Twin Tips: Activities

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Tip 103 (Toddlers): Activities. Toddlers are wonderful. They are curious, funny, defiant, happy, demanding and certainly active. It is our job as parents to keep them busy and away from mischief.

During the toddler years, a child's every move is questionable. Their little hands are drawn to microscopic mystery balls on the floor that can only be discerned by putting into their mouths; the toilet that doubles as a receptacle for everything including shoes and toys; walls that act as large canvases and food that disguises as paint to be used on floors, tables and clothes rather than eaten. We have no choice other than diversion with activities.

Older children are a blessing. They can be helpful in your effort to divert your active toddler(s). Please keep in mind that older children need their separate time with you as well as with their peers. We often schedule play dates for the older children while my husband or I occupy our toddler twins. My husband often takes our older children on adventures such as hiking, fishing, skiing, movies, ball games, etc. while the toddlers enjoy age-appropriate activities. Don't forget about a little rewarding play time for dad.

Following are a few activities to occupy your busy toddlers (and their siblings). If you employ a caregiver, consider providing a daily activity list.

Art Projects - Children love coloring and drawing pictures. We recommend purchasing an art kit with colored pencils, crayons (preferably erasable) and water-based paints and markers. An art easel/chalkboard is a good investment. We chose a double-sided chalkboard for our twins. In addition, you should look for books on fun art projects in the library or local bookstore. An older sibling can pretend to be an art teacher.

Music Time - Children enjoy listening to music. Nursery songs are particularly popular with this age group. Encourage them to play their instruments along with the music. Pots and pans can also be used. We formed a toddler band and played several times a week. Our twins loved it.

Games like Hide & Seek, Scooter Race and Cranium Halabaloo® are just a few fun ways to entertainment your toddlers.

Hide & Seek - An old favorite loved by everyone from toddlers to teens. In lieu of the traditional game, you can hide your toddler's favorite stuffed animal or other toys and help them to find it. An older child can participate by hiding the toys and giving hints on where to find them. Of course, they would love the traditional game of hide and seek as well.

Guess Who - This is a game for the older sibling. Blindfold him/her and encourage him/her to guess which toddler by touching their hands. He/she can also try to find them by listening to their voices. You can use objects as well. Ask the toddlers to place a toy into the sibling's hand and ask the twins to guess what it is. Toddlers cannot resist telling.

Cranium Halabaloo® - This game was voted "favorite toy of the year." Halabaloo is similar to Twister, but is geared to younger children and is more fun. The game host tells the children which mat to step on and if a player is standing on a particular mat at the end, he/she wins the game and has to make up a dance. It is a really cute game. Up to eight children can play. You can find it in most toy stores.

Scooter Race - If your children have scooters or other sit-and-push toys, you can set up an obstacle course and have them race through it. We often played their nursery songs along with this game.

Parks - Children never tire of the park. They can enjoy the play equipment (swings, slides, etc.), ride their tricycles or scooters, play hide & seek, kick the ball around and so forth. Parks are fun all year around.

Children Libraries - The children's library is great for children ranging from toddler to teen. Most have a toddler room with toys with activities including story time. For older children, they also offer activities such as board games, Internet, art projects and movies.

Pet Stores - Children enjoy visiting pet stores to watch and pet animals. However, be prepared for a tantrum when leaving. This is a good rainy or snow day activity. It is also a good diversion when shopping in malls.

Children's Museums - We highly recommend this activity. Children's Museums are filled with enough hands-on activities -- like broadcast stations, grocery store section, medieval castle, costumes for dress up, hospital section, actual fire trucks and ambulances and much more -- to keep your children busy for the entire day.

Children's Gyms - Great for toddlers and their siblings. A children's gym allows them to run, jump, climb and throw in a safe environment. They will be exhausted from physical exertion. Check your local directory to find a children's gym near you.

Science Centers - We highly recommend for toddlers and siblings. Science centers are interactive learning centers with a variety of live animals, science videos, art stations, 3-D movies, science projects and more. The operative word here is "interactive."

Bowling - If you can handle a slightly noisy atmosphere, bowling is a fun activity for entire family. We do not recommend this activity for children under 3 years old.

If you have an experience relating to this topic and would like to share with other parents, please email it to customercare@duosandtrios.com. Please type "Editorial" as your subject.