Whether your toddler is eagerly taking their first steps or already exploring the world on their own, spending quality time together through engaging activities is essential for their development. Not only do these activities foster a stronger bond between you and your child, but they also lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. From boosting cognitive functions to enhancing physical coordination, each activity is designed to nurture your toddler’s growth and well-being. Dive into these exciting and beneficial activities that will help your toddler thrive and create cherished memories along the way!
Practice Sign Language
Has your toddler ever cried and you didn’t know what was wrong? Said every parent ever! Before they can speak, toddlers mainly convey their needs and wants through crying. To understand your child more, sign language has been shown to improve your child’s communication abilities from as early as 6 months of age. By reducing the tantrums due to communication barriers, you and your child can reach a happier, healthier relationship earlier on. Sign language increases cognitive functions and social interactions while reducing negative social behaviors. Here are a few words to start teaching your toddler: hungry, drink, milk, more, done, play, and sleep.
Play with Water
Teaching your child the essential skill of swimming early can prevent future anxieties later on with swimming. Swimming lessons have been shown to improve academic performance. Whether it be at the beach, pool, or bathtub, your child can play with the proper tools! Beyond swimming, water play can enhance sensory experiences, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills.
Talk
Speaking to toddlers in an engaged and supportive tone has been proven to enhance their speech acquisition abilities. When compared to educational videos or words from nearby television or radio, directly engaging with your toddler has a more substantial impact. Regular conversation helps with vocabulary development, social skills, and emotional bonding.
Read Books
Reading books is a great way to bond with your toddler and help them learn new things. Choose books about healthy habits, such as eating fruits and vegetables or brushing their teeth. Reading aloud stimulates language development and cognitive skills. Studies show that children who are read to regularly develop a love for reading and have better literacy outcomes.
Finish an Obstacle Course
Would your child win on America’s Ninja Warrior? If not, it’s time to train them! Making a makeshift obstacle course can not only be fun but having your toddler maneuver through the track allows them to improve their gross motor skills. Use pillows, furniture, and other home goods to create a safe course for your child. Obstacle courses enhance physical strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Draw
Your toddler’s drawings may not seem like much to others, but to your toddler, it is a physical manifestation of their ideas and consequential actions. Learning about colors and drawing is also a window into your child’s mind, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings. Creative activities develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities.
Sing Songs
Singing songs is a fun way to teach toddlers about healthy habits and create positive associations. Try making up your own jingle or find some catchy tunes online. Singing improves language skills, memory, and emotional regulation. Research shows that musical activities can enhance social bonding and emotional well-being in young children.
Dance
Grooving out with your toddler is a fun way to improve their gross motor skills while tiring them out. Turn on your favorite tunes and jam out together! Dancing helps with physical coordination, rhythm, and self-expression. It’s also a great way to release energy and boost mood, as studies indicate that dancing can improve mental health and physical fitness.
Play Outside
The fresh air, sunlight, and exploration are reasons enough for a toddler to spend time outside. Let them roam and enjoy freedom while obtaining essential Vitamin D and physical activity. For more activities, bring a ball or props to play on the soft grass. Outdoor play promotes physical health, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. Research suggests that time spent in nature can improve cognitive function and emotional well-being in children.
Walk Around the Neighborhood
If your toddler can walk, ditch the stroller and allow your toddler to walk around the neighborhood next time. You can ask them to point out familiar words or answer their questions. This provides an invaluable experience to view the outside world and learn at their own pace. Let them stop and smell the roses or point out bugs and critters. Walking promotes physical fitness, observational skills, and environmental awareness. Studies show that regular physical activity, such as walking, is crucial for developing healthy habits and improving overall health.
