OHbaby! Forums : I need ideas!!

OHbaby! Forums : I need ideas!! https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:25:32 +0000 Thu, 22 May 2008 14:13:02 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=17455 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : nikkiwhyte wrote: They could...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=391032&title=i-need-ideas#391032 Author: caitlynsmygirl
Subject: 17455
Posted: 22 May 2008 at 2:13pm

nikkiwhyte wrote:

They could write and illustrate a book together?
.

annnnd you and the girls could work on a wee book for dad for fathers day ,(or anyday of course ) photos of him and the girls and then get the girls to dictate to you what they like about spending time with daddy and favourite things they've done etc

]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 14:13:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=391032&title=i-need-ideas#391032 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Maybe he's trying to do too...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390704&title=i-need-ideas#390704 Author: nikkitheknitter
Subject: 17455
Posted: 22 May 2008 at 10:23am

Maybe he's trying to do too much stuff out of the house? I know it stresses me out when I try and commit to too many things...

So, some at home activities maybe?

Hide and seek?
Getting the girls to help him with house work?
We used to make rain puddles out of newspaper and put them around the house and you were only allowed to jump in puddles - I don't remember if that's exactly the game but recall it being super fun and very time consuming

They could write and illustrate a book together?
Bake?

I'm all for getting kids involved in housework. I don't know how much he does it at this stage... and sometimes it is much more work than it's worth!... but I believe the things they learn from it are super beneficial to them. As well as getting housework done and spending quality time etc.]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 10:23:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390704&title=i-need-ideas#390704 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I'm with Emz on this one....]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390650&title=i-need-ideas#390650 Author: T_Rex
Subject: 17455
Posted: 22 May 2008 at 9:53am

I'm with Emz on this one. My dad wasn't a SAHD as such, but we lived on a farm, and I was one of many, so my mum would send the older 2-3 off with my dad for the day. We always had a ball being dad's 'helpers' (I'm sure life was much easier for him on days we stayed home, but we didn't realise that at the time!).
So my suggestion would be for your DH to think of what he enjoys doing, and involve the girls in that. Guessing here, but what about going on walks, maybe a building project - even if its just a small piece of furniture? If he's having a good time, the girls will pick up on that and enjoy themselves too.
I thought RachandJack's suggestion of a night with the boys was a good one too. Is there something he can do for himself? Even maybe a uni paper or something?
I hope things get better for you all

]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 09:53:01 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390650&title=i-need-ideas#390650 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Good on him Shame there are no...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390550&title=i-need-ideas#390550 Author: Glow
Subject: 17455
Posted: 22 May 2008 at 7:30am

Good on him

Shame there are no SAHD groups or more Dads involved in the activites they attend. Maybe a 'Dad time out day' is what he needs Im not sure of the criteria, but ive heard of some parents getting 9 free hours care, regardless of age. But that would probaly mean the girls have no free day]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 07:30:54 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390550&title=i-need-ideas#390550 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Teresa Campbell St doesn't...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390488&title=i-need-ideas#390488 Author: mummy_becks
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 11:08pm

Teresa Campbell St doesn't have a waiting list you could enrol her this week and she could start next week.

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 23:08:11 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390488&title=i-need-ideas#390488 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : ooooh , isnt there some other...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390454&title=i-need-ideas#390454 Author: caitlynsmygirl
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 10:46pm

ooooh , isnt there some other sahd's on here eg, superdad? could they maybe get talking, just so Nat knows hes not the only one out there and so he can talk about it to another male ?

he sounds like hes doing an awesome job though, good on him

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 22:46:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390454&title=i-need-ideas#390454 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I was brought up by a SAHD, it...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390435&title=i-need-ideas#390435 Author: emz
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 10:33pm

I was brought up by a SAHD, it rocked!

Dad used to take us on all his errands (he made work for himself by always buying cars that broke down

). We used to think it was awesome. I know it sounds harsh, but he treated it more like he was working from home and we were his little helpers. From an early age I knew all about cars (could bleed brakes when I was 10), learnt how to do architectural drawings with dad, spent time hunting and shooting, driving etc. He taught us awesome life skills. We also went to kindy every morning.

I think a good thing for not only dads but everyone to remember is that its OK to just do nothing, and just have a 'learning free' day. Kind of like learning through osmosis rather than doing specific learning activities or constantly being on the go.

We also used to do things like going to collect leaves (Dad would let us roam free for about 2 hours in the backyard while doing this) and then he'd spend maybe an hour making collages with us. 2 hours off - 1 hour on. Not bad!]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 22:33:16 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390435&title=i-need-ideas#390435 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Since you go to playcentre can...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390278&title=i-need-ideas#390278 Author: Rachael21
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:48pm

Since you go to playcentre can Hannah and Briona not be left there alone yet? He could pick up another day and then he only has to go the parent help days and when Kryssi wants to go. Maybe he could organise a boys night once a week where he could do boy things with his friends (play cards or something I don't know) so he has something to look forward to?

I think hes doing a really awesome job, I have enough trouble with 2

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:48:56 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390278&title=i-need-ideas#390278 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I agree with MrsM, I'd take...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390274&title=i-need-ideas#390274 Author: .Mel
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:47pm

I agree with MrsM, I'd take advantage of the 20 free hours, see if she can go in the mornings to either kindy or daycare.

I also agree with Peace, I think it would be great for him to have a break from the house cleaning/washing aspect of things at least one day a week.

Good luck on your decision making.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:47:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390274&title=i-need-ideas#390274 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I am all for pushing the girls...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390258&title=i-need-ideas#390258 Author: Peace
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:39pm

I am all for pushing the girls into activities and motivating into your DH into becoming a joiner, I'm not really talking about kindy either, I have heaps of fun with Olivia at dance classes and swimming lessons. How about reconnecting the girls with Daddy on a one to one basis by giving him time to spend alone with him. It must he harder to form that bond when it is a 3 tag team action.
I think there is also something to be said about the tedium of house work as well, I mean I don't mind it myself but I remember you saying once he wasn't good with the Ground Hog Day aspect of it. So maybe hiring a cleaner for 1hr per week to do the floors and washing so it isn't completely killer.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:39:42 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390258&title=i-need-ideas#390258 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : wow they do do a lot.. i only...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390237&title=i-need-ideas#390237 Author: Bizzy
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:28pm

wow they do do a lot.. i only take toby to playgroup once a week and just recently the library too.
maybe he needs to hang back a bit and just chill at home more? ]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:28:46 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390237&title=i-need-ideas#390237 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Wow, that's a lot of stuff....]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390236&title=i-need-ideas#390236 Author: MrsMojo
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:25pm

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. My DH and Michaela just hang out together

We've contacted our local plunket to find out if they can set up a sahd group maybe you could do the same - a pin group for blokes.

Kindy's a great idea too, in fact Briona's not far off qualifying for 20 free hours too if you'd be happy to send her to kindy or pre-school a couple of mornings/days a week.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:25:38 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390236&title=i-need-ideas#390236 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Can he start doing some cool "outdoors"...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390235&title=i-need-ideas#390235 Author: MummyFreckle
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:25pm

Can he start doing some cool "outdoors" activities with them - I know its getting really cold now, but what about wrapping up really warm and heading out to Himitangi to collect driftwood, or things like that?

Its sounds like he is doing lots of stuff already - but am guessing its a bit tough being a bloke at the women dominated things (its hard enough as a chick going into some of these things!)

What about something like jumping beans (do they have that in Palmy?) - might be a bit expensive though, not sure. Swimming?

My brother is a SAHD, but he doesnt drive and they live semi-rural, so the only thing that they do on a regular basis is kindy (my nephew is 3), but he has had a really tough time, being so isolated. I try to go up once a week and pick them up and take them out, but some weeks its a bit hard.

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:25:03 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390235&title=i-need-ideas#390235 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : thanks for the replies (keep them...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390223&title=i-need-ideas#390223 Author: busymum
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 8:15pm

thanks for the replies (keep them coming!). Just to clarify, at the moment DH and the kids are going to the puzzle library and the public library weekly, playcentre x2 per week, and mainly music each week also. MIL does 1hr of housework each week also, and between all of that there is one weekday off! And he knows of no other SAHDs or dads' groups around... gets tired of talking "girl stuff" at women-dominated coffee groups/playcentre/music/etc

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 20:15:31 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390223&title=i-need-ideas#390223 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : He could also try playcentre,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390195&title=i-need-ideas#390195 Author: LeahandJoel
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 7:54pm

He could also try playcentre, all ages from birth to school age (5-6 dependimg on when you wouls start them), other kids as well love having dads at playcentre. Also gets them all out of the house for a few hours in the morning.

Good on him for being a SAHD

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 19:54:37 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390195&title=i-need-ideas#390195 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I have nothing intelligent to...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390168&title=i-need-ideas#390168 Author: Maya
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 7:29pm

I have nothing intelligent to add except big ups to Nat (and all other SAHP's) coz I would go stark raving mad stuck at home on my own with this lot!]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 19:29:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390168&title=i-need-ideas#390168 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Haha Pepsi!! Becks I was thinking...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390139&title=i-need-ideas#390139 Author: busymum
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 7:03pm

Haha Pepsi!!

Becks I was thinking on that... there aren't big waiting lists for kindies in PN? I think there is a couple of months wait usually, isn't there?]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 19:03:20 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390139&title=i-need-ideas#390139 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : It's going to be a tough...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390115&title=i-need-ideas#390115 Author: pepsi
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 6:27pm

It's going to be a tough decision..but you could sell 2 of them. I'd pick the tidiest one

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 18:27:33 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390115&title=i-need-ideas#390115 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : Fisrt of all, kudos to your DH...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390104&title=i-need-ideas#390104 Author: Jay_R
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 6:20pm

Fisrt of all, kudos to your DH for being a SAHD. He is doing amazingly well. At risk of being gender stereotypical here but I reckon it must be way harder for a guy to get to grips with being at home with kids 24/7.

Does he get involved with playgroups and the like? Maybe that would help him, get some adult time whilst also being with the girls. Also, Bec's suggestion of kindy is a great one. Allow him time with the littlies whilst Hannah is getting big kid time.

All the best with this - SAHD's rock!]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 18:20:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390104&title=i-need-ideas#390104 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : I know you want to homeschool...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390098&title=i-need-ideas#390098 Author: mummy_becks
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 6:14pm

I know you want to homeschool the girls but what about Hannah going into kindy for a couple of mornings a week. Would help Nat out a bit and I think Hannah would enjoy it. You could put her in the one that Andrew goes to and it would be free with the 20 hours free.

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 18:14:27 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390098&title=i-need-ideas#390098 <![CDATA[I need ideas!! : My DH is struggling with SAHD...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390088&title=i-need-ideas#390088 Author: busymum
Subject: 17455
Posted: 21 May 2008 at 5:55pm

My DH is struggling with SAHD stuff, it's been 7 mos for him but he's had three at a time all that time. We're going to talk about what to do tonight. He wants to keep on as SAHD but please chuck us all the ideas you can for me to help him - thanks as always!

]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 17:55:11 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17455&PID=390088&title=i-need-ideas#390088