This week, I discovered a fun way to keep the toddler engaged in an activity while I am busy in the kitchen. This is especially good if you have something simmering on the stove but does not need a lot of constant attention.
Ladybug (2.25 years old) is fascinated with the dryer balls that I bought recently. Maybe because of their funky texture. We discovered that they roll nicely across a tile floor. However, this will work with any small ball.
This activity helps your toddler with improving their attention span, with fine and gross motor skills, and it's fun! We played soccer in the kitchen! While I was keeping an eye on food on the stove, we kicked a ball back and forth. I am not an athlete of any sort, but I do remember a few things from high school P.E. Our game lasted at least twenty minutes.
The toddler was kept busy and out of trouble, the food did not get burned, and we had fun! That definitely works for me!
Photo Credit: stock.xchng
Great tip!
ReplyDeleteGood idea. I would also have a cabinet of pots and tupperware and spoons my toddlers could play with at my feet. Oooh, but that was sooo long ago :(
ReplyDeleteWendy loves playing "yoccer"! She also really enjoys what she calls "washing dishes," which is really just playing in the sink with cups and water and a sponge.
ReplyDeletegood idea! anything to keep the little ones busy during that *crucial* time of day! THX
ReplyDeleteAw, that's sweet!
ReplyDeletehttp://crispy-not-crunchy.blogspot.com/2009/09/works-for-me-and-what-can-i-eat.html
My 2.5 year old is crazy about the dryer balls too! Just bought them a few months ago and she is somehow able to reach into the dryer, grab them, and run away down the hallway with them before I can move the laundry from the washer to the dryer--they are irresistible! We haven't tried playing soccer with them yet, but I"m thinking tonight would be a good time to start! Thanks for the idea!
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