Sand Play and Mud Pies Oh My!
Outdoor activities create an opportunity for your toddler to really get some energy out. This is helpful, especially when the day is over and it is time for bed! These activities are great for all ages, but depending on how old they are will dictate how advance your techniques can be. For instance, if you are working with small toddlers, One and Two Year Olds, don't expect them to be making towers and buildings. They will not think of the landmarks in such context. Instead, focus on building a mountain, digging a hole, making an imaginary cake. Adapt the activities accordingly and then sit back and watch your toddler explore!
Below are some great ways to keep them busy, without having to go to the park.
Sand Play: You can make entire cities and structures in a sand box and your toddler will probably spend most of their time digging a pond or making a mountain. Give them a dump truck to enhance this construction type role play. Make sure to play with them. Toddlers that are young are unsure of what to do and will need some guidance. By you showing them how to play, they will find ways then to occupy the hours!
Mud Pies: If you don't have sand, then put them in some old clothes and let them make mud pies. Although it is one of the messiest activities, you can always spray them down with a garden hose to clean up. Use rocks for a crust, leaves and grass for a topping and nice thick mud for the filling. Your tot is sure to love this cooking role play activity. It will also help them in increasing their imagination skills.
*Parenting Tip*
Toddler separation anxiety normal and an expected part of toddler development. If fact, between 4 to 7 months your baby will go through a normal developmental phase called stranger awareness. Your baby begins to recognize who his important people are and begins to show caution towards strangers. This is also when games such as peek a boo begin to be fun because your baby is recognizing object permeance. This is the beginning of Separation Anxiety which generally occurs between the ages of 8 months to 1 1/2 years of age. During this time, your child will likely cling to you and cry even if you are leaving them with someone familiar. There are some tips that can help reduce the stress and get you through it!
~ Ease your child into their new environment. If you are leaving them with a new caregiver, visit several times before leaving your child for an entire day. Let them have time to adjust with you there as well.
~Try to remain as relaxed as possible. If you are going to cry, do so after you leave. If your child sees you getting upset or teary eyed, they may wonder if they should be worried. Believe it or not even babies can sense when their mother or father is bothered, stressed, upset, or happy.
~Take a familiar object with you, such as a stuffed animal or blanket. These items may help your child feel more at home and provide them with a sense of peace.
~Try to distract them upon your leaving. Food and snacks are often a good way at this age. If your child is busy getting a snack or treat, they may not notice that you are leaving and are less likely to get upset.
~Try to make your exits as quick and smooth as possible. Lingering often will make it worse for a child and they may feel that you are hesitant to be leaving them. Instead, provide them with a reassuring hug and kiss, tell them you will be right back and head out the door.
Remember, this is a natural and important part of child development. Although these tips may help, it is likely that you will still have some difficulty during these ages. Hang in there, once your child recognizes that you will be back they will soon be moving to the next stage!