Toddlers can be lots of fun or lots of work. They are constantly on the move—exploring, investigating, and copying grown-ups. Their attempts to do more than they can do often lead to frustration with crying, temper tantrums, and even biting. Their attention spans are short and they enjoy frequent activity changes.
Active Play
- Build with blocks and knock them down.
- Play with action toys they push or pull.
- Play with toys that let them play grown-up like telephones, tool sets, and dish sets.
- Play outdoors with balls or just go exploring.
- Make music with toy instruments.
- Play simple games like Hide-and-Seek. Hide so child can see part of you. Beware of safety hazards like electrical outlets, stairs, and streets.
- Walk around the house looking for everything that is a particular color or shape.
Quiet Play
- Play with soft stuffed animals.
- Sing children’s songs and finger games like Itsy-Bitsy Spider.
5 Things to Remember
- Toddlers mostly depend on you.
- Toddlers are constantly on the move.
- Toddlers require constant watching.
- Toddlers have short attention spans.
- Toddlers enjoy simple games, balls, and puzzles.
