Evening toddler schedule

DS#1 is 3 almost 4 and DS#2 is 2.5. They both still take an afternoon nap. Usually from 130 - 330. I have always struggled with what to do with them when they wake up. Usually they get up a bit cranky so I let them have a small snack and watch tv. More often then I like, they are watching tv for the rest of the evening. They get up and play but refuse to engage in activities with me (puzzles, coloring, play dough, blocks, etc, etc.) If I turn off the tv they will continue playing no problem but usually I need the tv back on to keep them entertained so I can make dinner. So I guess my question is, What is your after nap schedule like. What kind of activities do your toddlers do either w/you or independently?

Thanks

Evening toddler schedule

If the weather is nice, I get my DS (2 years old) out of the house (pool, park, errands, etc). He is so cranky if I let him just hang around the house.

Re: Evening toddler schedule

Mine don't nap but the only activity I can leave them for a bit if I need to do something is play doh

Keeps them quiet for a bit.

Re: Evening toddler schedule

Re: Evening toddler schedule

I think its easier now that it is nice out and the days are longer. I work FT but after work we usually play outside in the backyard or go for a walk in the neighborhood, or go to the park. Then after that its bath time and playing with toys and then go to bed.

My DS goes to school and my DH takes him off the bus around 3pm, at that time he gives DS a snack and lets him watch some TV.

Re: Evening toddler schedule

This time of year outside in the afternoon and evening. Other than that they play with their toys inside - watch some tv.

I would suggest after their snack bring them outside for a walk, play outside, or go to the park for a little bit then come back and start dinner. If they watch some tv so you can do that so be it, at least you got them out before that :)

Re: Evening toddler schedule

My ds will be 3 soon and it depends on the day... We are soon moving to a house with a large yard so playing in the backyard will become an option (yay!) but isn't yet.... though we do all sorts of things. We go for walks, sometimes will do local errands, sometimes we just lay low and hang out at home. If we are home between the time he wakes up for his nap till the time I prep dinner, the tv usually comes on for at least a little while. If I'm really on my game, I'll pull out toys that aren't always out so he's interested in playing with it-- sometimes a craft, play dough.. Or I'll have him help me do a chore like putting his laundry away. I feel like once he wakes up from his nap (usually around the 4pm range) there's only an hour and a half, two hours tops before I start getting dinner out, then bath and bedtime... So the afternoons seem to fly around here.