Entertaining age-gap siblings

[AlreadyScone]

I have a toddler and a 10 year old. This winter is proving really hard on bad-weather days when we're all together in the house. I just can't seem to find things that they both enjoy, and if they've nothing to do they wind each other up with chasing & wrestling games that end in tears. I often end up segregating them but since the youngest can't be left unsupervised, this usually means the eldest in their bedroom while the youngest is with me... which understandably feels a bit like a punishment & lonely for the eldest one (which is particularly unfair since the toddler is the main troublemaker!)

Does anyone else have age-gap kids and how do you keep them entertained at home?

[ledkr]

I have the same age gap op and find it very hard. Dd1 loves babies so is largely patient with her but I've noticed of late she finds dd2 hard going especially as she trashes her room or intrudes when she has friends over.
I'm not sure there is an easy answer. I tend to let dd1 have her mates into play so she's happy and I can desk with the monster.
I also do things with dd1 when baby asleep such as cinema baking or cooking watching out fav programmes swimming or occasionally chucking out dh from the bed so we can have a sleepover

[AlreadyScone]

Oh thanks ledkr (and I trust your advice because you were jolly sensible on the "sex question" thread last night!)

Glad it's not just me. Hadn't thought of inviting friends for eldest over more often... think I'd got it into my head that this would make things harder, not easier! Great idea.

[ledkr]

I'm an old bird so quite experienced iyswm?
Yes try the friend and also just make the time with older one count. Does toddler sleep ok? I like to use spending time with dd1 as a good excuse for a break from tiring baby tbh. Far rather be at the pics lol