Copyright © 2006 by Sheila Ellison
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The Library of Congress has cataloged the previous edition as follows:
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Ellison, Sheila.
365 games toddlers play / by Sheila Ellison.
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-0586-6
1. Toddlers—Development. 2. Child development. 3. Play. 4. Parent and child. 5. Parenting. I. Title: Three hundred sixty five games toddlers play. II. Title.
HQ774.5.E45 2003
649’.55—dc21
2003005851
Printed and bound in the United States of America
LB 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Acknowledgments
To Alisa Ikeda, for the creative contribution of activities, ideas, and enthusiasm she poured into this book. Alisa is a writer, certified instructor of infant massage, wife, and proud mother of two, Sawyer and Sadie. She lives in Marin County, California. She’s an active member of Mothers and More as well as an advocate for public policies that are mother-, child-, and family-friendly. Alisa holds a BA in sociology and writes regularly about parenting, family, and social issues.
Dedication
To my children, Wesley, Brooke, Rhett, and Troy, for proving that my parenting theories—which began as experiments on them when they were toddlers—actually work!
Introduction
Life is a game for toddlers. Everything everywhere calls out to be touched, manipulated, jumped on, tasted, and examined. Being a young explorer is serious business—learning, testing, and pushing the limits to see just how much you can get away with before somebody notices—and it takes a lot of energy! Toddlers are thrilled when parents aren’t afraid to get down on the floor with them; plunge their hands into the mud, paint, or dough; dance wildly to homemade instruments; or put on a silly puppet show. Toddler time is full of wonder, interaction, explaining, setting limits, and teaching social skills. It is also a time for parents to learn a great deal about how exciting and new the world can be when experienced from a toddler’s perspective. So dive in. Use the activities on the following pages to have fun with your toddler. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path into new territory; draw outside the lines, use your imagination, make up your own variation to an activity as you encourage self-expression. It is in the everyday moments that life happens—so make those moments special.
Words of Wisdom
The advice in the Words of Wisdom sections of this book was given to us by parents from across the country who wanted to pass on their tricks, tips, secrets, and wisdom to you. We would like to thank them for sharing their experiences with us. We’re always looking for good advice to be added to future editions, so write to us care of Sourcebooks or visit Sheila Ellison at www.CompleteMom.com.
Table of Contents
Section One: Day-to-Day Life
Chapter 1: Toddler Survival Tips
Parent-to-Parent Bonding
Stay Safe
Just the Two of You
Time for Self
Balancing Work with Home
Coping with a Toddler's Energy
Clutter Cutters
Stop-the-Whining Tips
Taming the Tantrum
Choosing a Daycare or Preschool
Baby-Sitter Tips
Getting Things Done
Saying No
Chapter 2: Daily Routines
Daily Routine
Hand-Washing Games
Good Morning
Special Breaks
Our Day
Dressing Fun
Manners
Potty Training Tips for Boys
Potty Training Tips for Girls
Phone Fun
TV- and Computer-Time Tips
Naptime Tricks
Exercise Fun
Chapter 3: Early Learning Games
Reading Tips
Blowing Know-How
Hard and Soft
Writing Practice
Counting Songs
Texture Mat
Silly Book
Texture Box
Word Play
Recording Fun
My Picture Flash Cards
Color Search
Shape Dance
Letter Book
Chapter 4: Food-Time Fun
Kitchen Helpers
Tea-Party Dough
Creative Mealtimes
Pudding Paint
Rice Fun
Sorting Pasta
Homemade Butter
Homemade Ice Cream
Playing the Food Manners Game
Egg in a Bun
Baked-Bread Sandwiches
Honey Lover's Chicken
Yummy Parfaits
Ice-Cream-Cone Cakes
Butterfly Sandwiches
Designer Pancakes
Chapter 5: Bath and Water Play
Playing the Water Game
Bubbles Away
Rock Waves
Fun with Ice
Tub-Time Games
Water Band
Wading-Pool Basketball
Rainbow Surprise
Rain Games
Sponge Tag
Squirt Away
Wiggle Slide
Bottled Fun
Chapter 6: Bedtime
Bedtime Safari
Sleep Mobile
Flashlight Fun
Dream Time
I Am Thankful
Monster Hunt
Dream Catcher
It's Up to You
Feelings Today
Story Inventions
Pillow Pals
Chapter 7: Room Decor
Canvas Growth Chart
Colored Light
Learning Mat
Felt Garden
Playroom Design Tips
Display Treasures
Stained Glass
You've Got Mail
Room within a Room
Mini-Size It
Lamp Shades
Felt Chains
Bed Headboards
Section Two: Playtime
Chapter 8: Let's Get Physical
Scarf Play
Rope Shapes
Racing Game
Construction Zone
Animal Pla
y
Mirror Dancing
Indoor Baseball
Dance Fun
Mattress Trampoline
Freeze and Melt
Chalk Town
Masking Tape Work-Out
Follow the Leader
Chapter 9: Ball Play
Balls a Rollin'
Parachute Ball
Tube Roll
Balloon Tennis
Bumper Ball
Bedroom Basketball
Big Ball Rolling
Frisbee Ball
Ball Pit
Soccer
Bouncy-Ball Book
Tunnel Fun
Croquet
Chapter 10: Art and Sculpture
Cleaning Arsenal
Moving Masterpiece
Flour Prints
Bag Painting
Print Magic
Clay Works
Super-Stretch Dough
Wallpaper Drawing
Spin Painting
Foil with Oil
Painter's Paradise
Event Wreath
Antique Vase
Fashion Design
Pot Painting
Chapter 11: Game Time
Container Magic
Magnet Mystery
Penny Waterfall Game
Paper Pull
Object Outline
Go Get It
Channel Surfing
Sensory Guess What
What's Missing
Letter Fishing
Bead Catcher
Puzzle Hunt
Go Fish
Hand Measurer
Memory Games
Where's It Hiding?
Chapter 12: Music and Songs
Silly Sing-Along
Parade
World Music
Rubber-Band Harp
Ribbon Dancing
Musical Fingers
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Homemade Instruments
Clapping Rhythms
Kitchen Band
Guess the Noise
Sound Count
Story Soundtrack
Chapter 13: Imaginative Play
Puppet Play
Balloon Friends
My One Block
Everyday Play Dough
Dress-Up Box
Mail Play
Felt Characters
Disguises
Masking-Tape Madness
A Rose by Any Other Color
Character Spin
Finish the Story
Introducing Humor
Chapter 14: Nature Connection
Mud Prints
Nature Collecting
Sand Play
Dry Aquarium
Feed the Birds
Bug Trap
Tree and Leaf Rubbings
Egg Head
Nature Museum Display
Magnify It
Blossoming Bulbs
Wind Sock
Moon Watch
Snail Farm
Chapter 15: Floor Time Adventures
Bicycling
Partner Exercises
Planting Garden Massage
Jar Play
Magic-Carpet Rides
Antigravity Machine
Obstacle Course
Parachutes
Seesaw
Follow That Noise
Mini-Golf
Sound Walk
Wheel Hunting
Chapter 16: Around the House
Toy Spinner
Cabinet Play
Put In, Take Out
Sock Duster Games
Oops! Day
Place Mats
Grocery Shopping
Bath Book
Getting It Done
Reading Nook
Help Wanted
Tent Fun
Window Art
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Section Three: Out and About
Chapter 17: Traveling with Toddlers
Count Together
Activity Bag
Toddler-Proofing Kit
Games to Play in a Restaurant
Games to Play in the Car
Games to Play on a Plane
Games to Play While Standing in Line . .226
What Do They Have in Common?
Coloring on the Go
Postcards Home
Cheap Thrills
Guess What Game
Travel Stationery
Backseat Drivers
Chapter 18: Friends and Playgroups
Why Start a Playgroup?
Setting Up a Playgroup
Bag of Tricks
Parade Time
Beanbag Group Games
Toddler Safari
Presto Pizza
Group Dance Games
Sharing
Field Trips
Playgroup Plus
The Parent Squad
Toddler Friendships
Co-op Baby-Sitting
Chapter 19: Outdoor Play: Parks and Recreation
Mud Play
Pavement Painting
Sand Play
Water-Balloon Games
Sheet Design
Do the Hula
Hill Games
Shadow Fun
Sprinkler and Hose Games
High Kites
Flowering Names
Outdoor Obstacle Course
Pipe Forts
Backyard Beasts
Chapter 20: Parties and Celebrations
Party Tips
Party Fare
Decorative Ice Bucket
Thank-You Notes
Group Games
Sibling Party
Car and Truck Party
Tea Party
Bubble Party
Fishy Party
Spring Is Here
Garden Party
Moving Party
Father's Day Fashion Show
Section Four: Family Time
Chapter 21: Family Fun
New Traditions
Memory Lane
Play Hooky
Create Family Stationery
Vacation Memories
Play Silly Games
Make Mealtime Special
Hands of Time
Between Us
The Family That Cooks Together
Backyard Camping
Topsy Turvy
Game Night
Here, Fido
Concrete Stepping Stone
Chapter 22: Sibling Games
Tips to Facilitate Sibling Play
Family Puppets
Ready, Set, Go
Peekaboo Faces
Food Projects
Group Outings
Camping In
Preparing for a New Baby
Random Kindness
Sibling Theme Days
Potpourri Shapes
Bag Skits
Special Parent Day
Kitchen Table Landscape
Silly Manners
Chapter 23: Grandparenting
Food for Thought
Your Pace
Establish a Play Area
Special Books
Stay in Touch
Craft Projects
Share Memories
Start a Notebook
Do the Unexpected
Spoiling
Family Totem Pole
Childproofing Grandma's House
Dream Supporter
Chapter 24: Seasonal Fun
Flowers in Bloom
Tissue-Paper Egg
Bouncy Bunnies
Leaf Play
Seasonal Treats
Pumpkin Head
Snow Fun
Seasonal Journals
Ice Melt
Kiddy Pool Games
Sugar Cube Igloo
Weather Board
Homemade Cards
Section Five: Growing and Learning
Chapter 25: Recording Y
our Thoughts
Art Storage Ideas
Books on Tape
Birthday Memories
Everyday Things
Guest Book
Say Cheese!
Through the Years
Jolly St. Nick
Silhouettes
Storybook
Scrapbook Flare
Your Child's Journal
Chapter 26: Twelve Games Parents Play
New Twist to Reward Charts
Separation Anxiety
Aggression
Boredom Busters
Potty Training Readiness
Tooth-Brushing Basics
Picky Eaters
Positive Naptime
Kicking the Pacifier
Transfer to the Big-Kid Bed
Thumb-Be-Gone
Dawdler Toddler
Chapter 27: Development
Fifteen to Eighteen Months: Do and Feel
Fifteen to Eighteen Months: Express and Think
Eighteen to Twenty-One Months: Do and Feel
Eighteen to Twenty-One Months: Express and Think
Twenty-One to Twenty-Four Months: Do and Feel
Twenty-One to Twenty-Four Months: Express and Think
Twenty-Four to Thirty Months: Do and Feel
Twenty-Four to Thirty Months: Express and Think
Thirty to Thirty-Six Months: Do and Feel
Thirty to Thirty-Six Months: Express and Think
Section One:
Day-to-Day Life
Toddler Survival Tips
1
Parent-to-Parent Bonding
Having kids might distance you from friends without kids. But it can automatically connect you to all the other parents out there. You’ve joined a club, so take advantage of membership benefits: swap tips on child-rearing, kid-friendly hot spots, shopping deals, movies and restaurants for twosome time, and even baby-sitter referrals. Laugh and cry with other moms and dads as bleary-eyed and deliriously happy as yourselves. So next time you see another parent with young children in the local bookstore, use your easy ice-breakers—your charming children—to strike up a conversation. It may well lead to a lasting friendship. Making an effort to connect with other parents will help you along this journey of raising great kids.
2
Stay Safe
Brush up on your CPR, especially if you only took infant CPR—the procedures change when Baby turns one! Post first-aid diagrams or instructions someplace you can see them immediately, like the inside of a kitchen cabinet. You childproofed for Baby, but now it’s time to childproof for your curious and mobile toddler—look higher and think more creatively about the troubles he could find.
Never leave your child around standing water alone, including the bathtub and toilet.
Don’t cook on the stovetop or in the oven with your child in your arms.
Don’t carry a child while holding hot food or drink.
Invest in stove knob covers, and always keep pot handles facing in. Use the child safety locks on the car door, and make sure to have your car-seat installation inspected by a local highway patrol.