Keeping your toddler occupied can be a full-time (and very tiring) job. Kids at that age are so full of energy and curiosity, they constantly strive to be physically and mentally challenged. The problem is finding the time and mental energy to come up with unique ways that keep your toddler happy and engaged.
If you think you are running short of ways, you can look through the following 9 ideas and see if they are beneficial!
1 – Get Some Shape Sorters
Shape sorting games can really keep your child occupied for many hours. Either make your own from craft materials or purchase ready-made shape sorting toys like the one above.
2 – Magnets For The Refrigerator
Your child can learn to communicate and spell through those refrigerator magnets and they can also learn how to sort by colors, shape and size, and more while you enjoy some peace and quiet from this “non-noisy” activity (or keeping your toddler occupied while you cook).
3 – Build A Fort
Simple sheets, blankets and furniture can transform your living room or your child’s bedroom into an exciting adventure. Kids can spend an entire day playing in a fort you help them customize themselves. If you like something special, you can check out the above which allow your kids to build a fort that can glow in the dark!
4 – Send Them On A Scavenger Hunt
This is great for so many reasons. Your toddler definitely keeps busy, and benefits from physical activity. Compile a photo scavenger hunt your child can access from his tablet, or simply hand write the scavenger hunt items on a piece of paper.
5 – Reward Cleanup Time
There are not too many kids that love cleaning up their room. So why not make it fun and rewarding? Hide snacks, loose change and other incentives throughout your child’s messy room. This is a great way to reward good behavior, while also keeping your child busy. You can also do up a responsibility chart and get your child to engage in regular cleanups.
6 – Break Out The Coloring Book
The reason why simple coloring books and crayons have been around for centuries is simple. They keep kids occupied and creative for hours! Keep plenty of crayons, craft paper and coloring books around. They appeal to boys and girls, and can keep your kids busy all day.
7 – Let Them Make Their Own Book
This activity may eventually turn your toddler into the next J. K. Rowling. Take simple white pages from a notebook, or grab several sheets of colored construction paper. Fold them in half and staple them to create a blank book that your child can customize.
8 – Helping Out In The Kitchen
Let your child wash food to help you prepare dinner. Kids love water, and they are drawn to different colored, shaped and sized foods like tomatoes, celery, apples and other produce. Provide your child a large bowl of water and understand that you are going to lose some food to over-aggressive washing.
9 – Put Your Kids On Cleaning Duty
You will be surprised at just what you can get your children to do when you give them a chance to be in control. Armed with a duster or rag and the assignment to find all the dust in the house, your little one can spend a lot of time locating real and imaginary debris.