If all your toddler does is watch TV, play video games and use the computer, he becomes less exposed to other worthwhile activities. Toddlers need to experience different things for them to grow well. Here are some fun toddler activities you can try to cut down your toddler’s screen time.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are always a delightful activity. It is an activity that challenges a toddler’s mind. Here are some crafty ideas you can try with your little one:

• Finger paint
• Mold play dough
• Create bracelets and necklaces using strings and Cheerios as beads
• Make sock puppets
• Create a collage or scrapbook
• Origami
• Make your own world map, musical instruments, jigsaw puzzle or building blocks (using foam)

Pretend Play

Play a game of make believe with your little one. Not only will it make your baby happier, but it will also encourage your toddler to use his imagination which is helpful for his development. Pretend you are at a ship. Wrap a handkerchief or bandana around his head. Use toys as his passengers. Take turns playing doctor and patient. Stage a play and use finger or sock puppets as the characters. Imagine that you are taking a vacation. Get a small bag and ask your toddler to place what things he would like to bring with him.

Cooking Together

Instead of forbidding your little one in the kitchen, why not ask your toddler to pitch in? He will be more than happy to help you out. Give him easy tasks. He can wash the fruits and vegetables, measure ingredients, stir or let him slice some ingredients using a nylon knife (safe for children to use). Of course, do not forget to keep the stove top, pans, sharp knives and other hazardous tools out of reach.

The Sorting Game

Take out different objects (e.g. plastic cups and utensils, plates, toys and fruits) on the table or on the floor and ask your toddler to separate them into different groups (e.g. by color, shape, size or use). While he is sorting them out, ask him to name each object.

Make Your Own Obstacle Course

On a safe and even surface, pile up pillows to make walls, place hula hoops or a box and a makeshift tent. Place a prize at the end of the course. Ask your toddler to knock down the pillows, hop, jump and crawl until he reaches the finish line.

Treasure Hunt

Give your toddler a small plastic pail and a list of items he needs to find. Give him a time limit. To make it more fun, ask your toddler to do something first before he gets the object like counting to ten or singing a song.

Reading

Reading is a fun and educational activity. Have your toddler pick a book he likes. Read it aloud (do not forget to change the tone of your voice and facial expression to emphasize the words). Once you are done reading, discuss the book with your toddler. Ask him who his favorite character is or how the story would end if he was the author.

Going Outside

Take a stroll in the park. Ride a bicycle. Let him mingle with his peers in the playground. Organize an outdoor play date with your neighbour’s kids. Play tag, hide and seek, soccer or Frisbee. The fresh air, sunlight and adrenaline rush will be good for your child.

There is a whole world out there waiting for your toddler. So get your toddler’s eyes off the screen so he will not miss out a wonderful road to discovery.