Games That Develop Your Toddler’s Imagination
Published July 2014: Mom.Me
Games That Develop Your Toddler’s Imagination
Role playing, communication, creativity and collaboration
Article Excerpt:
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.
Games for Toddlers and Dads
Published July 2014: Mom.Me
Games for Toddlers and Dads
Fun options for any day of the week
Article Excerpt:
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. Continue reading
Games That Teach Toddlers About Feelings
Published June 2014: Mom.Me
Games that Teach Toddlers About Feelings
Help your kids learn about emotions
Article Excerpt:
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. Continue reading
Activities for Both Toddlers and Older Siblings
Published June 2014: Mom.Me
Activities for Both Toddlers and Older Siblings
Helping your children bond with each other
Article Excerpt:
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. Continue reading
Games for Busy Moms to Play With Tots
Published May 2014: Mom.Me
Games for Busy Moms to Play With Tots
These fun activities will fit into the tightest of schedules
Article Excerpt:
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.” Continue reading
5 Toddler Sensory Games
Published April 2014: Mom.Me
5 Toddler Sensory Games
Introducing your little one to the five senses
Article Excerpt:
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
Published March 2014: Mom.Me
Toddler Games That Incorporate Music
Add some happy noise to your play
Article Excerpt:
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
Published March 2013: Mom.Me
Activities for Boosting Speech Development in Toddlers
How to encourage your little one to use their words
Article Excerpt:
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.” Continue reading
Mother’s Day Activities for Toddlers
Published March 2013: Mom.Me
Mother’s Day Activities for Toddlers
How to make the holiday fun for everyone in the family
Article Excerpt:
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. Continue reading
Games for Taking Turns for Toddlers
Published March 2013: Mom.Me
Games for Taking Turns for Toddlers
Peek-a-boo, building blocks and more ways to teach your little one how to give and take
Article Excerpt:
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. Continue reading
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 