Toddler Pretend Play Activities

I guess babies just wake up one day and decide they're into Pretend Play.  At least that's how it seemed to happen with Jude.  He now talks to his plush, drives his toy cars all over town on his carpeted bedroom floor, and feeds pieces of play dough to his plastic farm animals with slurping sound effects for my listening pleasure!  It's adorable!  Right now I'm in the watch and just-go-along with it stage. I'm sometimes allowed to sneak in a suggestion, but mostly I get to sit back and enjoy his imagination expanding and exploring the possibilities!
Loving every minute of it, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any suggestions on Pretend Play?
Related Article:
Toddler Pretend Play Activities

Safety Gates

They say, "practice makes perfect," and I believe Jude is practicing very hard to make his climbing skills perfect!
Watching him try to execute a clean gate-break makes me wonder how in the world my parents managed to get five kids through toddlerhood without the luxury of safety gates, cabinet locks, and socket plugs?  I'm guessing it was the family playpen!  The family playpen was a well-worn, wooden, hand-me-down, with a set of built-in counting beads. We'd spend hours in the "pen" snacking, playing and sleeping.  When neighbors came by for visits, they simply piled their kids in there too! 
Thank goodness for new inventions,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us the best baby, safety-featured gadget you've tried and liked, or anything else that strikes your fancy?

Related Articles:
Toddler Climbing/What To Expect
Baby Gates/Do's and Dont's

Flash Cards for Toddlers

Last time I played with Flashcards, we held them in our hands, then flipped them over for the answer.  Jude of course has a new and improved way!  Just stick them on your head one at a time for the information to slowly absorb through your skull and into your brain.  I think he's got something there.  Hey, I'm up to trying anything that makes life a little easier and a lot more fun!
Gotta love these kids,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  At what ages did you find flash cards to be most helpful for the kids?
Related Article:
Early Education Flashcards

Toddlers and Chores

Just the other day Jude and I were reaching into the garage for the sand toys, when Jude spotted the swifter leaning against the wall and insisted it come with us.  Here I am thinking we're about to embark on another fun day at the park, and Jude's thinking "wouldn't it be more fun to mop the floor!"  Since toddlers love to play with brooms, mops and dust pans, we negotiated a time out for tidying-up before we sunned-up!  
Always room for one more chore,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How have your grandkids/kids helped out around the house?


Related Article:
How To Let Your Child Help With Chores 

Children Working At Play

Maria Montessori, a doctor and pioneer educator, believes that "children have a drive for positive interactions with their environment." She states that, "Play meets a basic human instinct for exploration. It is a basic instinct of human beings to master their environments in order to feel safe and secure."  This hits home for me as I help Jude explore every inch of his environment.  He needs to turn everything upside down and backwards to understand all of it's capabilities, and then some!  Who would have thought toy bins can turn into stepping stones, jump-off blocks, stacking toys and lounging chairs.  And I'm sure he's got a few more tricks up his sleeves!
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How hard do your kids/grandkids work at play?

Related Article:
Creating Indoor Spaces for Toddlers

Sand Play Activities

Just 2 weeks ago I couldn't get Jude to like the sand.  He walked around it to get to the slide, and needed all particles that would kick up and stick to him, removed immediately.  Well, turns out that sand toys married the two.  Not only did Jude discover the fun of digging, but he also realized he could bring sand home via pant cuffs, socks and shoes!  Can't wait until the weather gets a bit warmer and we add water to the mix!
Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What sand toys do your kids/grandkids like best?


Related Article:
25 Fun Sand Play Activities 

Plush Are Great Learning Toys

"Research shows that those children who play with plush toys regularly are able to express themselves quite emphatically and are calmer during stressful situations." 
Since Jude has too many plush for me to count, according to this statement, I believe he's going to be the calmest kid on his block! Emphatic too, as Jude emphatically explains to his newest plush, Curious George, what the house rules are, and that Luvie, is never to be messed with!  Although Jude didn't use those exact words, I do believe he finished his little talk with, "I think we both understand each other now!" 
Hugs and Loves, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Who were some of your grandkids'/kids' favorite plush characters?
Related Article:
Plush Toys are Learning Toys 

Tumbling for Toddlers

Helping Jude do a tumblesault was easy.  Getting him to stop was the challenge! I couldn't blame him at all. Growing up with four siblings, we spent many hours at the end of the day, testing our acrobatic skills on the living room rug.  Back bends, hand stands, tumbles, and often rumbles would erupt competing for floor space and "now look at me" time.  It was a terrific form of indoor exercise...not to mention, we all slept great at night!
Keep 'em moving,
Bubbie and Jude

P.S.  Any good indoor exercises for kids, you might share?
Related Article: 
Tumbling Toddlers

Playground Swings

I remember loving the playground as a child.  Most of our  time was spent honing our swinging skills. After all, we had to be ready at a moments notice for the "highest swinger" and the "farthest jumper" competitions.  We also loved to twist the swing until it could not twist anymore, just to see how many times we could make it untwist, for dizziness sake! 
As I watch Jude loving his bucket swing, I have no doubt that he will be moving onto the "big kid" swing in no time, and discovering his own daring stunts. 
Can't wait,
Bubbie and Jude!
P.S. What do your grandbabies love to do at the playground?
Related Article:
Benefits of Playground Swings 

"Calming Down" Time

Soft comforts!  Who can't love this?  Petting a furry-purry cat with one hand, and hugging a silky-lovey with the other. Jude sure knows how to take a "play" break.  And I thought the answer was a box of chocolates and a good movie. Just snapping the picture soothed my soul. The best part of this moment was the chatter between the two. Although I couldn't understand a word either one said, it was clear that they did.
Take a break and enjoy,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any tips of your own, for helping the kids with down time?
Related Articles:
Calm-It-Down Tips 
Calm-Down Time 
The Power Of Petting A Cat 

A Sense of Balance

Hold it, hold it, hold it...and he did it! Yes! After only six tries, but two minutes of grueling persistence, Jude balances his lightweight, yellow ring on the top of his head for his record breaking time of...wait for it... five seconds! Let's hear it for Jude!  
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude


P.S. What balancing games have you found to be fun for your kids and grandkids?
Related Article:
Balance, Posture and Movement
Balancing Games 
How To Improve Your Child's Balance 
Balance For Preschoolers 

Fun With Stickers

Getting a sticker to stay stuck on your cheek isn't so hard, but try getting a sticker to stay stuck on your nose.  Now that's quite a different subject!  Jude worked on it for quite a while, and I think if we had a little more sticky on the back of the sticker, and not so much runny from the tip of Jude's nose, we would have had a much better chance at accomplishing this major goal in Jude's day.
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  How do your grandkids play with stickers?
Related article:
Removing Stickers From Places They Don't belong 
How To Make Your Own Stickers 

Discovering Facial Features

Once your little one figures out they have facial features, their next logical step is to discover who else has them!  I've found that stuffed animals are a terrific place to start.  Obviously, these darling, little critters were built to withstand the poking, prodding and pulling which a face has to endure through the early stages of discovery.  Thank goodness for small, plush favors!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
Leapfrog/Activity/Nose, Eyes, Mouth
Toddler Station/Body Parts Songs

Indoor Exercises For Kids

Watching Jude watch a video is inspiring.  All these years I could have been firming-up my abs, glutes and thighs while watching TV!  I didn't have to sit on the sofa, feet up, with my fingers playing rapid fire with my mouth and a bag of M & M's!  From now on I'm doing it Jude's way!  Stretched out with muscles tightened between the ottoman and sofa, while holding onto Jude's blankie.  That'll do it!  I'll keep you posted on my new physique, or aching back...whichever comes first!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Do you have any fun indoor exercises for the kids, that you'd like to share?
Related Articles:
How To Plan Indoor Exercises For The Kids 
How To Teach Preschool Fitness 

Toddlers and the "No" Word

No! No! No!  Of all the words that Jude can say, "no" seems to be on the tip of his tongue at all times.  And it sure does work around me.  I find myself standing at attention when he expresses his favorite word, anxious to find out what he is now cognizant of that he doesn't want, or doesn't want to do.  Usually it's in place of, "Stop shoving food into my mouth, I've had enough," or "That's not the video I want to watch, that's the one you want to watch!"  As long as it doesn't mean, "Enough with the hugs and kisses," I'm happy!
"No-no" for now,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
When All You Hear Is "No!" 
Toddlers Say "No" Because They Can 

When Toddlers Develop Their Sense of Smell

Ahh...the smell of Playdoh!  You just can't beat it, and I don't know anyone who can't recall it!  The first thing that I want to do when I see a container of the squishy stuff, is smell it.  Now that I get to play with it again with my grandson, we're both delighting in it's enticing aroma, especially since Jude is beginning to recognize different smells.  Next up...freshly baked, chocolate- chip cookies!  (Nestles, of course!)
Best,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Sensory Games 
Your Toddler's Sense of Smell 
What Does Purple Smell Like 

Magnetic Drawing Board and Pen

"Look Ma, no crayons or paper!" Now, I love a good mess as well as the next guy, but this magnetic drawing board is too sweet for words!  Jude can scribble away, then erase and start again, and it's terrific for hand-eye coordination!  Reminds me of playing with Wooly Willie, as a kid.  Willie also came with a pen which was used to move magnet dust around, for adding features, like hair, beard and a mustache. 


Here's to the good old days, and the good new days,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Let's here about your memories of favorite toys from the past, that may be similar to the toys being used by your grandchildren in the present!
Related Articles:
Wooly Willie 
Magnetic Drawing Toy 

Soap Crayons For Bathtub Fun

So, I had to open up the bathroom door to find out why Jude was trying to break in. He knew exactly what he wanted as he excitedly began yelling and pointing at the soap crayons on an upper ledge in the tub.  Handing him one green crayon was not good enough.  He needed all three with caps off in order to begin his masterpiece on his porcelain canvas.  Wow, was I impressed with his newly acquired drawing skills.  And when he was willing to move on to another activity, his art work wiped down easily with a damp cloth.  Next time I plan on water coloring with my friends, I'm inviting them all over to my bathroom for some real fun!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What form of art have you explored with your grandchildren?
Related Article:
How To Make Your Own Soap Crayons 

Playing With Play Dough

Play Dough is a great, calming, sensory activity which helps with hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and increases the attention span for children... and of course entertains this Grandmom to no end. I get to help squeeze, roll, and pat the dough before Jude pours the pieces from one container to the next.  I can't wait to graduate to snakes and braids.  In the meantime, I'd sure like to figure out an easier way to pick-up the dough from the rug.  Any Play-Dough Vacs out there?  Let me know if you've got any ideas! 
Open for suggestions, 
Bubbie
Related Articles:
Easy Play Dough Recipes 
Play Dough Ideas 

Exercising Toddlers

The crib is now officially the gym!  Jude has discovered a much better use for his mattress, other than sleeping or napping on it...he's talking, calisthenics.  That's right!  He can jump, swing, bend, twist and kick, all for the low price of zero dollars a month.  Where can you get a cheaper workout than that?  He'll even drop onto the mattress when tired for a bit of a cool down, with some stretching, and of course, lots of belly laughs.  He's having such a blast, I'm tempted to try it on my own bed, but I think I'd need the bars to get as much lift as he does.  Some kids just have all the fun!  
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How have your grandbabies taken to the crib?
Related Article:
How Much Exercise Do Toddlers Need?