As a Mother of a 2 year old, I know how important it is to keep one's toddler busy. My daughter, 'Ailani, just turned 2 this past summer and she is ALWAYS looking for something to get into. Of course, at this point, she figures now that she is 2, she should have her own cell phone and keys to the house and feels that she should be doing "Big Girl Stuff." (Yes, my daughter really thinks she has entered that phase of the life cycle.) However, I know how to quickly remind her that she is only 2 and there are tons of fun things that kids her age and other toddlers can do as well. More importantly, I really like to focus on her development as a young child. This is so extremely important, especially at this phase. So, I thought I'd share some of my ideas with you guys and maybe you can try something new with your child. Sounds like a good idea right?

I won't list all fifty zillion different activities that I have tried with 'Ailani, but I will highlight ten activities that I think are the most useful and most relevant to the child's growth and development. Let's get started.

1.Bounce and Count- Grab one of your toddler's favorite bouncy balls and find a hard surface, maybe like a driveway or sidewalk, have him/her bounce a ball and then count with you how many times it bounces before it finally stops.
2.Ball Kicking- Using the same ball as you would for Bounce and Count or a different bouncy ball, show your child how to place the ball on the ground and kick it. You can have him/her kick the ball to you and then you can kick it back.

3. Teeth Brushing- This one may seem kind of like a "Well, Duhh", but brushing your teeth with your child helps them to learn how to brush their teeth the correct way. It also engages them in a way that could make them EXCITED for "Teeth Brushing Time". You can also demonstrate teeth brushing on a stuffed animal or doll.

4. Follow the Leader or Simon Says- Do a particular exercise such as touching your toes, bunny hops, etc and encourage your child to follow.

5. Visit a petting zoo. Let child look at different animals and even pet or feed them. Be sure to bring lots of wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. for your child.

6. Dancing- One of 'Ailani's favorites and definitely one of mine. Put on your child's favorite song or nursery rhyme and just dance.

7. Instrument Play- Get a little drum, piano, guitar, etc. and encourage your child to play on it with you. Drums are definitely a good idea as toddlers typically love to bang on things. My daughter likes the strings on a guitar so I sit her down with the guitar and let her have at it.

8. Storytime- You can do this at bedtime, naptime, or anytime throughout the day. Pick up a good children's book and read it with your child. Touch-and-feel books are really good ideas.

9. Coloring/Drawing- Get a coloring book or a sheet of paper. I like to use these huge sheets of drawing paper from my own sketchbook. Let your child experiment with different colors and just scribble all over the page and have fun.

10. Puzzles- Get a puzzle with giant pieces. I really like the wooden puzzles with the huge pieces and help complete the puzzle along with your toddler.

These were just a few examples of activities I like to do with my own toddler. Feel free to share any of your own ideas.

-Bri

Blogger at Ka'Lani's Kloset
Original Post with photos: [http://kalaniskloset.com/2013/09/25/10-activities-to-engage-your-toddler-encouraging-developmental-growth/]

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