Activity Ideas and Routines for Toddlers

[taygensmom]

Hello. I have a one year old and I am just looking for some guidance as far as a good balance of getting things done around the house and spending quality time with my LO. I am also looking for some ideas for activites that are pretty simple and don't require too much prep, or maybe someone knows of a book that give easy ideas for crafts, etc... using basic household materials.

Right now my LO is acting his age, exploring and of course testing limits. LOL!! But I do think that his "behavior" escalates due to boredom when we are at home for the day, and this is what I want to address. Right now gets quite a bit of free play time during the day, and of course one-on-one time with mommy and daddy, but I think the one-on-one time would work better and be more consistent if I made it a point to have specific one-on-one time during certain periods of the day (i.e. craft time at the table in the morning, outside after afternnon nap, etc...) Just trying to figure out a good "routine", with flexibility of course, and then implement it, as I know with my LO getting older boredom and stimulating his mind are going to become even more important!!! Any ideas are appreciated.

[skatty]

I just bought a fab book off amazon called Baby Days, Activities, ideas and games for enjoying daily life with a child under three by Barbara Rowley. I have read through it and it has some great suggestions on how to get stuff around the house done involving your LO. MY DD is 10 months but I am already planning some stuff for when she is walking and around 

[zed]

Hello,

My LOs 3 and 1 both love to "help" (LOL) me do dishes.  I fill the sink full of soapy water and let them splash.  They also like to help peel veggies.

They both love to help vacuum... believe me it takes 1 hour to do one room but we all have fun.  One of them uses the attachment that I am not using and the other one helps me push the attachment I am using.

We also have this fun game for laundry.  I let the kids put the clothes in the washer and dryer.  Most of the time the clothes end up on the floor so have it clean.  Folding clothes is another adventure.  I fold and they press the clothes on the piles.  Yes, I often have to fold things multiple times but they love to be involved.  I usually laugh and give up by making a production of my frustration and throwing all the clothes back into the basket to do after they are asleep.  They think this is hilarious.

Also, my kids love to crank the tunes and dance the day away.  On nice days we go outside instead. 

I do lots of other things besides house work with my kids like finger painting, play dough, and stickers all of which they can learn counting and letters from.

Just remember to have fun with what ever it is you choose to do with your LO. 
Take care.