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For the Love of Boundaries

Boundaries.

They are a part of life.

Hopefully I am not speaking too soon--but I think I have vastly improved my life by purchasing a play yard.  I know, I know, Haley is TWO not 6 months.  But somewhere along the line, Haley did not develop a  particular skill.  That is, to sit down and play with toys--independently.  She is SO active, which I totally love and embrace, but I think she is sometimes too much for herself.  And after a day of the play yard, it is now apparent to me that she craves the boundaries.

I suppose I just figured, with an open floor plan, and some baby proofing--what is the harm in allowing her to roam the house?  Well the issue is, there are too many options.  Too much freedom.  And way too much destruction in my life.

I tried a play room.  Thinking, having all the toys in one place, she would be more likely to just go play on her own.  WRONG.  She doesn't want to go in there unless someone is sitting in there with her.  While I love my kid, I have WAY to much to accomplish in a day to just sit around a play room.  SO that idea was a flop.

And I'll admit it.  I fell into the tv/ Ipad trap.  It started just a few minutes a day and snowballed into a few hours.  Because I could cook, and clean and Haley was happy to sit and play on the Ipad.  Then the mommy guilt hit----Plus, I like to save those types of distractions for when I REALLY need them (LONG car rides, visiting relatives or friends with non-kid friendly homes,etc) So I went back to the drawing board.  And since then we have cut a few hours of tv and Ipad a day into a few hours a week.  No more Curious George before breakfast.  No more Caillou before lunch.  No more Monster's Inc. before bed.  It was a rough week at first, but she is getting the hang of it.

SO....
We actually have 11 of the sections so I can fence in the entire living room--but I am really thinking the options are endless. Another plus, it gives Haley a space to play without the dog bugging her and trying to eat all her toys.  Double bonus.  Haley will clearly not live in the fence, because she has to learn self control and how to listen when mom says 'no', but to my absolute shock, she is so content to actually sit down and play with some of her toys inside the play yard.  She spent about an hour laying around and reading her books without a peep.  She can watch me cook or clean without destroying another part of the house.  It is great.  The play yard is coming with us to Colorado so she can have a safe place to play outside at the RV park.  And I am also thinking it will be great  at the lake when it isn't so hot outside.  

Here is to attempting to have a more sane household! Now I've got to get back to my controlled chaos.  Thanks for stopping by.

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