Search Results for: blog ways to engage your toddler

Oh The Ways That They Play

As your toddler grows, he or she can learn to play in different and more challenging ways. Teaching toddlers basic games like tag or hide and seek is a fun way to play together and help your toddler learn new things. The other day, I laughed so hard as I started teaching Dylan how to play hide and seek. First of all, it is so cute to hear him counting, even though the numbers are not quite in the right order. Also, since it takes time to learn how to play a new game, he was having a little trouble … Continue reading →

Preschool Primer Part 2 – What Kind Of Preschool Is Right For Your Toddler?

When you are trying to decide which preschool is the best fit for your toddler, keep in mind that not all preschools are created equal. There are multiple types of preschools, each with its own underlying philosophy. Here are a few examples of the different types of preschools that are out there. Montessori preschools have a philosophy that is centered around the interconnectedness of all living things and helping the child to discover his or her unique place in the world. Teachers are called “Guides” and they help each child to learn at his or her own pace. Life skills, … Continue reading →

Exercise With Your Kids

It is important to take care of yourself, even when you are a single parent, and that includes exercise. At the end of the day there is so much that has to be done, how can we make time for the things we would like to do but are not an urgent need? First, we have to remember that exercise is important, not only for our health but for our emotional well being too. I know that when I take the time to exercise, that half an hour to an hour that I feel guilty for, I’m a much more … Continue reading →

Nurture Your Teen’s Interests

When kids become teenagers it can become more of a challenge to connect with them. They are going through their own transition of separating from you and becoming their own person. Sometimes their interests seem so foreign to us, that we don’t know how to engage them. There are ways that parents can do this. It just might take some creativity and effort. Today I enjoyed a very special day with my 16-year-old son. It is not often that it’s just him and I enjoying an activity together. His interests are all about aviation, the military and history. So I … Continue reading →

Home Schooling with a Toddler in Tow

Have you ever been teaching algebra and been interrupted by the sound of your toddler riffling through your bookcase? Or teaching biology and look up to see your walls decorated with Crayola markers, complements of your toddler? Or worse yet, realize you have not taught a decent day of school since your baby turned into a toddler? Home schooling is not for the faint of heart. Our families are constantly changing, growing, and living life in between fractions and Moby Dick. One of the biggest changes a home schooling family can go through is the addition of a new baby. … Continue reading →

Encouraging Your Toddler to Talk

When my daughter was a baby I spent countless hours encouraging her to say new words. Now I can’t get her to stop talking. EVER. Still, I don’t regret a single second I spent reading to her, sounding out words or simply describing each item we encountered during our walks through the neighborhood. If you are looking for ways to encourage your toddler to express himself through words, then consider the following tips: Nix the baby talk: Use real words. Don’t confuse your toddler with made up baby talk or weird sounds. Instead, use adult language in a pleasing tone. … Continue reading →

Toddler Time

Ready, set, play! Nothing says lovin’ like an afternoon of fun with your curious toddler. Forget about spending a ton of money on fancy electronic toys. Instead, employ the following ideas to engage your tot in a day of discovery: CATCH WITH A CATCH Toddlers love to be chased, but there’s even more to love with this simple game when you spice it up. For example, instead of merely tagging your tot, the next time you catch her, plant a big kiss on her cheek or scoop her up into a big bear hug. My toddler loved getting tickled whenever … Continue reading →

Ways to Engage Your Toddler

How much time did you spend playing with your toddler today? Childhood development experts recommend that parents spend at least a couple of hours a day engaging their toddler in meaningful activities. If you failed to make your one-on-one quota today, then consider incorporating these simple toddler activities into your schedule tomorrow: BLOCKS Toddler activities don’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you are short on time, then grab some basic blocks and start building structures with your toddler. Another idea is to use the blocks to make patterns. This requires some concentration on your toddler’s part, so plan … Continue reading →

Simple Toddler Activities

It doesn’t take a ton of money or fancy toys to engage your toddler. With a little planning and a lot of imagination you can make toddler play time a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Here are some simple activities to get you started: USE YOUR EARS Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and head outside with your toddler to exercise her hearing. Spread out a big towel or blanket in your yard and sit down with your toddler. Have her close her eyes and listen carefully. After a minute or so as her what she could hear, then … Continue reading →

From Crib to Bed – A Toddler’s Fun Move to a Big Kid Bed! (Part One)

This article is the first installment of what will be a multi-part documentation of one little girl’s move from a nursery and a crib to a daybed and a bigger room. This fun transition will be documented in stages, highlighting the ways you can engage your youngster in the process and make it very fun along the way. The first stage is here: The Planning! The big moment is fast approaching. The arrival of our second child means it is just about moving time for our nearly three-year old daughter. We are in the planning stages for her early-Springtime move … Continue reading →