Scent of You
I am comforted just by your smell. If you have to leave me for any length of time, like a deployment, why not leave me with something that smells like you! Perhaps it can be one of your t-shirts you…
Act it Out
I love when I get to imagine and be creative in my play! Keep a box of old clothes and items for props that I can play pretend with. You can include things like scarves, hats, backpacks, and containers, even…
Activity Bag
It is so hard for me to wait, I don’t have the ability to sit still and be patient! You can help me by bringing an activity bag wherever we go. It doesn’t have to be big; in fact, it…
Planes, Trains, and Other Toys
I love to play with you! When you are away, I can see you when we use the computer to talk. That helps, yet how much can we talk about when I am so little? So, why not play with…
Quiet Play
Sometimes, I need to be quiet and slow down my activity. What can we do when I need to be quiet? How about looking at books, listening to recorded stories, or drawing pictures? I can grow my imagination and develop…
Activity Bag
I am getting to be so big! Sometimes you might be fooled into thinking I am all grown up! But I still don’t have the ability to sit still for long periods of time. An activity bag is just the…
I Know You
When we get to talk on the phone, or talk over the computer, I feel like you don’t always know what to say to me. I am so little, and I don’t have many words to share with you yet.…
What Can We Do with This?
Let’s be creative! Let’s take recyclable items and see what we can do with them! Old yogurt cups can become building blocks for a tower or a place for us to plant seeds I can watch grow. Water bottles can…
Hand in Hand
Make a great keepsake, and help me to remember my parent who is getting ready to deploy! You can use either white Crayola Model Magic Clay™ or other moldable materials such as plaster of Paris, available at most craft stores.…
Play-by-Play
When you know I am not tired or hungry, a good game for us to play is “Play-by-Play.” It’s easy! Put me on my tummy. It is OK to have a few of my favorite toys near me. You need…
Let’s Take Turns
Help me learn how to take turns and share. I can practice when I am with my friends, and I can practice with you, too! When we have cookies, have me take them to everyone in the room and offer…
Dream of Me
If I am old enough to scribble, I will have lots of fun making this project. If I am not old enough to scribble, I can still do this project but will need lots of help. Take 2 pillowcases—white or…
That Looks Like Fun!
Getting to know you may take me a little time. This is a great way to help me get over being shy or hesitant to play with you. Get down on the floor and start playing with my toys. Act…
Say It with Music
“Freeze” and “Hokey Pokey” are fun musical games. When I play it with you, I have to listen and follow directions. I also learn new words and sounds. I am moving, exercising my body. I think you will enjoy watching…
Look How Big I Am!
I am growing so fast. When my parent deploys, I want to make sure you remember me especially since I am changing so fast! This is a two-part activity; the first takes place before deployment, and the second takes place…
