Tag Archive | "toddler activities"

Fun Family Activities For Toddlers


Parents are busy people. But even if you are busy, this should not be an excuse not to set aside special time to hang with your toddler and family. Make every moment together count with these fun family activities for toddlers.

Hit The Beach

Who does not love spending time at the beach? Toddlers and the beach go hand-in-hand. There is so much your toddler and your family can do in the sand and in the water. Bring beach balls to kick around, sand pails, shovels and other sand toys for your little one to play with. Collect seashells. Build sand castles. Let him explore this beautiful environment (but be sure to stay close to your toddler at all times). Do not forget to pack beach-friendly snacks and drinks and most importantly, sunscreen.

Go On An Educational Outing

One of the most fun family activities for toddlers is going on a trip with the family. You do not have to take a plane to go to another country. Explore the city. Pack up the whole family in the car and visit a museum near you. Toddlers can learn so much from museums. Head to the zoo and watch your toddler’s (and your husband’s) eyes widen in amazement as he sees the colorful parrots. Most zoos have a petting station where children can touch or feed them and hold child-friendly animal shows which is a great opportunity for your little one to learn more about animals. Bring a stroller, some snacks, water and the camera.

Host A Sports Event

A family sports event is a great excuse to get everyone in the family to exercise while having loads of fun. Any sport will do, just modify it to your toddler’s needs to make it easier without taking the fun out for older family members. You can hold a Wiffle ball tournament, play bowling, basketball, soccer or kickball. Prepare prizes for your toddler and for each family member.

Cook Meals Together

Cooking is also considered as one of the most fun family activities for toddlers. Invite your whole crew to help you prepare a special dish for dinner. Give your little one his own apron and chef’s hat and ask him to wash the vegetables or stir ingredients together while the elders chop and fry. Eating the food everyone helped cook will be so much yummier and sweeter. Plus, it will be a delight to hear and laugh about how your toddler’s face was smeared with flour.

Hold A Movie Night

Watching movies is another great family activity to do with toddlers. Each week, hold a family movie night in your living room. Take turns choosing the film. Pop some corn, allow your toddler to drink a glass of juice or soda, dim down the lights and get cozy. You can even use decorations to set the mood. Afterwards, you can talk about the movie and point out the lessons of the movie.

Get Crafty

Do-it-yourself projects are an excellent bonding activity for the family. Cover the table, floors and walls with newspaper and invite the whole gang to unleash their inner Picasso. Some toddler-appropriate craft ideas include finger painting, homemade family photo book, sticky wall collages, personalized greeting cards and finger puppets.

Read Books

Grab a pile of children’s books and hold a family book reading session once a week. Take turns picking a book and reading. If your toddler still has difficulty reading words, help him by reading aloud together. Discuss it afterwards. Reading is a fun family activity for toddlers and is also very educational. It helps boost your toddler’s language skills, memory, imagination, critical-thinking and attention span.

These are just some of the most fun family activities for toddlers. There are still countless of ideas you can try and explore. While your toddler is still young, grab the chance to foster family ties as this will benefit him later in the life.

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How To Limit TV Time For Kids


Children these days are so glued to the shows they are watching that they can sit in front of the television for hours on end. However, too much TV is never good for anyone, especially for a growing child. Parents can try some of these helpful tips on how to limit TV time for kids.

Create A Screen Time Schedule

Setting boundaries is one of the most effective techniques on how to limit TV time for kids. Set TV viewing at 1 hour per day. Allow your toddler to watch TV only after he has done all of his homework. This will keep your toddler from going straight to the television when he gets home from school. Let him watch a certain number of shows a day. Or, you can also impose the “no TV during school days” rule. Whatever schedule you set, make sure you stick to it and if it is time for your toddler to watch TV, let him watch without interruptions from you. Children respond well to rules and will obey more readily if they know what is expected of them and if parents are firm of their rules.

Provide Specific Programming

Watch particular programs instead of mindlessly channel surfing. Watching specific shows keeps your little one more focused and aware. Plus, he is more likely to turn off the TV once the show he is watching is over.

Remove Televisions From Rooms

Place the TV in one area of your house, such as the living room or family room. Get rid of the TV in your toddler’s bedroom or in your kitchen. Only have one television in your house, if everyone is okay with the idea. By taking away extra TV’s, you can better monitor the amount of time your little one spends in front of the TV and increase family time.

Cover The TV When Not In Use

Use the “out of sight, out of mind” technique. Store the television in a cabinet or place a blanket over it when no one is watching TV. If your toddler does not see it, he will be less likely to be drawn to it.

Set A Family Time Each Night

Set aside a few hours (at least 1 to 2 hours) for family time every night. Cook dinner together, eat together, talk about your day, play games, walk around the neighbourhood, take a ride somewhere or watch TV as a family. Make those hours just family time.

Use TV As A Reward

Another tip on how to limit TV time for kids is by using television as an incentive. Allow your little one to watch TV for doing household chores, studying, having good grades or for good behaviour. Not only will this help your toddler do the things he has to do but it also gives your toddler a healthier outlook towards television, instead of thinking that the TV is just a regular part of life.

Encourage Other Activities

There are plenty of worthwhile alternatives toddlers can do aside from watching television. Have your toddler join a sports team or a dancing class. Encourage him to play outside, draw or paint. Play board games, hide and seek or tag. Help your toddler finish a jigsaw puzzle. Read books together. Share stories. Let him tag along whenever you run errands. Plan a day trip during the weekend.

Mind Your Own TV Time

Of course, these tips will not be effective unless you monitor your own TV time. Keep in mind that toddlers love to imitate their parents, hence, it is very important that you lead by example. If your little one sees you sitting on the couch all day watching TV shows, then no wonder your toddler spends most of his time in front of the television.

Reducing your toddler’s TV time can be a challenge. But if you are firm and consistent, all your efforts will definitely pay off in the long run.

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Sports For Toddlers – Tips For Introducing Your Toddler To Sports


Sports for toddlers is a form of recreation that helps them learn and hone their development at the same time. Introducing your toddler to sports is one of the best ways for him to try out and discover new things. Here are a few tips to get your toddler to love sports.

Introduce Different Sports

Let your toddler try as many sports as he can. Encourage your little one to try soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, figure skating, etc. Do not worry if your toddler does not show much interest in them. Just experiment with different sports. He will find his niche sooner or later.

Follow Your Toddler’s Lead

Another way to introduce sports to your toddler is to figure out where your toddler’s interests lie. Does he enjoy being in the water? Does he like to play games involving speed, strength and energy? Does he prefer activities involving less physical contact? The key here is to observe, not assume. By watching your toddler closely, you will get a clue on the kind of sport your little one is most likely to enjoy.

Start At Home

Do not immediately enroll your toddler in a program once you find out where his interests lie. Instead, play a game or two of his favorite sport in your yard. Most toddlers favour practicing at home and it will give your toddler a chance to explore his decision and decide if the sport is something he will truly enjoy doing. This is also a perfect time to motivate your toddler in sports.

Choose A Good Sports Program

Sign up your toddler for summer camps, clinics, classes or workshops. These programs have trained individuals who can help hone your toddler’s interests. Plus, your toddler will be able to interact with children who share the same interests as his which is also beneficial for his social development. Take time to observe various programs so you and your child will know what to expect and if the teaching style is excellent.

Expose Your Toddler

Aside from enrolling in programs and playing at home, watch games on TV or if possible, watch it live and explain to him what is going on. A crowded, cheerful stadium is a good way to convince your toddler that sports are awesome. Visit sport shops and point out the gears he might have to use in his sport. Read books (e.g. Pete The Cat: Play Ball!) and magazines (e.g. Sports Illustrated for Kids) about sports with him.

Get Involved

Children love doing things with their parents. Go swimming or bowling during the weekends. Ride your bicycles around the neighbourhood every afternoon. Attend your toddler’s practices so you can see him score a goal.

Praise Not Criticize

Every parent wants their children to succeed. However, keep your criticisms in check. Offer advice but do not be too hard on your toddler. Never belittle him and make comparisons. Give him a high five, a kiss, a hug and say “You did good, honey! I am so proud of you.” whether he loses or wins a game. The goal is to see him happy.

Most importantly, treat your toddler as a child, not an athlete who should focus on getting a college scholarship. Once you keep that in mind, you will not have any trouble getting your toddler to enjoy sports.

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Fun Summer Activities For Children


Sunny days, fresh air and children. They go naturally together. Keep your toddler active with this list of fun summer activities for children.

Water Play

The summer heat can drain your toddler’s energy. So why not enjoy a splash and recharge. From sprinklers to pools to water tables, there are plenty of ways to keep your little one entertained with water. Summertime is also the perfect time to teach your toddler how to swim. Water play provides your toddler an opportunity to stimulate his senses, experiment and of course, provide endless laughter and fun.

Organize A Picnic

A picnic is always great for toddlers. On a bright, sunny Saturday, invite your relatives or your friends for a picnic. Ask your toddler to assist you in preparing the food. He can help you make yummy finger foods such as small sandwiches, biscuits, sliced fruits and vegetables and trail mix. Do not forget to pack some juice and water. Grab a blanket and head to the park. Once lunch is over, your toddler and his peers can play tag or hide and seek and when they are exhausted from running, they can just lie in the grass and gaze at the sky.

Start A Collection

Satiate your toddler’s thirst for adventure by going on an expedition. Go around your backyard, neighbourhood or town and let him look for interesting items he can collect - leaves, bugs, rocks, rubber stamps, etc. This activity promotes a fun way to expose your toddler to different things which helps broaden his knowledge.

Go Fishing

This classic hobby is a fun way to boost the bond between dads and toddlers. Bring fishing rods, bobbers, worms (as bait) and rubber gloves. Since the goal for your toddler’s first fishing trip is to catch a fish, pick a location where bites will be easy to come such as creeks, rivers, lakes or a small farm pond. Talk about anything under the sun to keep your toddler from feeling bored while waiting. When he catches a fish, hold it for him and show him the fins and explain how the fish uses them to swim. Teach him to catch and release. Or if you bring fish home, have him bring only what he can eat and release the rest. Do not forget to praise your toddler for a job well done.

Visit A Zoo

Children love animals. The best way to expose your toddler with different species aside from cats and dogs is to go on a day trip to a zoo near you. Stick to a petting zoo so your little one can see animals up close and interact with them. Ask him to trumpet like an elephant, name the colors of the parrot or hold the lamb.

Learn Something New

Now is the best time to enroll your toddler in a class he is interested in. Most community parks offer an array of free and inexpensive activities such as arts and crafts workshop, dance, soccer, tennis and swimming lessons.

Grow A Garden

Give your toddler gardening tools and some fruits, vegetables or herbs to plant. Ask him to water, talk or sing to his plant every day. This is a great way to keep him busy at home. Plus, he will get a kick out of seeing the fruit of his labor.

Summertime is one of the most anticipated seasons of toddlers. These activities will surely keep toddlers busy and happy while stimulating the mind at the same time.

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Fun Toddler Activities For Your Child’s Play Dates


Play dates are an essential part of a toddler’s life. It serves as an entertaining and educational activity at the same time. Try some of these toddler activities to make your toddler’s play dates a blast.

Outdoor Outing

If the weather permits, let your toddler and his playmates walk around the block or meet at a park. Give each toddler a plastic pail and ask them to collect things such as pine cones, leaves, sticks or anything that interests them. Once they are done, have a show and tell. Or, why not play a game of “I Spy”. Describe interesting things or spots as you go like a shiny red car, a bird’s nest, falling leaves and so on and then ask them to find the object or spot you are talking about.

Playdough Date

If you do not mind cleaning up a little mess, this activity will be perfect for your toddler’s play date. You can either buy some playdough in different colors or make edible playdough in yummy flavors such as chocolate or peanut butter. Add some cookie cutters and other objects to help them squeeze, mold and build them.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are one of the best ways to enhance a toddler’s creative skills. Set out some craft materials such as paper, paper plates, magazine cut-outs, glue, crayons, yarn, markers, paint and the likes. The children can make their own masterpieces and enjoy every minute of this activity. Let them take home their artworks or give them a simple award as a memento of their fun play date.

Construct and Pretend

Place a blanket over a clothesline or table to create a play tent. Have some large cardboard boxes for the children to crawl in and out of.  Give each toddler grocery boxes to sit in and pretend to drive a car, sail a boat or fly an airplane or spaceship.

Meet At A Restaurant

Take the play date outside the house and hold it at a restaurant with an indoor play area such as McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr. or Burger King. They can have lunch, snacks or some ice cream. The toddlers will definitely enjoy sliding and climbing in the play area while you can catch up and have some bonding time with the moms.

Storytelling

Reading is a perfect activity to end a fun play date. Ask the children to form a circle and give them pillows and blankets to make the activity more intimate and comfortable. Pick one or two good books such as “The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear” by Don and Audrey Wood or “Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown. When you are done, your toddler and his playmates can share their favorite characters, their own endings and the lessons they have learned.

Play dates are beneficial in a toddler’s overall development. These play date ideas will keep toddlers busy and happy while giving parents an opportunity to mingle.

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Toddler Swimming – Teaching A Toddler To Swim


Knowing how to swim is one life skill every individual should know. Teaching a toddler to swim as early as possible will help him get comfortable and equipped while in the water. Here is a step-by-step toddler swimming guide to help you out.

Get Comfortable In The Water

The first step to teaching any toddler how to swim is to make him feel comfortable in the water. Start in shallow water so your toddler can sit and stand with his head above water. Hold his hand and take him to the steps. Sit down together. Give him a toy, sing a song or play games. This will help your child associate water with fun.

Blow Bubbles

Have your toddler sit on the steps and have him watch you as you dip your mouth and chin into the water. Or, you can try submerging your nose, showing him how to blow bubbles through the nose and then ask him to follow you. If your little one is still hesitant to put his face in the water, you can practice blowing bubbles in the bath tub instead. Start by scooping a small amount of water and ask your little one to blow bubbles while gradually lowering your hands into the tub. Slowly remove your hands altogether. Once he is at ease lying on his tummy and blowing bubbles on his own, it is time to try it in the pool.

Submerge The Head

Once your toddler is comfortable blowing bubbles, ask him to try dipping his whole head. Remind him to blow bubbles. You can do it together or you can put your hand on his head while counting up to 3. Doing this helps reduce his anxiety. If he does not like getting his ears wet, pretend that there are fishes in the water and ask him to listen to them.

Practice Kicking

Start by letting him sit on the top step. Stretch his legs in the water and tell him to kick. Once he gets the hang of it, position your toddler’s hands on the edge of the pool. Hold onto his waist and then tell him to “Kick, kick, kick” or “Make waves.”. Continue holding your toddler as you move him around the water as he continues to kick.

Practice Gliding

Once your toddler is an expert at blowing bubbles and kicking, it is time to combine the two. Place your hands in his armpits and slowly glide him around the pool as he kicks. Ask him to blow bubbles with his nose and mouth immersed for 3 seconds and then have him blow bubbles with his face entirely underwater.

Allow Your Toddler To Do It By Himself

Once he has mastered the three skills, have your little one swim to you on his own. Move away from him about 2 feet and ask him to stand on the steps, put his hands over his head, face in the water and push off the step and kick toward you. Once he reaches you, scoop him up, give him a hug and say “You did it! I am so proud of you.”. Offering praise motivates you toddler to try again and will make swimming a positive experience.

When teaching your toddler how to swim, it is also important to teach him safety skills so he can rescue himself in case of an emergency. Train him to extend his arms and legs to the sides like a starfish and blow bubbles in the water.

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Fun Toddler Activities For Valentine’s Day


Valentine’s day is not just for couples, this day is for toddlers too. Valentine’s day is a wonderful time to teach your toddler about love, gratitude and empathy. Here are some fun toddler activities to try this Valentine’s day that will surely keep the two of you busy all day long.

Valentine’s Day Kiddie Party

Nothing makes this special day more extraordinary by holding a party. Make a list of children you want to invite. Send Valentine’s invitation cards. Plan your menu, music as well as the activities the children will be doing. Together with your toddler, decorate the room with heart-shaped or red and pink balloons, whirls, wall accents, drapes and cupids.

Homemade Crafts

Nothing is cuter and sweeter than homemade Valentine’s crafts made by your little angel. Of course, the classic Valentines card should be on top of your toddler’s to-do list. Spice it up by buying plain card stocks, patterned paper, buttons, ribbons, strings, doily, stickers, markers and crayons and then let him embellish it as he fits. Write a sweet verse on the card or cute one-liners such as “You are my Valentine.”, “Sealed with a kiss.” or “Cute as a button.”. and then ask him to sign his name.

Another great idea is to create homemade refrigerator stick-ons. Paint small wooden hearts or ask your toddler to swirl and slap finger paints on a white poster board and let it air dry. Then, cut out heart shapes and attach a double-sided tape on the back of each one and write a quirky sentiment. Glue the magnet on the back and you have a charming tool to display notes and photos.

Baking

Now is the best time to indulge your toddler’s sweet tooth (and yours as well). Whip up a charming and yummy treat together. Find a sugar cookie recipe and use heart shaped cookie cutters to form a heart and then have him decorate them with anything his heart desires (red frosting, edible marker, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.). While you are at it, tell your toddler how much you love him or how you are thankful that he is doing well in school.

Sing A Song

While you are doing things together, why not belt out a tune. Choose a fun song and change the words to a specific name and so on. Here are some songs you can sing with your little one:

Be My Valentine (to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb)

You’re a special friend of mine,

Friend of mine, friend of mine.

You’re a special friend of mine.

Please be my Valentine.

Heart (to the tune of B-I-N-G-O)

There is a shape, it stands for love,

And heart is its name.

H-E-A-R-T (3x)

And heart is its name.

Play Games

A day before Valentine’s day, cut out a bunch of colorful hearts. Hide them around the house and ask your toddler to look for them the next day. You can make a collage and hang it in his room once he has recovered them.

Or, you can also play “Memory Game”. Paste multi-colored hearts with notes such as “I love you.”, “Be mine.”, etc. (make sure you make 2 of each) in index cards. Place them face-down and then ask your toddler to find their matches. Use a timer to make it more exciting.

Valentine’s day is one special day to create memories with your toddler. These ideas will make your bonding and expression of love even sweeter.

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Fun Outdoor Activities For Kids


Spending time outdoors is beneficial for your toddler’s development. There are tons of things you can do outside your home, you just have to think outside the box. Here are seven outdoor activities for kids you must try with your child.

Hopscotch Caterpillar

Add a twist to this classic outdoor game by getting out the colored chalk and help your little one draw a big circle with a face and antenna and then add 10 or 20 more circles using different colors of chalks to make a jumbo-size caterpillar. Invite your neighbour’s kids or ask every family member to join the fun and take turns running from one end to the other, skipping from circle to circle or hopping from the green to the red to the yellow circle. Use a stopwatch to make the race more electrifying.

Shadow Tracing

Use a sidewalk chalk to outline your toddler’s shadow and then let him move to another location and draw that shadow. After which, ask him to try and fit his body back in the traced form with his shadow or have him color the circles. This activity is an excellent learning experience that teaches your toddler about shadows and encourages exploration.

Catch A Critter

Pick an insect that interests your little one. Butterflies, grasshoppers, fireflies and ladybugs are child-friendly specimens. With an insect net, help your toddler capture the insect and put it in a plastic jar along with a small stick and some fresh leaves. Cover the container but be sure to punch a few small holes in the cover for air. Your toddler can squirt the lid with water every day, provide new leaves and clean the jar. Not only can this activity expose your toddler to the beauty of Mother Nature but this will also help him learn how to take care of animals.

Lawn Flicks

Make watching movies more exciting by holding it outdoors. Drape a white sheet from a clothesline and use a digital projector to play the movie (you can rent one from your local computer rental store). Lay a big blanket on the ground, bring some popcorn, drinks and pillows for a perfect outdoor movie night.

Walking

Ask him to tag along while you walk the dog. Play follow-the-leader and ask him to follow you by tiptoeing, hopping, sliding his feet or marching. Allow him to walk up and down hills. Walk around your neighbourhood or go to the park and while you are at it, play a game of “I Spy” or look at the sky and ask him what images and shapes he sees.

Let’s Get Physical

Outdoor play is entertaining and a necessary activity for toddlers. Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors and play a game of tag, hide and seek, kick ball, sack race, obstacle course or run around a sprinkler. This activity also ensures you and your toddler will get your daily dose of exercise.

Grow A Mini Garden

Stimulate your child’s inquisitiveness about the world by giving him his own pot of soil or a garden patch and let him decide what he wants to plant – a flower, herb or vegetable (e.g. marigold, basil, tomato or green beans). Put him in charge of watering his plant.

Being outdoors is a lot of fun and at the same time, very educational for toddlers. These easy outdoor activities will keep your toddler totally entertained without having to spend too much.

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Internet Safety For Kids


The internet plays a huge role in a child’s life. The internet is a great tool, but it can also bring danger to children since young users are more vulnerable and are generally more at risk than adults. Thus, it is essential for parents to follow these tips about internet safety for kids.

Tweak Your Computer

Anti-virus and firewall software are a must for every computer so make sure you have them installed. Use the parental control settings on your browser (most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have one), filter search engines (Yahoo! Kids and KidsClick are child-friendly search engines) or choose a child-friendly home page (e.g. KidRocket.com, SurfKnight.com or Zoodles.com) in your browser settings to control your toddler’s access.

Educate Your Toddler

Bear in mind that these online protection tools and parental controls do not guarantee that your toddler will be completely safeguarded from the risks on the web so it is important that you educate your toddler about internet safety. Explain to him that while the internet is a good source of entertainment and education, there are inappropriate things happening in the web that are unsafe for children. Tell him that personal information (name, home address, phone number, password, etc.) must be kept private. Tell your toddler that if he sees anything disturbing, he should notify you right away.

Limit Internet Time

It might be tempting to leave your little one clicking away in front of the computer so you can finish your chores, but remember – the more time your toddler spends using the computer, the higher the risk he is exposed to dangerous things. Set a strict time limit for online play. 10 to 20 minutes of online play is the recommended time frame for toddlers. Provide your toddler with plenty of activities such as reading, drawing, DIY projects, sports and playing with other children at the playground so he has tons of fun things to do, minimizing internet time.

Be On The Lookout

Always keep a close eye on your toddler every time your little one is online. It is a good idea to place the computer in a public space such as your living room instead of putting it in your toddler’s bedroom so you can still check in often while doing laundry or preparing dinner. Doing so also helps you easily detect if your toddler is trying to hide something.

Surf The Web Together

It is important to be involved with your toddler’s internet life. Make time to surf child-friendly websites and play online games together. Talk about what he is doing on the web.

Make Sure To Log Out

Do not forget to sign out and close windows each time you are done using the computer. This will keep your toddler from gaining access and accidentally deleting your important files. It is a good idea to give your toddler his own log-in on your operating system so you can be sure everything he can access is good for him.

Taking an active role in your toddler’s internet activities will help make sure that your child benefits from the useful information the internet offers without exposing him to danger.

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Fun Toddler Activities That Can Effectively Reduce Your Toddler’s Screen Time


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.

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