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Hi Moms:

I have two children - a 4 year old and a 18 month old. The 4 year old goes to 4K in the mornings until 12:30, and the 18 month old stays with me all day. How do I get anything done? My little man has learned how to escape under the baby gates, he has learned how to open the pantry even with a lock on it (it worked all of about 2 days), he turns the TV on and off, he can open the doors in our house, etc. But I have weeds taking over my yard (my husband works out of town during the week), my truck is filthy and needs to be vacuumed, there is dust everywhere. Any suggestions as to how I can tackle the things I need to do, with a 1 1/2 year old that is too smart to be contained? I never had this problem with my daughter. She would play in her play yard, or stay in the baby gates while I cleaned, etc. BTW - I have no one that can watch little man while I try to do these things. No family, etc. in the area.

HaHa! That sounds all too familiar! Firstly, in my opinion, don't stress about all that isn't done...the most important thing is to enjoy Little Man. All that stuff will be there, little man won't be little forever. Have you tried him being Mommie's little helper? Sometimes you get more accomplished and he isn't as much under foot when he can feel included or helping. I know there are just some things this isn't practical but....those that are...try 'em! Good Luck!

Can you have him 'help' you do all that stuff you want to get done? I'm sure he could pull the weeds (and while he's at it, come to my yard! I am over weeding all the time and am in the process of redoing the yard and getting rid of planters....)

May I suggest that any cabinet you want to restrict him from you place a lock that is way above his head. Pantries should have locks on the top of the door.Lower cabinets have special locks that require two hands to open. Put gates touching the floor. Give him little chores, put puppets made of socks on his hands and ask him to help dust. Be careful with weed pulling because he doesn't recognize toxic weeds. Get him a little wheelbarrow and plastic rake. Do not let him handle the vacuum but give him a dust brush and let him pretend to be cleaning the car. Does he like to take things apart, if so, get him a fake tool kit made of plastic and let him fix things. I agree that you need to concentrate on spending time with your little man, they grow up too fast and the dust bunnies will be there waiting for you. Don't stress.

I feel for you. I had a daughter that was the exact same way. She knew how to get around baby locks and would climb everything she sees. Nothing contained her. I did most of my work while she as napping, of course. I used to give her things that didn't look like toys to keep her occupied. It worked. I guess she thought she was a little adult and just wanted to do what everyone else did. I made sure she had her own pots and pans, plastic tools, plastic items kept on the end tables that didn't looked like toys, etc. Of course I watched her like a hawk and she did grow up to respect things. She is grown-up now, but be patient, you'll figure out something.

*I also didn't have any extra help.

I completely understand I have a 33 month old little girl who does try to help but turns out always making more work and then my lovely little boy who is 18 months old that thinks he helps and does about the same as his sister, not to meniton with thier little sister who is on her way to help with the trouble due at the end of this year. The only thing that has given me some peace of mind in the kitchen is tot locks, we have them on all lower cabinets. As for the kitchen drawers I can't say the same thing so I have decided to put thier cups, bowls, plates and silverware down in them and they help set the table. We were lucky enough to be able to get a newer upgraded dishwasher last year and I am thankful for the child lock on that when I remember to set it. Now if only the washer (front loader) had the same lock that would be a huge help.