Ten Ways to Entertain Your Toddler at Home

I've been a toddler teacher for as long as I can remember and I will never shake off the feeling of magic when I am with one. Teaching a toddler is the most entertaining and professionally satisfying thing a teacher can do. When they learn and they do learn (believe me!) It can only mean one word MAGIC!

It is not easy bringing up a toddler though every mom knows that (I had 4 of my own) and sometimes with all a mother has to do at home and work besides, entertaining a toddler can be hell!

The following are 10 sure-fire ways to entertain even the most demanding toddler at home.

1. Bubbles

   Bubbles are one of the cheapest and most entertaining things for a toddler. Make your own (dishwashing fluid and water) or try one of the cheap mixes available (honestly they are much better) and blow bubbles to you heart's content. Toddlers love to dip their hands into the soapy mixture and make bubbles themselves. Bubbles are not only good for entertainment; they help develop hand and eye coordination and concentration. The best thing about bubbles? -They fly higher on a windy day!

2. Cornstarch

   Another thing in anyone's kitchen! Cornstarch can be mixed with hot water (parents do the mixing only please!) to make a sticky gloopy mixture like consistency. It is mixed for at least 5 minutes until all the cornstarch has been dissolved in the water. As is, the mixture can be poured into a container and when cool enough your toddlers will enjoy plunging their hands into the cornstarch and enjoy its consistency. This can go on for hours and you don't even have to worry about them putting it into their mouths. Or if your toddler is on the artistic side, you can take the same mixture, put a little paint and spread it on a table where your toddlers can make patterns and squiggles on the table with their hands. When done you can place a paper on top of your toddler's squiggles and create a lasting impression of your fun day!

3. Puddles

   Rain, rain go away… Not today though… when the weather permits go out with your toddler (dress appropriately of course!) and walk on the sidewalk. A very smart kindergarten teacher said, “Kids and puddles go together”. She was right! You and your toddler will enjoy jumping into the puddles, splashing into them and tracing where the water falls through.

4. Shadow Watching

   Again if the weather permits or better yet try doing it inside the house where there is not much furniture. Darken the room and place a light in the center of the room. Allow your toddler to walk around the light. Your toddler will be enchanted by the shadows she makes on the walls and will be entertained for hours on end.

5. Garden Tour

   Go out with your toddler and try to observe things at their level. You cannot imagine what strange little creatures these toddlers can find!

6. Play Dough

   Make your own (try finding the best recipe on the internet.) For me it took years to create the best homemade play dough. You'd need the basics though - salt, flour, water and cooking oil (again all basic kitchen ingredients). Just mix these together to create play dough. Again because the water has to be hot, only parents can mix but toddlers can help only after it has cooled. You can also add paint to make it more interesting. Good homemade play dough can be kept in a covered container when not in use for at least a week.

7. Singing Songs

   You don't have to be a singer to entertain a toddler. Toddlers naturally like music and like to move with music. You can sing your own or play a cd with children's music. Move along with your toddler. This can be a riot! You'll get your exercise too!

8. Make a Tent

   Drape a blanket over a piece of furniture (or put up a tent if you have one). Your toddler will surely enjoy camping! Don't forget it becomes more entertaining with you!

9. Pots and Pans

   Open a kitchen cabinet! Make sure nothing can harm your toddler in there though! Toddlers like to bang around the pots and pans and you can watch them while you are in your kitchen. A wise grandma and pre-school teacher said she reserved one particular place in her kitchen for her grandchildren so they could play while she worked.

10. Be Around

    The best playmate a toddler can ever have is you! Whatever and wherever you play your toddler will love it and you!