Toddlers are fiercely independent but totally need us.
This problem becomes the push pull of our lives. How much do we help and how much do we let them try for themselves?
From 12months to 24months we have a bundle of energy and emotion. They are walking, talking, into everything explorers. This time is one the most challenging times for play activities. The frustration lies in how we have planned a delicious play activity in this particular time frame and our toddler is just not having it. I think we’ve all been there trying to suss out what will work for the impulsive toddler.
Everyday play activities at home
We get used to looking to toys for answers but one of the most overlooked places for inspiration is the everyday objects we have at home. Our children gravitate towards them anyway and for good reason. They are fun, interesting, give them the sensory input they desire and are different every time they use them. If we can change our mindset to include everyday objects in our arsenal of activities life will seem a lot easier for everyone.
Another benefit for everyday objects at home , apart from the cost, is they see the same object used in multiple ways. This is a great “thinking out of the box” skill we need in the workplace and here your child is doing it naturally without pressure. They are just playing.
Toddler activities to try today
1.Fabric and toys
Toddlers love to pull and drag. Find material or fabric that can be dragged around your home. Eg. Winter scarves, pillow cases, toddler sheets, baby blankets, net curtain, play silks, fabric scraps from big box stores, rolls of paper. Find soft toys, light objects to put on top of the material. Toddlers will have fun in a very open ended way. You can warm up the activity by playing with it yourself. Putting things in and out or dragging yourself. But usually they will experiment themselves. Change out the objects and material. They love the sensory aspect or touch.
2. Shopping basket and items
Any basket will do. Ones with handles work well but re-purposing another wicker basket will work. Gather together interesting items and watch them empty and fill. Change out the container with an empty wipes box, tissue box, cereal box. Choose objects that stimulate touch with different textures like, spoons ( metal and wood);that make sounds like bells; have a smell like a lavender bag or wipe with a dot of fragrant essential oil/spice from the cupboard. As before rotate items to develop curiosity and renew items that have changed. Limes and empty chip packets seem unusual additions but were the biggest hit in our home.
3. Roll of wrapping paper
Rolls of paper on sale will be your new best friend. They give them reach, not always a good thing, and they soon see the value of this new lever. Before you take off the clear film toddlers learn to pull things to them and off the table. Ends of the roll are particularly good fun because of the movement. It is fascinating to see the paper unwind and they love to jump on the paper for the sound and feeling. Eventually tearing and doing all sorts with it. Endless possibilities with time.
4.Hat, scarf, gloves and large socks
We have a draw of the winter clothes. Toddlers always want big brothers or mum’s shoes. Indulge them with a group of their own. It’s easy to put them back after wards. They will sit for a while trying to get on gloves, mittens and a hat. Socks make for fun play together putting them on their hands especially adult socks that will go up past their elbows. With pretend play going you’ll soon be Muppets together.
5. Sand, Pebbles, shredded paper and Spaghetti
Find a sand tray or table. Do it in the bath or by a sink but let them experience everyday objects in quantity.
NB: When using everyday items as play items for your child please use your best judgment for your child and always be present.
photo credit:CarbonNYC
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