Is your toddler into "Cocomelon?" Parents of young children know how hard it is to make their kids interested in something else besides this program. While a few child development experts might not recommend this show, it remains very popular with toddlers.
However, if moms and dads prepare well and set aside a focused time with their children, they can do many fun things together without their toddlers ever looking for "Cocomelon."
Here are some suggested activities to do with the kids:
1. Initiate sensory play.
Sensory play using slime, soft clay, and even large, edible, or safe to eat tapiocas can stimulate the child's senses. According to Educational Play Care, sensory play builds the child's brain pathways that allow him to learn and complete complex tasks.
Play aids like slime or soft clay are also a good way to develop the child's fine motor skills and cognitive growth. Sensory play is a calming tool for an anxious child who's likely expecting to watch his favorite show. However, be sure that parents make safety a priority, especially if they play could become a choking risk.
2. Create a wall art.
Prepare a writable wall for you and your toddler to doodle on. While this may take some preparation time and can cut through your house budget, it should be worth the splurge when painting or drawing is valuable to the child's learning, according to Pennsylvania State University.
Unleashing a child's creativity does not just bring simple joys, but the child can learn colors, explore a creative process, develop their aesthetic taste, convey their ideas and emotions, and use their senses. In short, this is a very enriching activity that will also allow the child to connect with the parent.
Paint companies have released some products that can turn entire blank walls into a big canvas. However, if you don't plan on adding a home project anytime soon, you can set up an easel board or roll and stick craft papers to use as a canvas. You and your kids could spend hours working on your "masterpieces" so you won't have to switch the television on.
3. Get busy in the kitchen.
According to Kids Cook Real food, children may begin learning how to work in the kitchen as early as 18 months old. As toddlers, they can be taught how to slice bananas using kid-safe tools. So, why not plan a baking bonanza in the kitchen and come up with easy but delicious, like a loaf of banana bread or oatmeal cookies.
Toddlers especially enjoy watching and following what their parents or older siblings do, and if they are exposed to a busy kitchen as a young child, they could develop a positive outlook on food.
4. Play balloon badminton
This modified badminton is safe to play indoors and a perfect boredom buster for any age. It will also bring hours of laughter for toddlers to improve their balance and hand-eye coordination. If everyone in the family joins, they could also learn team play.
