Dear Dorie, I am a stay-at-home mom with a baby and a preschooler. On those cold, wet days when the park is off limits, what should I do with my children? I’ve tried staying at home and I go berserk by 4 p.m. Help! — Cold and Cranky with the Kids Dear Cold, Southern California’s good weather spoils us most of the year. We’re accustomed to lots of park time, back yard time and beach activities. We should all take a lesson from the Midwest and get creative in our indoor activity. As I’m a native Southern California mom, my ideas may be limited but I hope they help. ■ Bright Child: Indoor playground on Fourth Street in Santa Monica, about $10 each for you and your toddler. Your baby should be free. Good for two hours of heavy activity. ■ Santa Monica Public Libraries: The main branch is still under construction but the Fairview, Ocean Park and Montana branches are open and kid-friendly. They have youth computers with educational software, and plenty of books and magazines to read together. ■ Movies: Loewe’s Cinema usually offers a “Mom’s Movie” during the day, with reduced volume and brighter lighting to accommodate mothers with infants. Check your local Loewe’s for listings. ■ Playdates: Another person’s house for a few hours can break up the monotony — and the mess — of a full day at home with two kids. (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 11, 2005. Read the original PDF.