From a few months of age until approximate 2 years, little humans are thirsty for accomplishment and joy, but during this process, parents will often feel somewhat challenged as they attempt to keep up with the activity levels needed and changes in developmental need.
It’s important to remember and active child is so much better than a stoic, lethargic one who is disinterested and detached from everyday activities.
This busy, tiring, often relentless time for parents will settle down eventually. So, in the meantime, here are a few ideas for parents to keep their toddlers occupied whilst at the same time encouraging development:
Listen, Imitate and Talk
Toddlers like to listen to you when you talk and they also try to talk in their own way or imitate your way of talking too. There are many things you can teach your toddler at this period of time.
Make them aware of the clothes and other accessories they wear and learn about the colours also. Teach about the seasons, animals and sounds, big things and little things, cars and trucks, manners, taking turns, etc.
They love to stick things in holes
The thought of inserting something through a hole – only for it to disappear from sight fascinates babies. Just when they have adjusted to seeing something, only to see it gone right from where they were is some sort of a “mind trick” which is actually the sign of an active and exploring mind. This is also why they are so amused by a “peek-a-boo” trick.
Another popular one, is opening doors of a cupboard, box or toy and putting something inside and shutting the door, then opening and removing and so on- this can occupy your toddler for long periods.
Play
What type of play should I encourage with my child? This is a question I hear from families time and time again. Children of this age group should, of course, be able to entertain themselves some of the time, but you will no doubt find they are also looking to include you in their games. For instance, you may find that the will rarely play outside in the backyard unless you are there also. So, to encourage some fresh air and exercise ensure you factor this into your day.
It is my belief that every child should have access to a sand pit. This will be another place of long periods of play for most children building roads, sandcastles, digging holes and making ‘ mud pies’… nothing better!
They love making a mess
Let’s face it – at 0-2 years, babies still have no concept of order. The more thrashing, trashing and making a mess with ice cream, water, food, or their own nappy contents give them a sense of accomplishment which is quite “delightful.” Avoid this by keeping them busy with toys which encourage mental, visual and physical activity when needed, but it is definitely a time to shelve much of your previous order for a few years and ‘mellow into’ a less tidy existence… or you may just drive yourself a little crazy by chasing your tail with cleanups.
Copyright Louise Shalders
