How to keep Toddlers Entertained
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Toddlers run from one activity to the next, learning about their world and themselves. You will need a variety of activities in your arsenal to keep these little ones entertained. Try the following activities with your children.
Reading
Even toddlers are old enough to enjoy books. Not only that, but it is very important to read to kids from a young age. Look for age appropriate books. Toddlers like to be active, so you may try a book that allows them to participate like a lift the flap book. Popular ones include Fisher-Price Lift-the-Flap Let’s Go to the Zoo by Ellen Weiss and SI Artists and Who’s at Home?: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Jane E. Gerver and Kathryn Lynn Davis. You could also read a book that allows them to touch different objects like Baby Touch and Feel Animals. Let the children participate by turning the pages. Look for specific subjects that interest your children such as animals or characters they like.
Dance party
Many toddlers love to dance, according to Parenthood. You can purchase a CD of music for kids like Toddler Favorites by Music for Little People or just turn on the radio. Have a dance party with the kids. Show them how you dance and they may emulate you. Do fun moves like jumping and twirling. You can lift them up and twirl them around.
They can also be involved in making the music. You can buy instruments made for toddlers or make your own. For instance, an empty coffee container can turn into a bongo drum and a jar with beans can turn into a shaker. Make sure you supervise them with the homemade instruments so that they do not open up and create a choking hazard.
Exploring their Creativity
According to Babyzone, you can both entertain your toddler and help them develop by letting them explore their creativity. Purchase safe finger paints and let them create works of art. Give them crayons, markers, paints and other art supplies to let them create masterpieces.
Even children this young can make a small craft. For instance, you can use a plain paper bag and crayons to make a puppet. When you are done you can have a puppet show. Babyzone also suggests letting them make an edible craft, which will be both fun to make and eat. For instance, let them decorate graham crackers with different colored jellies.
Many activities can keep your toddler happily entertained. Try different activities to help them develop a variety of skills.