Toddlers and preschoolers are a tough bunch to keep occupied. Known for their shorter attention spans, they tend to get bored with things rather quickly. It can be tempting after a trying morning to turn on a cartoon movie and park them on the couch, but there are other choices that are more stimulating for the little ones. Unplugged activities are a lot of fun for kids and can be learning experiences as well.
Amuse Kids With Wooden Blocks
Many people had wooden blocks when they were small children, yet most people still think they are boring compared to today's video games and cartoon DVDs with catchy songs and characters. Presented properly, however, wooden blocks are a lot more than good old-fashioned fun. Together with an adult or older brother or sister, a preschooler will have the opportunity to practice numbers, shapes and colors, as well as other important things such as sharing with others, perserverence, and creativity.
After some time learning block play with others, preschoolers get quite creative all on their own. Blocks also give parents a great opportunity to teach another important lesson – that picking up is important, too. Pick-up time is a valuable transitioning time before beginning the next part of the day – like naptime.
Fun With Balls for Children
There are so many different types of balls that they just can't get boring. Soft sponge balls are great for indoor play on rainy or cold days. Plastic wiffle balls are easily thrown and caught, yet don't hurt if they are missed. Rubber playground balls are a good choice for kicking and running outside. Tennis balls are excellent to hit around with plastic hockey sticks. There are even balls made with attached handles that are specifically for kids to jump on.
Avoid golf balls and baseballs, as they can cause injury if thrown. Also, avoid ping pong balls, as they could be choked on.
Kids Love Lawn Toys
Kids love to do what their parents do. Toy lawnmowers, plastic lawn tool toys such as rakes and shovels, and kid-sized wheelbarrows keep active kids busy out in the yard. Tonka trucks are also a mainstay – and girls like them too. Of course, never have a young child in the yard when the lawn is being mowed, and be sure to practice sun safety while outdoors. Even one blistering sunburn can double a child's risk for developing melanoma later in life.
Encourage Children to Read Books
Even with the electronic age upon us, reading actual bound paper books is one of the single-most important activities for healthy child development. Aside form learning the ABC's and 123's, reading together also involves lap time, cuddling, and one-to-one interaction that youngsters need.
Even the youngest of children should have a library card and visit there often. Most libraries have a weekly childrens' story time as well, giving youngsters the chance to meet and play with other kids while the parents get an opportunity to browse for books to read themselves.
Kids Love to Color With Crayons
Whether used along with coloring books or just ordinary blank copy paper, crayons give young children the chance to unlock their imagination and to put the world as they see it down on paper for all to enjoy. The best part of drawing a picture is having it displayed. The front of the refrigerator is a classic place for a gallery. With a few number and alphabet magnets, the kitchen fridge can be a masterpiece.
Kids can keep themselves busy with the simplest of things. An added bonus is that none of these items use electricity or batteries of any kind. They're kid-powered for maximum exercise and maximum fun.
Leigh VanDeWalker - Meet Leigh VanDeWalker: Leigh is a wife, a working mother, a food and nutrition expert, a malignant melanoma survivor, a grandmother, a ...
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