One wants to go back in, other wants to stay out

Just curious how others handle the situation. Twice I've had Ainsley want to go back in and Bea wants to stay out. Obviously, I can"t be two places at once and I don't feel safe leaving either one unattended. The first time, I was able to persuade Bea to go in, but this time I had to drag her in kicking and screaming. We had only been out a short time, I don't really know why Ainsley wanted to go in so quickly. I felt like I was being unfair to Bea, but Ainsley needs constant supervision outside (she's still a bit unstable walking on the grass and our yard has a decent hill), but what else can I do? She had a total meltdown inside and kept screaming and crying to go on the swings. I tried to talk Ainsley into going back out to the swings, but she wanted to color.

 

Maybe Ainsley wants to go back in because (as you said) she's not comfortable on the grass? Anyway, I guess I would try to alternate -- if you made Bea go back in last time, then make Ainsley stay outside a bit longer next time. (Can she get back inside by herself?) Of course they won't appreciate that you're being fair by making them take turns, and it stinks that someone will have a meltdown either way, but at least you won't worry that Bea is always getting the short stick.

 

I was thinking alternating too and while they may not appreciate/understand right now it is laying the groundwork for the future and I do think it pays off eventually. Then I got to the coloring part and was wondering if you could have brought a couple of her coloring supplies outside? Do you have a little table or something she could sit at or even a spot on the ground you could lay a blanket? My last thought was to maybe set a time for going in and make sure they know, count down to it. I know you are probably thinking they are too young for that but again I totally think this pays off as they get older.

 

I was also going to suggest taking the coloring outside. Usually if the group is split on in or out, I tell the in folks that we need to give the others five more minutes. That give everyone a time warning and I give another at one minute. Then we go in. Maybe when you go out, take an activity that one or both can do if they don't want to play. I'm sure you don't want them running around with crayons, but maybe the color wonder markers or sidewalk chalk. A big hit is always a bucket of water and a paintbrush. They can practice cause and effect without damaging a thing!

 

Another vote for taking the coloring stuff outside. That's usually how I resolve the issue. If one wants to be inside for a particular activity, I try and move that activity outside. If they still refuse I alternate who gets to pick. It's a good way for them to learn to compromise, although it's usually a painful lesson for mom.

 

I agree with bringing some coloring things out. Maybe you could put out a small picnic table where she can color.

 

Aha! I hadn't thought of bringing the coloring stuff outside, that's a good idea. I do think Ainsley doesn't quite enjoy playing outside like Bea does because she's still not comfortable with the grass. We're getting a sand and water table soon too, so I think that will give her something to actually "do" outside. Right now, we really don't have much stuff and just kind of wander around picking up rocks and sticks, which Bea likes to do, but Ainsley not so much.
Maybe I should bring a timer out so we can do five more minutes and make it more visual.

 

The sand and water table will probably help immensely. My little girl often wants to go in while her brother wants to stay out. But if I can make the water table more fun or fill up their little swimming pool my little girl will be quite happy to then join in. As everyone else has said taking any indoor activity out (as long as it is easy enough to do) is a great way to make them stay out longer.
Amy

 

I agree with PP bring some of the indoor activities outside. I had the same problem alot of times and finally moved their coloringe easle outside and table and chairs and it helped avoid having to be in 2 places at once.

 

I bribe mine with fruit snacks...that always makes them happy...lol!

 

kelly, we have brought a few things outside that they love to play with - their bouncy balls, some mega blocks (a hand me down set from a neighbor that is in a dump truck), some cheap kids gardening toys from target, and their sand and water table. just today i set up a sprinkler for them and they loved that too! i like the idea of the chalk and painting with water too.

the problem i have is when we take them to the playground (which is just down the block - there is a private grade school on my street) and one wants to leave and go home and the other wants to stay. i either try to entertain the one who wants to go with some special 1:1 time or i'll try to get the one who wants to stay excited about all the things we can look for on the way home (pinecones, squirrels, etc.). and sometimes i just deal with one having a meltdown .

sorry if that wasn't much help!

 

QUOTE(heathernd @ May 31 2007, 12:59 PM) [snapback]274440[/snapback]
If there's not much to do in your yard a bucket of water and some paint brushes might keep her content. My boys love to "paint" the house and the patio.


I did this after nap and they LOVED it! They did do some splashing each other, but it was so hot outside that they dried right away. Thanks for the suggestion.