put different things in it--like maybe some plastic jewels, a couple of sponges, coins and a net, etc. Kinda like a sensory tub but something she can sit in. This is what I was thinking... even a plastic basin or bucket. I feel for you. When ds was about a year old I used to sit on the edge of the pool holding onto his diaper so he could splash in the water. It was crazy hot where we were, and just having him outside made me feel terrible, let alone refusing to allow him access to the water. We did lessons at a hotel pool, and they would not even let siblings splash in the toddler pool without paying their outrageous entry fees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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