Search Results for: blog toddler imaginations

DIY Toddler Toys from Everyday Objects

Toddlers have an abundance of curiosity, a short attention span (when compared to adults), and an innate ability to uninhibitedly express themselves whenever the need strikes. One might say that toddlers excel at living in the moment. The good news is that this means you can make some DIY toddler toys out of everyday household objects that will attract and amuse your toddler. Obviously, parents will need to monitor their toddlers as they play with these “DIY” toys (just as they would if the toddler was playing with regular toys). Many parents have noticed this little “quirk” that toddlers have. … Continue reading →

Teaching Toddlers

There are so many learning opportunities for toddlers. They are just beginning to explore the world around them. They can learn a lot on their own. However, with help from their family, they can learn even more. Teaching toddlers can be a fun and exciting experience. Playing with toys can be a learning experience for toddlers. Helping with daily chores are learning experiences for toddlers. Why shouldn’t we use the things that we do on a daily basis to help our toddlers learn? Here are some of the ideas that I have had and implemented in order to teach my … Continue reading →

Toddler Creations

I love how creative my son is. Has your toddler built a tower out of blocks lately? Have they decorated the refrigerator with magnets or stickers? Have you shown them how to glue pieces of paper together? Have they drawn with markers on some of their toys or books? I call these “toddler creations” and I love to collect and photograph them. I want to remember, years from now, what toddler creations my son has made. I want to show off his creative ideas in his scrapbook. I want to share his creativity with our friends and family by letting … Continue reading →

Toddler Imaginations

I have read in many articles that it is wise to support children in their imaginary play. I have tried to do this with my son. I have found his imaginary play very entertaining and amusing. Only in one scenario do I find it to be a problem. My son has decided that, at meal times, he wants to pretend to be a cat. We have cats and my son has played with them since he was old enough to walk. My son has recently started placing his plate on the floor and eating on all fours. This bothers me. … Continue reading →

Let’s Pretend: How Do You Teach Your Toddler to Pretend?

This may sound like an odd topic, but the truth is pretending play is one of the best parts of childhood and children have fertile and amazing imaginations. Many believe that children spontaneously develop their imaginations and while this may be true for many, the truth is—you can help them to build this skill and talent. How do you help them? Here are a few ways that I have seen other parents as well as myself do in order to help them develop their talent for pretend. Obstacle Course Toddlers love to climb. They love to explore. So take a … Continue reading →

Why Are Toddlers Afraid

This may seem like a stupid question, yet it is one that may confront a parent when they are coping with something that seems perfectly normal to them – yet it terrifies their toddler. So it’s important to understand why toddlers may feel fear. Your Experience is Not Your Toddler’s What may seem silly to an adult is not in the same category with your toddler. They are afraid of the dark because they cannot comprehend that light will chase it away. They may be afraid of strangers because of the differences in their voices and their size and their … Continue reading →

Fresh Ideas For Outdoor Play

Even the most outdoorsy kids sometimes need suggestions for new ways to enjoy being outside. The next time boredom strikes when you are playing outside with your toddler, suggest one of these fun activities. You may just discover a new favorite outdoor activity. Sometimes, the best way to mix things up outside is to do things outdoors that you would normally do indoors. If it is lunch time, why not spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Reading is another great indoor activity that can easily be enjoyed outdoors. If your child enjoys having tea parties … Continue reading →

School Starts Next Week

Where has the summer gone? It feels like Jessie’s last day of school was just yesterday. What happened to all the plans I had for summer? Why didn’t we do any of the things I thought would be fun to do? School starts next week. I have mixed emotions about it. I love having my girls around. Jessie is the most delightful and fun little girl. She is a hoot to spend time with. She’s also a handful that would do better with more things to do. I don’t like over scheduling children; I like to give kids plenty of … Continue reading →

Washing My Hands

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One of the few things I remember doing while alone as a child was pretending. I constantly pretended that I was on a boat, or driving a car, or that my stuffed animal could fly, or that the tree in the backyard was a monster. I think pretending is a very prominent quality in all children. In part I think it stems from mimicking the world around them. Over the time I’ve spent with my son watching his development it seems that he learns things by trying to do what we do. Talk and he tries to repeat what you … Continue reading →

Zylie the Bear Sends the Right Message

She is 12 years old, adventurous, curious, stylish, brave, and she’s a bear! Zylie the Bear is like the American Girl of bears. Mary Beth Minton and her son, Matt, created Zylie to give children a play experience that is not only fantastic but educational. In a world where toys are plastic and steal the imaginations of children with fixed ideas, Zylie and her friend Shen the Panda are a breath of fresh air. Quality toys that inspire imagination, spark curiosity about the world around the child, and will forever live in a child’s mind and heart is rare thing. … Continue reading →