How to Keep Toddlers Busy

Keeping a toddler busy is a full time job for some parents. Finding age appropriate activities without spending a lot of money is key to keeping your toddler busy from day-to-day. Follow these steps to provide some entertainment for your child and maybe a little for you too.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An Imagination and a Toddler

Keeping Your Toddler Busy

1. 

   First, one of the easiest things to do with your toddler is to play dress up. This can be in the form of old Halloween costumes or some of your old clothes. For every child who has dreamt of being a pirate, a princess, a doctor, a firefighter, a farmer or even a dog or a car, dressing up gives them the chance to live their dreams and truly use their imagination.

2. 

   Second, make your dining room into a campground. Find some large sheets or a blanket or purchase a tent similar to the one shown in the picture. Drape everything over the table and invite everyone in to your tent. Tell stories, play games and even have dinner in your new tent. The kids will love it!

3. 

   Next, take a bath. Children always love baths but make this one more exciting by getting some bath paints, some great bath toys and even some bath crayons. Kids can write or paint all over the walls (washes off easily) and play with toys for longer than most adults would think is possible.

4. 

   Next, always keep a stocked art cart. Several of the carts available can easily be wheeled into a coat closet when not in use. Stock the cart with construction paper, markers, crayons, chalk, pencils, beads, string, foam objects, finger paints and any other kids friendly art supplies. During 'art' time let your child pick his or her project and then go at it. Make sure to praise their efforts and display the results of their creativity.

5. 

   Finally, if it is a beautiful day and you want to get out of the house, head on over to your local park. Most parks have many activities for toddlers including swings, slides, jungle gyms and much more. Make sure to always supervise your children and to enjoy the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Search online or at local consignment sales for cheap costumes that can be used for dress up. This is cheap entertainment that most kids never get tired of.
• The possibilities are endless to entertain your toddler if you have the time: teach them to garden and plant some plants; bake cookies or a cake and then decorate; plan, shop for and make dinner; make and decorate garden stepping stones; paint some part of your house and let your toddler help; go to the library for a free kids book reading.
• You should not have to spend a lot of money to entertain your child. There are so many free activities that are available both in your home and in the local community.
• Toddlers really thrive on having a schedule. Creating a schedule and then sticking to it can make playtime much more fun and exciting for your toddler.

Who Can Help:

• Better than Botox®? Free Kit

Resources

• 1000's of Crafts, Game and Activities for Kids

[JenBrody]

on 6/9/2008 So true! Great suggestions!!!