1. Introduce
New Textures & Shapes
Pinterest is literally exploding
with amazing ideas for sensory bins. If
you have never heard of a sensory bin/box, it is a container filled with some
kind of a texture such as dry rice or beads.
Toss in a few small toys, and let them dig for treasure! Obviously, take your toddler’s ability to
keep objects out of their mouth into consideration and supervise at all times.
For younger toddlers, cooked pasta
may be a better option. Cupcake enjoys
the colors of vegetable pasta, and if she happens to pop in into her mouth I
can just call it lunch!
Another great option for babies
and young toddlers is a shape themed treasure box. When Cupcake was around eight to ten months
old I created a shape basket which I decorated and filled with a particular
shape. For example, when it was circle
themed my dear hubby and I collected lids, bangle bracelets, and other round
treasures too large for a munchy little mouth. Cupcake adores her treasure basket!
2. Art!
Choose an activity based on your
toddler's current skill level, but don’t be afraid to let them attempt new
things! A personal favorite in our
household is finger painting, and Miss Cupcake has become quite the little
artist. Make your own finger paint by
adding a bit of color to pudding/yogurt (or buy washable finger paint at the
Dollar Store if you have no fear of them eating it) and use a large white poster board as their canvas.
Yes, this gets messy!
After all, motherhood is not for the faint of heart. It may be easier to let your little love
create their masterpiece outdoors or even in the bathtub!
3. Exercise.
While many people consider
“chasing around a two year old” a workout in itself there are many benefits for
both mommy and toddler to a more organized exercise routine. I was pleasantly
surprised to see how delighted Cupcake was to be included in my workout. She adores imitating me and giggles with
delight as she does a downward dog that would put a seasoned yogi to shame. For times when toddlers are not interested in
actively participating you can simply pop them in a stroller and go for a
walk/run. Toddlers will enjoy the mommy
and me time while learning healthy habits that can last a lifetime!
4. Learning
activities.
When Cupcake was six months old
we began what we refer to as “baby school.”
Among other things, I used the Your
Baby Can Read flashcards several times a day and (on rare occasions) the
accompanying DVDs. Long before her first
birthday she had developed a love for learning and could identify several
words. While every toddler has unique
skills and learns at a different pace, they are similar in the fact that they
absorb the information around them like little sponges.
If organized learning isn’t
something you and/or your toddler are interested in there are still plenty of
ways to include learning into their playtime.
Build words with alphabet blocks, count the number of toys they are
playing with, or help them name body parts.
They will love it!
5. Sing and
dance.
No skills required! Nothing brings Cupcake more delight than the
moment she hears me turn on a catchy tune.
She starts doing a little jig… and so do I! Sometimes we sing and dance the morning away
and have a fantastic time doing it. The
sillier the better!
6. Visit the pet store.
Most toddlers are amused by all
creatures great and small. In their
little minds it’s like a trip to the zoo, and it costs you absolutely nothing
(unless, of course, they insist on bringing home one of those fun looking
doggie toys J). The pet store near me even has tiny shopping
carts for children to push around! Walk
through the store while naming the animals and the sounds that they make. Fun, fun, fun!!
7. Bake
cookies.
This is a fantastic activity that
can involve sensory play (with squeaky clean hands, or course) and
learning. Give your toddler an oversized
mixing bowl and talk them through the steps.
We prefer healthy-ish oatmeal based cookies. Let them help set the timer and watch the
cookies through the oven window. Then
enjoy a warm cookie together. YUMMY!
8. Search
for treasures at the park.
Give your little love a bag or bucket and let
them collect pebbles, leaves, and other fun objects at the park. Walk along with them and discuss their
newfound treasures with great enthusiasm.
For even more fun, hide small prizes for them to discover and watch
their little eyes light up with excitement.
9. Make a
ball pit.
For younger toddlers, a crib makes a idea
ball pit (yes, they will throw every last one of them out). You can also fill a kiddie pool up with balls
which allows them to climb out and throw them all back in… double the fun! For
around $12 at Wal-mart you can
purchase 100 balls which will provide hours of entertainment for your toddler.
10. Dress up.
Set up a full-length mirror, give
them a box of hats/shoes/sunglasses, and let their imaginations run wild! The Dollar Store often has plastic
firefighter hats, crowns, princess shoes, etc. Your toddler will have a
ridiculous amount of fun while practicing coordination skills and learning to
dress themselves.
Have fun and enjoy these precious moments
with your toddler!
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