Our kids teach us important lessons, like the art of living in the moment. When they pull us into their play, phones and worries fade away, and we’re simply there. Let’s treasure these “Toddler Times,” where every second is about being together. Our little ones flourish with our full presence, finding happiness in doing things over and uncovering new wonders. Every do-over and repetition is a new journey in their world of curiosity and growth.
Create wonderful days for your children, filled with excitement and exploration, for peaceful nights of sleep. Contrary to the notion that parents must tire out their kids to ensure better sleep, the key lies in a more gentle equilibrium. You needn’t strive to exhaust them; ample playtime naturally leads to physical tiredness. Remember, they also require a variety of sensory stimuli to prevent becoming overly fatigued. Our aim is never to put children to bed when they’re already utterly drained. If they doze off within 20 minutes of bedtime, rest assured, they’re comfortably within the normal range.
Discover delightful games to start playing with your toddler as early as 13 months old!
Paint with your fingers!
Why finger painting matters? It is an age-old art activity that holds a world of discovery for your little one. It’s more than just play – it’s a journey of color and touch. As they mix hues together, they’ll grasp the magic of color transformation. The feeling of paint squishing between their fingers opens up a realm of sensory experience. Finger painting is like a little workout for their tiny hand muscles, boosting their dexterity.
How to do it:
- Prepare your artistic tools – be it paint, shaving cream, foaming soap, or yogurt with a dash of food coloring.
- Secure a sheet of paper onto the table and gently drop some paint onto it. Now, the masterpiece begins!
- Show your child the magical world of finger painting – lead by example. But remember, this is their adventure. Let them dive in at their own pace. If hesitancy arises, no worries – they might want to paint with just a single finger or experiment with an ice lolly stick for a different touch. The masterpiece is their canvas; there are no rules.
- Each stroke is a unique expression of their creativity. Whether it’s one mark or a tapestry of colors, their creation is a masterpiece to be celebrated. Display their artwork – you’ll witness their heart swell with pride, and rightly so!
Set sail on this colorful journey with your child, where each stroke unveils a world of wonder and discovery!
Discover the magic of ice cubes with your child!
As your little one explores the world around them, they’re learning about exciting new sensations. Picture their joy as they touch an ice cube and experience the chilly sensation. Not only are they discovering the fascinating properties of different things, like how ice turns into water, but they’re also beginning to understand that some things change while others stay the same.
Here’s how to make the most of this enchanting learning moment:
1. Get an ice cube tray and place ice cubes on it. Watch as your child’s eyes light up while they slide and melt.
2. You might even catch them making funny faces as they react to the cold, wet sensation.
3. Playing with water and ice is an adventure that keeps on giving. It’s an activity that will captivate them for years to come.
4. Keep an eye out if they try to taste the ice cubes – they’re curious! You can even use larger ice cube trays to make safe, non-choking ice blocks.
5. For an extra dash of excitement, add colors or small objects into the ice. Imagine the wonder as they uncover surprises while playing!
6. Don’t forget, a handful of ice cubes can turn waiting at a restaurant or on a plane into a joyful experience.
Let your child’s imagination and exploration take flight with the simple joy of ice cubes.
Let’s Dance Together!
Dancing is a wonderful way to connect with rhythm and numbers. Around 16 months, your child might start singing or shouting along with the music, even if it’s not exactly on key. Plus, it’s like a special language lesson. When we move to music, we’re learning about beats and sounds, and that’s like a secret code for understanding math and reading better. And guess what? It’s also great exercise!
How to throw a Dance Party:
- Hold your little one in your arms and sway to the music. They’ll feel the rhythm and enjoy the cozy moment.
- Sing songs with repeated lines, so your little one can try to copy and join in.
- Use simple sounds like ‘la la la’ or ‘ba ba ba’ while singing. It’s like inviting them to have their own language party!
- Have fun! Kids this age love to copy things they recognize, so they’ll practice these sounds before they start using full words.
So let’s get up on our feet and create some magical moments of music and learning together!
Judit Gilani
💼 Dreamer, Founder and Consultant
💬 Pediatric & Adult Sleep Consultant 🌙 I help sleep-deprived families to develop healthy sleep habits ☀️ Trained and Certified at Sleep Sense™, Michigan University, Yale Parenting Center 🌟
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