Fun activities for toddlers (1 year old+)

Mamas of toddlers, of course we have your back! You are probably the ones already thinking of how to channel the new found energy of your kids this holiday.

All those energy that seem to often put them in dangerous situations, we have a few suggestions on how to channel them into fun, creative activities that you can easily engage them in;

• Sensory Bag games: This is a very interesting activity that can be done with multiple items. All you need is a ziplock bag and paint (or soap foam, grains, objects or whatever you have). You put the paints in the ziplock bag and model to your kids how you want them to mix the paint (or feel the texture of the object, grain and anything else you use). The idea is to keep them engaged while also making them learn the texture of objects and items that you use. And they get to explore this within the confine of the ziplock, without messing up the floor of the house (you see Mamas, I told you we have your back!).

• Transferring items from one place to another: This is something that my one year old seems to be doing now (although she does it with everything and I am over it). Engage your kids by having them transfer their toys (or whatever you choose) into another container. Not only will they be having fun, but they will be improving their eye - hand connection.

• Taking walks: Yes, you should take walks outside of your house with your kids during this holiday season. However short, let your kids feel nature with you. If in a controlled environment, you can also have them play with sand, leaves, and name familiar things while you supervise so that they don’t eat dirt. (a lot of us played with sand and we turned out okay, I think?)

• Include them in chores: I know you are thinking how much this would slow you down or make a mess of things. But having them get the packer when you are sweeping, bring out their plate and utensils when it’s time to eat or give an item to your partner are chores that they will find fun to do. They will not get it right all the time. It will be messy a lot of the time, but you will have fun with your little ones.

• Water play: You can fill up a bowl, place it in a controlled environment, and then have your kids play with the water. This will have your kids enjoying themselves so much you would think you have done beyond filling a bowl with water.

• Reading: Catch up on reading with your toddlers this season. You can read simple words of affirmations to them everyday to the point where they begin to say it back. They are already picking up on a lot of things already, they might as well pick on the things that you want for them.

Mamas, please remember that the key thing for your toddler is for you to mirror the activity and behavior that you would want them to engage in. Children nowadays are very smart and they pick up on the most subtle cues that you might not even know you were giving. So, you should be very conscious around them.

Let’s make this summer fun with all these activities and many more that you will discover for yourselves and your kids.

Again, hug your kids a lot this season. It’s good for them, and for you!

Well done, Mamas.

“I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” - Oprah Winfrey

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