Singing and Rhyming
Have you noticed how I love it when you sing with me? I love the rhythm of words, like those found in fun songs, nursery rhymes, and toddler books. If I know the song and start to sing along, pause…
Let’s Dance!
Put some music on and let’s dance together! Help me experience the joy of movement. Show me how to bounce in time with the beat or clap my hands. No music available? We can sing and dance! We will be…
Busy Hands
I love to touch things and see what happens. I want to turn knobs, push buttons, open boxes, and turn pages. Find ways for me to get busy with my hands. You may want to buy some toddler-safe finger paint…
Kitchen Band
A fun thing for me to do when you are in the kitchen is to play with my kitchen band! What is that? It is a collection of pots and pans you don’t mind that I play with, rubber storage…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Won’t You Be My Friend?
Toddlers learn a lot by watching and playing with other children. If you invite one of my friends over to play, take me to the park to play, or join a play group in our community I will have lots…
Just Breathe
It is amazing what breathing can do for you when you are feeling tense, worried, flustered, or stressed. Take the time to do two cleansing breaths. To do this, relax your body as much as you are able. Concentrate on…
Hear the Music
Pick music that you find relaxing, preferably music without any singing. Get comfortable, either sitting or lying down, and listen to the music. Try to slow your breathing; let it follow the beat of the music. Listen to the instruments…
“Must Do” or “Want to Do” List
Parenting is a very demanding and busy job! It isn’t the only thing you have to do, either. Make a list every day of what you think you have to do. Then, review your list. If there is anything that…
Quiet Time
Get in the habit of taking a “quiet time” every day when your child has quiet time. As you create your child’s routine of nap time, he will understand how important it is if he sees you also slowing down,…
It Takes a Village
Most children who aren’t military connected grow up not far from grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and lifelong family friends. When you are military, you move frequently and can’t rely on the usual extended family support for daily life. As…
Parent Helper
It is often difficult to parent alone, and there are times you need a little help. Even if you don’t work outside of your home and don’t require child care, there will be times when you want to get out…