When I was a child my parents involved me in whatever was going on in the house or yard. I had a toy toolbox, a pint-size rake, a toy ironing board and a play stove. When I was in kindergarten, mom started to work on Saturdays.
I went with her and played office at an empty desk, with my own papers, folders and pens. When I wasn’t there, I was home “helping” dad vacuum with my own play sweeper. I learned early that everyone has work to do and I thought it was all great fun.
During the toddler years there is never a dull moment, or a private one for that matter. With a little imagination you can include your best little buddy in your daily routine and get some work done, too. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Mix and Measure
While you’re working in the kitchen, set your toddler up with measuring cups, measuring spoons, a funnel, a mixing bowl and a cooking spoon. Give him a couple of cups of uncooked multi-colored pinto beans* to sort, pour and stir. This introduction to volume and measurement is also great for his fine motor development.
*Not suitable for children under three or for any child who will put beans into his mouth.
As you work through your day with your little one by your side, give him a dust cloth of his own, or help him match socks, while you sing songs together. Recite nursery rhymes as you make beds, gather wash and put away dishes.
Soon your toddler will know songs and rhymes to sing as he plays. The more language he acquires, the better.
to books.rememberstuff.meTrain Trip
My washer and dryer are in the basement and the bedrooms are two flights up, so I made up a game for putting away folded laundry. Give your child a special hat to wear. He’s the engineer. Have him go first and shout “All Aboard!” Grab the laundry basket and follow him carefully up the stairs. Be sure to “chug-chug” as you go and “clang” like a bell at every stop. Stop the train to put away laundry.
Teach sequencing by saying things like, “First stop grandma’s room.” Use directional language like over, under and through. With the right timing, the train trip’s final destination is naptime.
Act out a Story
Children love to curl up and hear a story. Next time, put aside the blankies and take it up a notch. Choose a simple story and act out the characters. Wear a hat for one, do a funny walk for another and be sure to use voices that will make you both laugh.
You’ll be amazed when your child is soon reciting the story word for word and acting out the characters just like you.
When your toddler wakes up way too early in the morning, have a teddy bear picnic. Gather bears and stuffed animals. Sit them in a laundry basket for their car. Then have the child find something for each bear to eat. It can be a block, stacking ring or play food. Once the bears have food, tuck a blanket around them and push the basket around the room until you arrive at the pretend park.
Spread out the blanket and arrange the bears with their food. While you help your toddler pretend to feed each bear, it’s fun to read the cute board book The Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy. It’s a new addition of an old favorite. When you’re through, pack up and “drive” home. By then it’s a decent hour and time to get breakfast for the family.
The next time the doctor asks if you get regular exercise, just say, “I have a toddler!” But seriously, enjoy these active years. They’ll be memories before you know it.
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