P.O. Box 1074 Mooloolaba Qld 4557 |
Toddler Games
9 May 08Gross motor abilities grow by leaps and bounds during the toddler years. Your youngster probably has a zest for discovering new movements and for repeating and refining them. Paired with this increased movement repertoire is the developing ability to cease movement (or other activities), called inhibitory control. "Stop and go" games that feature this skill are popular with good reason. Grandparents will find that movement activities with young children provide irresistible incentive to exercise.
A toddler is still quite easily pleased, so you can encourage the grandparents to spend some time with your toddler without feeling the need to import an entire nursery to keep her amused. They'll get more mileage stocking the simplest of things, whether it's a cabinet full of Tupperware or a bouncy seat in which their grandchild can coo at them non-stop as they fuss over her. Add a little music to set a fun ambience, and they're ready!
Drum it out
Using the most standard of household items, the grandparents will have a blast making music with their grandchild. Even if he's too young to get the hang of it, he'll still get a kick out of watching you tap into your inner Buddy Rich.
- The goods: A set of measuring spoons and a plastic container
- The steps: Experiment with different sounds. For example, tap the spoons on the container to the count of five then, hand the spoons to your toddler
Feel like Degas
By the time your child is a toddler, she's sure to be ready to hone her artistic skills. Keep it simple and you'll have a great time – no smock required!
- The goods: White chalk and black construction paper
- The steps: First, cover your coffee table with newspaper to protect the surface from errant chalk. Then, place the construction paper on top. Hand your toddler a stick of non-toxic chalk and see what she creates. Your oohs and aahs at what she's drawing are sure to delight her!