Toddlers
don't have to be terrible. Try a game of Skeeball!
How to deal with a
toddler and have fun at the same time!
It isn't really easy for many people to spend all day with a toddler...to play with trucks, dolls, blocks, or bang pots all day. It isn't easy for some people to spend even an hour with a toddler. Sometimes you, the parent/adult, can get bored or worn out very quickly. Here are a few tips to help you both cope with being together all day, especially on those rainy days.
Your enthusiasm is crucial. Your child can sense your mood. If you are not interested in a toy or activity, then he'll think that it isn't interesting or fun either. Haven't you noticed how your child always wants to play with a toy that another child is playing with? And as soon as the child puts it down, he doesn't want it anymore?
Start laughing and be silly. It's okay to be silly with your child. Just because you are the adult doesn't mean that you can't have fun too! After you start the sillies, you won't have to think of what to do next, the fun will follow.
Be a leader. Instead of just watching what your toddler does, engage him in an activity that you start yourself. Ask him to line up all the trucks for a parade. Or have her put her dolls in a cheerleading pyramid. Or see if he can put all the red blocks in a small bucket and then dump them out like a dump truck.
Go back in time. Think about something that you wish you could have done when you were a child. Here's your chance to do it! Did you always want to play with your sisters favorite doll and comb her hair, or with your brothers trucks to have drag races in the kitchen? Start having fun with it and your child will watch and want to join in.
Give him/her a task. See if she can bring all of the magazines over to you and use them to cover up the rug. Or see if he can stack all of his board books in one pile. Each time he/she brings you an item, celebrate with a hi-five or a tickle session. Let her tickle you!
Try Skeeball. What are some of your hobbies or interests? If you like to play tennis, then find a way to create a small miniature tennis court with a box and use some dolls to pretend play with your toddler. Teach him/her how to play on the miniature court. You can review numbers by keeping score, or teach the manner of taking turns. A fun activity for dads is to make a miniature skeeball game by using a diaper box. It's an easy, fun project for adults and kids.( Toddler Skeeball Activity )
Take a break. After your toddler starts to play on his/her own, keep a magazine nearby and sneak a peek at a page while she is stacking blocks. It's okay to take a break! She'll let you know when she needs some more attention, interaction, or direction.
Lastly, give hugs and kisses. It never hurts to add some affection into daily activities. You'll enjoy the hugs and your child will too. You'll build a bond that your child will never forget. And it will make him/her want to interact with you and have fun at the same time.
Overall, it is possible to enjoy some time with a toddler, even those that aren't sure what to do with a toddler. It doesn't have to be “Terrible”. Toddlers want to have fun, but they want an adult's guidance and interaction to make it easier for them. Otherwise, they will bounce off the walls wondering what to do with themselves. And yes, that can be terrible for both of you.
For more activities to do with your toddler go here: Complete list of fun Toddler Activities
