Cold Days Inside

Ben has gone on strike - he does not want to do anything that is suggested, even things he likes. And not going outside is the first thing he often mentions in the morning. "I don't want to go outside - ever!" Along with "I don't have to use the potty," "I don't like to eat breakfast," and "No mommy, don't." Life is full of things to reject when you are 2.

Unless it is a big kid job - then Ben is super helpful, almost too helpful for tasks like setting the table (many forks and spoons get lost on the way to the table), blowing his own nose, make pancakes, or sweeping.

We have been inside more as it is colder - that means adventures in the form of stories, songs, imagination and starting arts and crafts. Today we did potato stamps and managed to make one page! Keeping Ben's attention on crafts is a crazy challenge. We were working well until I called them stamps... then Ben interpreted as a good opportunity to stand up so he could stamp with his foot in the paints. That was a mess and then Ben was up and done.