how do you keep a toddler entertained

10 ways to keep your Toddler entertained on the weekends

• 1. Keep toddler entertained -Rainbow foam bubbles this is a great option. ...
• 2. Playdough either bills or even a full-on crafting playset is going to be an amazing decision. ...
• 3. Target golf ...
• 4. Sandbox and buckets ...
• 5. Keep toddler entertained -Puffy paint ...
• 6. Create splash and slide ...
• 7. Outdoor cinema at night ...
• 8. Keep toddler entertained -Manage a picnic ...

Full Answer

How to keep a toddler in their own bed?

Other tricks to try:

• Leave the door open
• Leave on a night light
• Skip nap time, but put them to bed sooner(a tired child sleeps well. ...
• Use a sticker chart
• Get thisnoise machine projector (our niece loves this- she is three)
• Or you could get this clock that changes color when they can wake up!

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How to keep your cool with a toddler?

• Know your limits. It's often not just your toddler's whining that pushes you over the edge. ...
• Pick your battles. You need to set limits to keep your toddler safe and to help her learn how to control herself and her behavior. ...
• Give yourself a time-out. ...
• Try distraction. ...
• Find an outlet. ...
• Be good to yourself. ...

How to properly discipline a toddler?

• Your child is starting to recognize what's allowed and what isn't but may test some rules to see how you react. ...
• Tantrums can become more common as your child struggles to master new skills and situations. ...
• Teach your toddler not to hit, bite, or use other aggressive behaviors. ...
• Stay consistent in enforcing limits. ...

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How to encourage toddlers to start talking?

Work to Expand Language Skills

• Make Words Bigger. As a toddler, your child will probably be able to say a few words. ...
• Imitate. When your toddler is trying to say a word, use what they’re giving you and imitate it. ...
• Describe and Comment. ...
• Eliminate Negativity and Testing. ...
• Label Your Praise. ...
• Remember Turn-Taking. ...
• Be Quick to Respond. ...

How do I entertain my toddler for hours?

According to Busy Toddler, rice bins make for an extremely entertaining activity for little ones. With a storage bin, dry rice, and measuring cups, you can build a game that will keep your toddler occupied for hours. Finger painting is a fun creative exercise for toddlers, but it's no secret it can get messy.

How do I keep my toddler entertained indoors?

20 Ways to Keep Toddlers BusyColor Matching Game. ... Playdough Playdough is great. ... Pipe Cleaners and Colander. ... Shape Sorter. ... Contact Paper Art Place a piece of clear contact paper on the table. ... Paint in Bags Place paint in a gallon sized Ziploc bag. ... Pack 'n Play.More items...

How do I help my 2 year old with boredom?

12 Fun Indoor Learning Activities for 2-Year-OldsPlay Dress-Up. Haul out a pile of old clothes and let your child play dress-up. ... Decorate a Crayon Carrier. ... Hide Toys. ... Make a Mailbox. ... Imagine a Boat. ... Trace Their Body. ... Play Simon Says. ... Try a “Stop and Go” Game.More items...•

Do you have to play with your toddler all day?

Schedule special time with your toddler You don't have to play with your toddler every minute of the day. In fact, it is helpful if you don't. Yes, you want to soak up your time with your little cutie patooties, but you also don't want to micromanage their time and activities.

What should a toddler do every day?

Sample schedule7:30 to 8 a.m.: Wake up.8 to 9 a.m.: Eat breakfast and clean up. ... 9 to 10 a.m.: Playtime. ... 10 to 11 a.m.: Outdoor time, exercise, etc. ... 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Planned activity or errands. ... 12 to 1 p.m.: Lunch and wind down. ... 1 to 3 p.m.: Nap or quiet time. ... 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon snack.More items...•

What do you do with a 2 year old all day?

Toddler Games & Sensory Play Ideas for 2 Year OldsPlaydough, Beads, And Pipe Cleaners Toddler Activities. ... Stacking Cups for Gross Motor Play. ... Make Chocolate Ice Cream Play Dough. ... Creative Activities For Toddlers At Home. ... Arts And Crafts For 2 Year Olds. ... Who Made That Footprint. ... Let's Make Homemade Story Stones.More items...•

How can I tell if my toddler is bored?

Your baby will give you little clues that they're bored, such as yawning, looking away, squirming and crying. If you think your baby's bored, show them you're listening by giving them something different to do. Move them to another area of the room, pick up a different toy or just give them a little quiet time.

How many hours a day should you play with your 2 year old?

Physical activity guidelines for toddlers recommend that each day they: get at least 30 minutes of structured (adult-led) physical activity. get at least 60 minutes of unstructured (active free play) physical activity.

What keeps a 2 year old busy?

It might seem crazy, but letting kids clean things is a perfect activity for toddlers. Filling up a storage container with water and having them clean their toys will keep them occupied for a huge chunk of time. Simply set their "play area" up with a few other items and they're good to go.

How much attention does a toddler need?

Attention Spans by Age Childhood development experts generally say that a reasonable attention span to expect of a child is two to three minutes per year of their age.

Do toddlers need constant attention?

Many Toddlers Go Through A Clingy Phase While you may feel like you are the only one dealing with a clingy two-year-old, that's far from the case. In fact, the team at Metro Parent says nearly every toddler goes through a phase where they require constant attention, though most outgrow it by their third birthday.

Can you give a toddler too much attention?

Study after study shows that parents can't turn infants and toddlers into brats by showing them too much affection or devoting too much time to their well-being. In fact, according to research, parents should be more concerned with whether they are being attentive enough than with whether they are being too attentive.

How do I keep my toddler entertained without a TV?

If you need entertainment for an afternoon lull and music isn't engaging enough, try audio books or children's podcasts before considering TV or videos. There is usually a good selection of audio CDs at the library. They don't interfere with a child's listening and learning skills the way TV does.

What do you do with a toddler all day at home?

5 Things I Do Every Day With My ToddlerRead. This is the most obvious, but probably the most important. ... Go on a hunt. If you have been a follower of Toddler Approved for awhile then you know we love to go on hunts! ... Play with playdough. ... Move. ... Pretend Play.

How do I occupy my toddler while at work?

8 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy While Working From HomeToys and Imaginative Play. ... Books, E-Books and Audio Books. ... Arts and Crafts Projects. ... Play Office. ... Educational Apps and Websites. ... Exercise Videos. ... Play With Pets. ... Write Letters.

The Problem

Despite what our toddlers tell us (or would tell us if they had the verbal ability) we can't live at the park.

Arts and Crafts

Nothing excites a toddler more than getting to create something. (Well, other than possibly getting to destroy something, but we'll get to that.)

Interactive Play

While arts and crafts are an activity you have to supervise, interactive play requires that you be an active participant the whole time.

Sensory and Hands-On Activities

The only thing toddlers might like better than destroying stuff is feeling stuff.

Active Play

Finally, we get to the "really fun" part. Those of us with active toddlers can confirm that they are usually the happiest when they're running around in circles and screaming their heads off.

Now Use Your Present!

So, now that I've spent all that time describing the four categories of play that, in our experience, have made indoor play more bearable and (dare I even say it) fun, hit the button below to download your guide to indoor toddler activities.

About the Author

Liz (or Dr. Mommy, as her toddler started calling her after learning what a PhD was) is the happily sleep-deprived mom of a toddler (and professional raccoon noise impersonator), a sparkle-clad kidnado, a teenage stepdaughter, 200 cumulative pounds of dog, and herd of dustbunnies (if daily vacuuming doesn't occur).

How to keep a child amused?

Toys and ‘special toys’ from The Diary Of Dad. The most obvious way to keep a child amuses is simple, loads of toys! Right now my son Robbie has a love of cars and trucks and the house is littered with them. It’s always good to have toys that help with his development as well. Many of our toys help with counting, shapes and animals. And although the constant noises may give me a headache it is good to know they are helping the little man’s development. We also have some ‘special toys’ that are not always out and available. It’s wise to have a weapon up your sleeve for those times when he is getting bored of his normal gear. Or I need five minutes to actually achieve anything in my own life.

What to do when your child is slow?

Sing a song . Every child has a song (or many) that will make him slow up and pay attention, says The Diary Of Dad. Fortunately you do not need a great voice or any classical training for this. My son’s top tune is “You Are My Robster” sang to the tune of You Are My Sunshine, and I have sung this to him since he was one day old. It works particularly well if you have any actions or dances to go with it that they can interact with.

How did I do?

Was this post useful? If you’re trying to ‘home school’ your older children, then check out my post with loads of useful online resources and websites. It also shows you which baby groups are running their classes online. And if you want to forget all about keeping kids entertained and educated, and fancy a laugh, head to my Mum Life section to read my ‘usual’ kind of blogposts.

How to make a farmyard from messy little monster?

Okay, so this could go spectacularly wrong, but it also might mean you don’t need to feed them any lunch, right? Using a tray use weetabix to build walls and create four different areas. Then fill each area with a different cereal – for example Rice Krispies, Shreddies, Cornflakes or Cheerios. Add a few farmyard characters and animals, and even a few plastic trees and let them get on with it. Hours of fun. You hope…

Is it okay to be stuck indoors with little ones?

Being stuck indoors with little ones isn’t the best, right? Especially if you’re trying to work too. We all need ways to keep toddlers entertained at home.

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

Toddlers don't require complicated toys and activities to keep them busy. A simple water table or a large bin filled with water can engage a toddler for hours. Of course, you'll need to supervise your sweetie at all times, as even a small amount of water can present a danger to a small child.

Reach-Up Step Stool with Support Handles

When weather prevents your peewee from playing outside, you can still use water to keep him occupied; just plop him on a foot stool or chair at the kitchen sink! Sponges, suds, spoons and measuring cups all add up to at least an hour of entertainment. This high rise step stool happens to be 31 percent off, too.

Colorful Pipe Cleaners

Specifications: What toddler doesn't love opening up kitchen cabinets and emptying the contents? This activity involves something your little one is probably very familiar with: a colander. All you do is weave pipe cleaners in and out of the little holes, and let him pull out the ends and try to stick 'em back in.

JELL-O Strawberry Unicorn Play Slime

Since toddlers put everything in their mouths, why not let 'em? This activity is sensory play at its best—and grossest! Edible slime is easy to make and mushy enough to entertain a toddler for much longer than yet another attempt at coloring.

Dinosaur Play Sand Kit

Another activity little kids can eat involves a pasta sensory bin. Touching, squeezing, throwing, eating; it's all good when your a tot in a bin full of linguine noodles! Just be sure to use longer cooked pasta shapes, like linguine or spaghetti, so as not to pose a choking hazard for your hungry honey.

Plastic Egg Shakers

Every little kid is a peewee percussionist-in-training, so why not help him get his groove on and make instruments right in your own home? You'll need a plastic container that can be tightly closed and beans, rice or seeds, and voila! Your baby band is in business. These shaker eggs are also a great alternative to the DIY version.

Alex Discover My ABC Busy Box

Do you have a box, a pencil and ribbon? Great, you now possess the items needed to occupy your toddler while you cook dinner. This ABC Busy Box is also great and will likely engage your curious cutie for much longer.

What to put in a car to play with while eating?

Create a bag of toys which they can only play with while you’re eating out. Crayons and coloring books or other small toys can be kept in your vehicle until you need them. Board books with flaps are also a great item to include in the bag.

How to make a quiet meal with your partner?

Find a restaurant which caters to families with children and your child will feel right at home. People eating at this type of restaurant are used to the noise level and with having little ones running around them. However, if you’re interested in having a quiet meal with your partner, try to get a babysitter.

Can a toddler eat fast food?

2. Even though you probably don’t want your child to eat fast food until they are a teen, plan to eat at places serving food you know they’ll enjoy. Fast food isn’ t always the healthiest but as long as your family doesn’t make a steady diet of it, choosing it when eating out means that your toddler will probably enjoy themselves.

Is fast food healthy for toddlers?

Fast food isn’t always the healthiest but as long as your family doesn’t make a steady diet of it, choosing it when eating out means that your toddler will probably enjoy themselves. 3. Order your child’s meal with your drinks. This will ensure your child will be able to eat quicker which will keep them busy until your meals arrive.

1. Make the stroller ride sound exciting

Stroller rides don’t have to be boring. Instead, start making an effort to get your toddler excited for their time in the stroller. You can do this by talking about the stroller positively and referring to it as a place where they can play, watch the world, and relax.

2. Take toys along

When you’ve got a toddler, the fresh air and outside views can’t always be enough to keep them happy. So it would help if you took along some toys to entertain your toddler when they’re bored.

3. Use your words and imagination

Talking to your toddler and empathizing with them can go a long way. Rather than forcing them into the stroller and ignoring their pleas to get out, try and communicate with them.

4. Keep snacks with you

One great way to keep your toddler entertained and happy is to give them yummy snacks to eat in the stroller. It would be better to go for snacks they can munch on, like chips, nuts, popcorn, or chunks of fruit. It would be best if you handed them over to your toddler to keep their hands occupied.

5. Give your toddler electronics

Screen time and access to electronics should always be limited, but you can reserve some of it for your toddler’s stroller rides. Allowing your child to use the device only when they’re in the stroller can also act as an incentive.

6. Try different routes

If you have a daily walking routine, it would be a good idea to switch up the route from time to time. Choose a different road or trail so your toddler can look at other sights. By exposing them to different environments and pointing out new things, you may be able to keep them entertained.

What to do when your toddler is stuck at home?

If you’re stuck at home, especially on a cold or rainy day, having a dance party is a great way to get your toddler expending some energy in a constructive way. Our girls often love to dance around the house, especially if we turn the music up loud and join them.

What to do with toddlers on a rainy day?

Activities For Toddlers To Do At Home. 1. Sidewalk chalk. Obviously this is not a great idea for a rainy day, but if you want an activity that doesn’t require any preparation then sidewalk chalk is a great way to keep toddlers entertained! Sidewalk chalk is cheap and great for toddlers of all ages.

Why do toddlers love to help in the kitchen?

Toddlers often love to help in the kitchen. It makes them feel grown-up and offers all kinds of fun sensory experience. I’m not great at involving the girls in things in the kitchen, but when I do they love it! You can create some really fun memories and pass a lot of time with a toddler baking together.

Is reading a book fun for toddlers?

Reading books is a lot of fun for toddlers, but MAKING books is a whole different kind of fun. If you want to foster a love of reading in your toddlers and involve them in a really fun craft, make a picture book with them!

Can toddlers use scissors?

This is another activity that isn’t great for the real young toddlers, but older toddlers can have a lot of fun with it! For most toddlers, the privilege of using scissors and glue is probably new. Therefore, cutting ANYTHING out on their own and gluing it to ANYTHING is an amazingly entertaining activity.

Can toddlers paint?

You can even make homemade finger paint with a few ingredients from the pan try if you’re in a pinch. (That’s what we did!)

Is it hard to keep a toddler entertained?

Keeping a toddler entertained is no small task in general, but keeping one entertained AT HOME is an even bigger task! If you feel like your sanity is drifting away while your toddler claws at your legs begging for something new to do, you’re not alone. Days without some kind of agenda or structure to keep a toddler occupied at home can be downright exhausting.

How to keep kids busy all day?

She has great ideas to keep kids busy all day long. One of her tips is the stay, play and walk away approach to playing. What you do is set up an activity, and you stay with them for a few minutes playing.

What to do with cardboard boxes?

If you come across a cardboard box, hand it over to your child or children. They will have a blast designing and playing in a box. My twins use them for rocket ships, forts, hiding places, grocery carts and more.

What to do when mess doesn't bother you?

If mess doesn’t bother you, then let your little one have fun with paint! I give my twins poster board and paints and let them create their masterpieces!

The Problem

Arts and Crafts

• Nothing excites a toddler more than getting to create something. (Well, other than possibly getting to destroy something, but we'll get to that.) Kids love arts and crafts. The messier the better. The good thing here, is it doesn't take fancy art supplies or professional equipment to allow your toddler to have an insanely good time. Throw them some...

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Interactive Play

Sensory and Hands-On Activities

Active Play

Now Use Your Present!