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So how do you keep your toddler busy during the winter months? Somedays we go stir crazy when the weather is so bad and its so cold outside. Here are a few activities that we enjoy in our home. Please share any fun ideas that you have.
1.Dramatic play boxes for dress up Play- fill a box with old hats, clothes, shoes, necklaces, gloves and have some fun pretend play. You can even make themed dress up boxes- a doctor box filled with a doctor kit & a white shirt, a restuarant themed box filled with play food food, table cloth, dishes and pretend menus. Themed boxes are fun and you can always find really fun clothes at the thrift stores or resale shop. An old prom dress can become a princess dress and with a little creative crafting you can make an alluminum foil Tiara and wand. Old halloween costumes also come in handy for themes. The housekeeping & Dramatic play area was always the most popular with both the boys & girls when I taught preschool. I remember some parents getting upset to see their son in a dress up hat and pushing a baby stroller… its very normal part of their development and its perfectly fine. I hate hearing ” Oh thats a girl toy or Thats a boy toy”
2.Lacing – lacing is a great activity for fine motor skills… your child can lace cherrios, fruit loops. You can punch holes in paper and allow your child to lace yarn or a clean shoe lace. I like using shoelaces as they have the plastic head, you can always put some tape around the yarn to make it easier to thread.
3.Finger Paint with Pudding- I have not tried this one yet
4.Playdough- I put Livi in her high chair, give her some cookie cutters and that keeps her busy for at least 10-15 minutes. I think she will be more into playdough in the coming months.
5.Beans- yes i said beans… fill a low shallow container or box or if you have it a sand & water table with dried beans- some people use rice as well but I find it harder to clean up. Add some measuring cups, spoons, small cups and allow your toddler to pour and scoop. Children of all ages love this. Of course supervision is a must, your child may taste one and people have even said that they may put a bean in their nose. They learn quickly what the purpose is.When Livi and I went to three seperate evaluation centers each of them had a sand table filled with beans & rice. Livi ran to it, flipped off the cover and exclaimed ” beans”. the staff would look at me startled and ask ” Does she have those at home” …. yes she does I replied. Its a great activity to introduce when you want to transition your child into a calmer state.. something about pouring & scooping is very relaxing.
