Once your little one has become a toddler, there is a new kind of play that evolves. Here are some playtime tips for toddlers to help you make the most of your child’s free time.
Tip #1: Always encourage play
Everything your toddler does teaches him something different. Toddlers are discovering how the world works. So, encourage messy play, noisy play, and yes, everything in between. Textures, sounds and movements are all too intriguing to a 2 year old. They may make a mess, but don’t get too upset, because in all honesty, they are just curious.
Tip #2: Outside play
If weather permits, you should always allow some outside time. You can take them to the park, or play at your house in your own yard. Things like sand, leaves, grass, trees, or water all help your toddler to learn textures and improve fine motor skills. You can bet they will have fun doing it too! Also, having a jungle gym of some sort helps, like a little slide, or clubhouse. There are many outdoor toys and play gyms on the market right now, so just shop around. Remember – don’t get something too big because there is a good chance they may get hurt if it isn’t made for toddlers. You should always get age appropriate toys, which brings us to the next tip.
Tip #3: Age appropriate toys
Because toddlers are still learning, they know nothing about what will hurt them or what won’t. Giving your child a toy that isn’t for their age group, depending on what it is, may lead to some playtime boo-boo’s.
Tip #4: Think simple
It’s best to sometimes stick with the simple things. They love to play with bouncy balls and boxes. It often hits a parent when they just bought their child an elaborate, expensive new toy and they want to play with the box. Toddlers aren’t always interested in those fancy things. Sometimes it really is the little things in life.
Tip #5: Teach while you play
Take the opportunity to tell your toddler what colour the toy is, and how many blocks there are, and what item is inside another item. Your toddler will learn these things and before you know it, he will be telling you what colour a toy is.
Tip #6: Always have back up clothes
You may be trying to potty train at this point and if you are out and about, you will need an extra pair of clothes if your little one has an accident.
Tip #7: Have play dates
Toddlers are curious when they meet other children for the first time and will usually readily play with them. Some toddlers may get defensive over toys, so they should be supervised.
Tip #8: Give them time
Your toddler may want to do or play with something fun over and over again. So, be patient and know that everything is new to them and they will eventually move on to something else.
Tip #9: Set limits
Toddlers need to know the limits of what is allowed and what isn’t. If your toddler is outside, and he picks up a rock, and he throws it, then that is a limit. They have to know early on, what your rules are.
Tip #10: Ask questions
Most toddlers are very inquisitive and will check something out for awhile. While they are doing that, ask them the same questions they are thinking themselves. Like, “What is that?” or “How did that happen?” This helps them learn conversational skills.