Activities for Parents and Toddlers to Do Together
Obviously you can't have everything on hand for every activity, but there are a few things that no parent of a toddler should be without. If you have these five categories of supplies, you can entertain just about any toddler!
- Crayons, markers, and pencils
- Paper and colouring books
- White glue
- Washable paints
- Common household items that could have an imaginative use (cups, egg cartons, boxes, sacks, old socks, anything!)
The activities described below represent many of the familiar activities that we know and love plus new and different ones. You can pick one, adapt it to your own toddler, and take off. The activities are simple and are suitable for children ages 18 months and up. You'll notice that very few bells and whistles are necessary when it comes to entertaining your toddler. The point is for the two of you to have fun!
This Is the Way...
Sing the familiar song and add whatever activity it is you want your toddler to do. Sing, "This is the way we button our shirt, button our shirt... " or "This is the way we brush our teeth... " and so on. Actually, you can make up silly songs for all sorts of things. Toddlers love to giggle, and these kinds of activities are a great way to get them to cooperate!
Simon Says
No explanation needed - toddlers do love this time-tested favourite!
Look at Me!
Have your toddler lie down on a piece of large paper and draw a line around his body. When he gets up, give him crayons and tell him to colour "himself." He can put on clothes, shoes, hair, and other items, and he can name all the body parts for you.
Making a Turkey
Trace around your toddler's outstretched hand on a piece of paper. Then show him how to make a turkey, a puppy, and other animals using this form. If you're feeling especially confident, help him glue on wings, a beak, or a puppy-dog tail made from other craft materials.
Do the Hokey Pokey
Again, no explanation needed, but this is another toddler favourite!
Puppets
Take an old sock or glove and gather some fun pieces of yarn, felt, and other materials to create a puppet. Use markers to draw the eyes and mouth, then glue (only the parent should handle the glue) on the decorations. Once it is complete, the two of you can put on a puppet show or simply have your puppets talks to each other.
I know you care about your children. I'm a parent too. I've more tips about parenting smart kids to share with you. Start guiding your children to success!
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