10 Simple Brain Building Toddler Activities
* If you click some of links I’ve added to this educational information, I may earn a few cents to help keep this operational. I’ve either used these products myself or trust the recommendations from the moms I serve and choose to pass on the great tips. Win-Win You don’t have to be artistically inclined to successfully entertain your toddler. These simple brain building toddler activities can be modified toward any age, gender, skill set and intellect. First gather your tools and find a safe area in your home that is acceptable to mess up! Don’t spend a fortune on products to avoid being upset when your child breaks, loses or throws items away by accident. Do, however, try to get some things you can reuse to save time and money. When you start a project, start with the least number of pieces and add on as needed. Little ones don’t need many moving parts to be entertained. They just need someone to show interest and spend time with them. Basic materials to start with: Chalk– large for small fingers. Paint brushes, paint, sponges, smock– all in one is easier and cheaper. Bubbles– easy to use for you and the toddler. Great for bath, outside or pool time. Pipe cleaners– easier for little fingers to handle. Various sizes and colors. Pompoms– mixed sizes, colors and shapes. Macaroni-mixed shapes is great. Extra-large for the younger toddler. Playdoh– with accessories is best to save time and money. Crayons – large for small fingers. Paper– multi use paper that can withstand a toddler and any medium. Large beads-nothing that they could swallow. Sand– it doesn’t have to be colorful, natural works great for this activity. Stickers– toddler stickers are meant for the little ones to handle with ease. No frustrations. Cookie sheet- any metal surface that can come with you anywhere. Chalkboard spray paint– if you’re up to giving your toddler a small piece of wall to do chalk on. Markers – large for small fingers. Art floor mat– anything to protect your floor. Puzzles and tongs– they can be separate, but I like this kit due to the ease for toddlers. Some tongs are hard for little hands to maneuver. Small containers– Make sure you pick something that your little artist can’t open without you! Cupcake tray– have kids use tongs to pick up various items (straw pieces, magnets, pompoms, beads) and put in each cup. As they get more competent, try to have them separate by color-number-type etc. Empty boxes of various sizes- save boxes to have toddlers draw on, especially large boxes they can sit in. Empty egg cartons- can be used instead of cupcake tray. Great for separating paint colors as well as painting. Clear contact paper– any color or design will do in a pinch. Zip lock bags of various sizes Empty toilet paper, paper towel or gift wrap tubes- use as a tunnel for cars, pompoms, sticks, acorns etc. Let your imagination run wild here. Kids can put anything in these for fun. If you have a container, small garbage can or basket under it, cleanup will be a lot faster. Keep in mind that the first 5 years can be the best time for brain building activities. Brain development is at lightning speed during this crucial period of growth. Spending a few minutes every day working on fine motor skills with these simple exercises can boost cognitive progression, hand eye coordination and communication. These 10 simple brain building toddler activities can be done even when you aren’t feeling up to the task: Paint with water– no fuss no mess; they can do this on paper, rocks, shells or anything really- just watching those items get wet will keep their interest. Be sure to offer different size paint brushes or other tools. Q-tips, sponges, small roller brush, bubble wrap, fingers, spoon, paper, cotton balls, basting brush etc. Throw a little sand on the paper for added effect. Don’t be afraid to let them experiment with texture as well. Cookie sheet with magnets– find different types of magnets to keep their interest longer, but in a pinch any magnet will do. Even from the refrigerator. Plus, this is a simple activity to bring along when you’re in a hurry. Gather various size cookie sheets for simplicity. This can keep some toddlers enthralled for hours. Draw with chalk on the wall you’ve already prepped with chalkboard spray paint. Or any surface that you don’t mind wiping chalk off. We find the deck, rocks, toys, shells and ride on toys beautifully decorated all the time. It is easy to clean, so don’t get mad if chalk ends up in places you weren’t expecting. Sensory bin- if you have this ready all the time, it’ll be easy to set up when you’re low on energy and enthusiasm. Start with dry, safe, non-perishables that have different textures. If your toddler eats everything then size matters too. Suggestions; pasta, tin foil, Pom poms, sticky tape or squish balls and something earthy (acorn, flower, pine needle etc.). Put in container let them feel their way. Sensory bag-keep one around that can distract while you’re busy. Easy to make and be creative while toddler spends time exploring. 2 (any size) freezer bags, water, duct tape and a bath toy or 2 for the easiest one. Put water in one bag with toy, squeeze air out, zip it and tape it before putting into another bag for security and zip and tape again. Feel free to switch up what you put in bag: try play doh and beads or Pom poms: Hair gel, glitter, small plastic animals, food dye and the list is endless. Pompom play- have kiddo use tongs to pick up Pom Pom and put into something (we use cupcake tray or egg carton to show separation. As they need more of a challenge try putting one color in each compartment or counting as they do it. Using tongs builds hand strength. Contact
Third Trimester Planning
Third-trimester planning takes the pressure off when you are busy learning your new role- MOM! It’s not essential for you to do everything on the list before the baby, but it can improve your recovery from birth. You will become an awesome mother whether you’re prepared or not; after all, babies don’t require much more than diapers, clothes, breasts, and shelter. It’ll be ok! To-Do List Employer conversation: Know the federal, state, and office policies on FMLA-pregnancy-maternity leave and the pumping at work laws before you broach the subject with your boss. Be well versed in your rights and start that conversation now about your plans to return even if you’re not sure or think you may not go back. Get a tentative return to work date agreed upon and explain that you’d like to ease back in. Potentially work from home before going into the office or go back on a Thursday instead of a Monday or possibly start with half days etc. shorten your first weeks back. Get creative and don’t be afraid to explain what you’re thinking. Most bosses want to work it out so that you can be successful when you return, not distracted. Don’t forget to discuss your breastfeeding plans and the need to pump. Find a place that you can safely, effectively pump 3-4 times per day until you get settled (it’ll be less frequent after the first month). Ask your seasoned coworkers where they pumped and how they made it work successfully. Be committed to doing what it takes to feed your baby organic, straight from the source, unprocessed food! Educate Yourself Class: If you haven’t had a birth-breastfeeding-newborn care class, do it now! Each class has valuable perks with the right teacher. Preferably, you’ve been working with a doula that has been teaching you throughout the pregnancy. Still, it’s never too late to find one. If a doula is not in your plan, get into a class ASAP. While I’m all for online learning, I do believe there are many more benefits to an in-person class or 2 when it comes to pregnancy. You will gain a lot from the questions asked in the room as well as likely make a few mom/dad friends. Plus, there is no comparison to having tangible props and a live expert to connect with. Especially if she is local. Support in the Third Trimester Build your tribe! Find local mom friends who can help you navigate new parenthood. People who have similar philosophies, backgrounds, and plans as you are preparing. You should be looking for the least judgy, always ready to help, and most supportive of kin to add to your village. She will be who you call/text late at night with what seems like silly questions or to cry on her shoulder. If you happen to be the first in your friends to be entering motherhood, it’s ok-you’ll have to look further than your close circle. There are thousands of women in your area who would love to connect and share. Find all the experts! Know who your community resources are ahead of time. You want to be familiar with those that can help in a variety of ways. Professionals who can help with baby questions/care, nannies or daycares, breastfeeding experts, alternative caregivers like a prenatal-newborn chiropractor-craniosacral therapist-naturopath-pediatric dentist or ENT-prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher-pelvic floor specialist, etc. Keeping a list of the most highly regarded experts can save you time later if you experience any setbacks or health conditions. Visitor preparations Prepare your visitors: Sounds frivolous and straightforward, but it’s worth the extra planning. You and your partner need to have a discussion, right now, about the people allowed in the labor/birth room. Be sure to include who will be allowed to visit in the days and weeks beyond that as well. Don’t leave it to family and friends to decide. Agree to what is most important to you both and stick with a well thought out plan. Share this arrangement with your over-exuberant folk, and don’t let them talk you out of it. It’s ok, it’s your right-your baby, and they can all wait. Have a meal plan: Every time you prepare a meal in the last trimester, make extra and freeze it. Even if it’s a small amount, these meals can quickly help you maneuver through the first few weeks. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to apply the same concept in a well-meaning friends’ kitchen. Just ask a few BFF’s to help out. Stock up on non-perishable, easy to grab, quick snacks to leave by your “nursing corner.” Always have fresh water by your side. You will be very thirsty in the fourth trimester. Most of your pregnancy is spent dreaming about what your baby will look like and dealing with the ailments that come with growing a human while the end slowly sneaks up on you. If you handle most of the “business” part of the 3rd and 4th trimester now, you’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying your baby later. Third-trimester planning is a win-win for everyone!
