Toddlers are bursting with energy, ready to assert independence and full of creative ideas, but they probably don't know how to express themselves creatively yet. You can help develop your little tyke’s imagination with interactive games that rely on role playing, communication and collaboration. From building blocks and pretend play to dynamic dancing and rhythmic drumming, games that foster your child’s imagination can be a routine part of your day and your child’s life.
Tag: parenting toddlers
Games for Toddlers and Dads
Toddlers crave attention, and nothing beats one-on-one time with Daddy. Beyond bedtime stories and playful wrestling, dads and toddlers can entertain themselves with active and creative games. Finding activities that interest both Dad and your little one can help to build a bond between a father and son or father and daughter. From messy play and creative crafts to sporty outdoor games, dads and toddlers have many options to have fun any day of the week.
Games That Teach Toddlers About Feelings
Your toddler is bound to be happy one moment and sad the next, even though she may not understand why or recognize the feeling itself. Games that help toddlers recognize feelings in themselves also help them learn about feelings in others, says Diane Doyle, director of the Rollins College Child Development Center in Winter Park, Fla. Learn how to help your little one identify feelings while having a little fun throughout the day with these interactive games that teach feelings.
Activities for Both Toddlers and Older Siblings
Your toddler is at that stage of development where he wants to be a "big boy" and join in the fun with his older siblings. Finding activities that will engage all ages doesn't have to be a challenge or prompt sibling rivalry. Help form and secure a bond between your children—both young and old—with creative crafts, silly sports, outdoor activities and interactive games that are appropriate for all ages.
Games for Busy Moms to Play With Tots
The toddler years are exciting for both parents and children. As he takes his first steps and utters his first words, your little one is collecting milestones left and right. Toddlers are famous for wanting to express their independence and opinions while generally lacking the abilities to do so, says Julie Temple Stan, editorial director of Hooked On Phonics. Don’t be fooled, though. “Your toddler is a little sponge ready to soak up all of the language-rich experiences you can dream up,” says Stan. “But, juggling the needs of a busy toddler, family and work can make finding time next to impossible.” It is possible, though, to develop your tyke’s mind while navigating through your routine as a busy mom with these daily games that can help the two of you bond and your child develop his mind and senses.
5 Toddler Sensory Games
Your toddler is at a key development phase in her life as she explores the five senses. She sees bright colors, feels the need to touch just about everything she can reach and is beginning to recognize distinct smells. One of the best ways to further her development is to embark on games that focus on the senses. From tasty trivia to touchy-feely games with fabrics, teach your child how to further recognize her senses while bonding with you.
Toddler Games That Incorporate Music
Toddlers love to dance to music and play games, so providing opportunities to do both at the same time is a win-win. As your child jumps, skips, shakes his body and sings to melodies, he will be making memories and learning valuable skills that encourage creativity, improvisation and physical activity. From competitive dance games to sing-offs, show your toddler just how fun games can be when you add a little music.
Activities for Boosting Speech Development in Toddlers
As a parent, you're capable of boosting your child's speech development, and it can actually be fun for both of you. "Provide a lot of opportunities for the child to be exposed to language and experience a lot of vocabulary in a rich environment," says Lori Heisler, assistant professor of communicative sciences and disorders at California State University, San Marcos. "Make it fun -- children learn through play."
Mother’s Day Activities for Toddlers
Mommy-and-me time with your toddler is special any day of the year, but when Mother’s Day comes around, spruce up those moments with activities to keep you both entertained. From dance parties to story time, make this day one to remember by spending one-on-one quality time with your biggest fan.
Games for Taking Turns for Toddlers
It has finally happened -- your toddler is throwing tantrums and refusing to share with his friends and siblings. Though you chalk it up to the terrible twos or threes, it’s not too early to teach him the importance of give and take. “It is essential to teach children how to take turns because it’s a skill they will use for the rest of their lives and in every relationship they share with another person,” says Christina Steinorth, a California-based psychotherapist and author of "Cue Cards for Life." “From the school yard to dating to marriage to the work place, the concept of give and take is a key factor in forming healthy relationships with others.” Make this lesson fun and insightful for your toddler by including games in your daily playtime that teach the fine art of taking turns.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 