How to Have Fun with Your Toddler

As family members or friends of toddlers, we know just how much energy these little people can have. Channeling that energy constructively is the challenge. Here are a few simple ideas to help maximize play time with these precious little ones and observe developmental milestones at the same time.

Blocks are a perennial favorite, and these days there are innumerable types and styles from which to choose. None, in my estimation, replace the simple, old-fashioned wooden blocks. Depending on the specific developmental ability of our little ones, blocks can be stacked vertically, arranged horizontally, or used to build a "house", a "tower", or other simple structure. Experts agree that a child's ability and practice with blocks often relates to his or her language development. It relates to the child's ability to string words together and arrange them in a sequence. Be sure to explain that blocks are not meant to be thrown or eaten!

Play dough is more than just a fun idea. Squeezing and shaping the manipulative dough strengthens tiny fingers and hands building fine motor skills as well as the child's imagination. Show the toddler how to make a "pancake" and a "worm." These are important skills, and they are fun! Always show the "right" way to play with substances.

Crayons, waterproof and non-toxic markers, and other coloring materials have been around for a long time for a reason. They not only allow the child to express some creativity and become acquainted with colors, but can be used to assess cognitive development. Ask the toddler to draw a straight line or make a circle. The ability to achieve these markers can confirm pre-writing development. The child's increasing ability to stay within lines in a coloring book demonstrates his or her developing control of fine motor skills. Children should also be instructed about acceptable and unacceptable coloring surfaces, i.e paper is acceptable; walls are not!

Puzzles are fun and challenging problem-solving tools. Find puzzles designed for the correct age group and you'll find colorful avenues of stimulation. Whether the child likes dinosaurs or pets, cars or trains, weather or clothing pieces, there is a puzzle with these pictures. Teach the child that toys and puzzle pieces do not go into mouths! Working puzzles with the child can be a very intimate playtime for both parent and child.

Ball play, whether indoor or out, works eye/hand coordination as well as gross motor muscles. Sitting a few feet apart inside on the floor, roll the ball toward the toddler. The child "catches" it and sends it back to you. The distance can be increased or the speed of the ball can be increased as development occurs.

As always, the parent is the child's best teacher and most intimate playmate. Build a playtime, however brief, into the child's daily routine and see him or her blossom with confidence under the caring tutelage of a loving, supportive parent.