Being home every day with your toddler can be hectic at times, but it’s also a blessing. Kids grow up way too fast. I know, because my oldest just graduated preschool. It seems like just yesterday that she was a tiny little baby I was holding in my arms. Now with my youngest that is getting ready to turn 2, I am treasuring every second. Because I know that when I blink, she’s going to be big just like her sister.
While it makes for an insane day at times to try to entertain her while I have to meet my work deadlines, I know that if I just show her some attention and do something with her for a little while, she’ll be happy and find something else to entertain herself with after that. Every day though, I make sure I do the following things with her because they’re important for her growth, and they make for special bonding moments. If you’re not doing these things, you should. This time is precious so use it wisely!
- Reading
While I read both of my daughters stories before bedtime, I love to read to them any time of day. Children need us to read to them. It helps them develop vocabulary and learn about situations, relationships and so much more. My youngest can easily be soothed from a cranky mood if I just plop her on my lap and read her a story. Give your child the gift of a love for reading and you will be giving them a gift they can treasure forever.
- Active play
When the weather is nice, I’ll take my toddler and her big sister too outside for a walk. We live near a lake and there are always birds around it. She loves birds so I take the time to tell her about the birds we see too. Other times, we go to the playground and have fun on the swings and slide. But when the weather is inclement, we’ll play together inside. She laughs and laughs when I take her hands and we do a circle dance. That laugh makes me so happy to be alive.
- Imagination time
This is something I do with both kids. Sometimes, we have a fancy tea party with all the dolls. Other times, we bake 100 pies in their toy kitchen. We play with the doll house and give all the family members roles in the house. We even race cars on the floor. I let them both be who they are and let them pretend that anything they think of is possible. Because really, it is. Letting them dream and think up new ideas is so important. And while my youngest is just starting to get into this, my eldest loves to use her imagination.
- Art and chill
By default, I often hand the kids crayons and markers and a bunch of coloring books when I really need to get work done and can’t be interrupted constantly. But I find that when we do art together, it is even more special. Even if I just stay for a few minutes to color something, when I go off to do my thing, they seem more content and making them happy is my ultimate goal.
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