Inay Ko Po!

When they were smaller, it was easier to make them sit still

But nowadays, we seldom get to play outside.  Sometimes they can get too rowdy & it's very challenging for a non-sporty mom like me to run after two toddlers. Clean public parks with minimal cars and people aren't walking distance from where we live. With the dengue outbreak, it's also scary to let them out for too long.  Their insect repellant creams are Deet-free; you have to keep on reapplying when they sweat. My kids are like me; they sweat a lot even with an electric fan on :/ And yeah, blame me that I don't like hanging out and running around when the sun is up. I only enjoy it when there's no sun &/or it's 22 degrees or less outside.  Or if I'll be allowed to run around naked or with minimal clothes on.

So yeah, during daytime I just draw the curtains to let the sunlight in our townhouse.  I let them dream of their next vacation where it is cooler outside, with green grass, more trees, less cars & tons of fresh fruit. I allow them to watch films which feature places we've never been before.

But most of the time we aren't on vacation.  So here are some of their favorite indoor games that kinda stress me out--but I try not to complain because kids need to play.

1. Jumpathon

We do not have springs under our mattress but they are still very fond of strengthening their legs and core in the bedroom.  An alternative for them is Gramma's dusty couch (bwahaha). We bought them a padded skid-proof floor liner in case they do fall on the ground. I'm very tempted to buy a trampoline; but I've read that those aren't really safe for toddlers. So yeah, probably on my son's 7th birthday we'll set up one for him.

2. Slide

My kids have wild imaginations. They dream of sliding in lush forests and bumping on animals in swamps just like the Lion Guards.  For this, our couch is quite versatile with all the throw pillows.  Again, thank God for the floor liner.  

3. Tag marathon

I was never an active kid (Ma said I only learned how to walk alone before I turned 2 & I took care of Lola's crystal collection even before I went to school) so I didn't expect my kids could be this active.  Turns out, my lack of interest in sports is just recessive in our family as my kids could climb the stairs & people-high mattress displays in department stores even before they learned how to walk.

With limited space in our living room, it's amazing how my kids could have so much fun playing tag for hours. I somehow envy their small age-gap; they act like twins sometimes. I've always wanted a twin when I was young. haha. Aya could pretend she's my twin now but she doesn't have time to play tag anymore :p. 

4. Indoor Basketball

My mom is very happy my son love balls (unlike me who used to have a phobia with basketballs, softballs & volleyballs).  So much so she got them their own hoop & soft basketball.  I installed it in their playroom with some sticky tack; and they enjoyed hours of gleeful shooting!  There are days when my daughter just takes the hoop off the wall though; she insists that the room is hers & not her brother's.  She prefers to shoot in toppled stools.

5. Hide and Seek

This is their favorite bedtime ritual.  They play hide & seek under the sheets for three or four rounds after story-time.  This was how I got to teach Leon how to count.  I dunno until when they will enjoy playing this game but I think I might miss this when they're all grown.