Brain-Stimulating Activities to Keep Your Little One Busy at Home

 

In today’s digital-crazy age, it’s not unusual to come across kids across all ages and walks of life absorbed in some electronic device pretty much, well, everywhere. We all have our reasons why we pass our tablets and smartphones to our wee ones but sometimes, this mom believes it’s to everyone’s benefit to turn off that new app and get down to play the old-fashioned way.

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Creating master builders

Construction, design, patience, dexterity… there’s so much that Lego offers the growing mind. Varying series cater to children of all ages and is quite the hot favourite with adults as well which translates to great bonding sessions for both parents and their offspring. Hours of building entertainment ahead and who knows, perhaps an engineer or architect in the mix?

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Splish splash

There aren’t many kids I know who don’t love water. Swimming pool fun is always a treat especially with diving rings, speedy underwater torpedoes and water blasters. No easily accessible pool? Don’t underestimate the joy of a hot afternoon spent outside, or on the bathroom floor, with buckets and tubs of water. Water bombs and balloons, rubber duckies, squirt toys, water pistols and plastic boats are only some of the many items that lead to a splashing good time and a welcome respite to the heat.

Play with dough

With play dough, there are many opportunities to make a royal mess! Squishy, malleable play dough that can be rolled, pulled, stretched, chopped and poked make for great exploration and plenty of tactile fun. Not only that, but it also helps develop fine motor skills and builds muscle strength in little hands.

Try this recipe for homemade playdough :

  • 1 cup salt + 2 cups plain flour + 4 tablespoons cream of tartar + 2 cups water + 2 cups vegetable oil+ a dash of food colouring
  • Mix all ingredients in a medium sized saucepan over low to medium heat until dough is thick. It’s a workout so make sure those arms are ready! Allow to cool then store in a ziplock bag.

 

Scoop and Pour

Fill a big shallow container with various beans, add bowls and scoops of different shapes and sizes then let your preschooler have a go. The idea is to scoop the beans then pour them into the other containers. You’ll be amazed at how kids love the repetition and can keep at it continuously. Whilst having a ball, Junior is learning to manoeuvre and control the scoop and if he or she is using their fingers, well that’s fine motor development at work.

Tip : Spread a plastic sheet beneath to help with easy cleanup of those slippery beans!

Baby Picasso

The basics you’ll need are non-toxic paints, brushes, some water and white paper. Throw a smock on to protect clothes or if you’re doing this with your wee one, let them discover their inner Van Gogh in the comfort of their nappy. For a sensorial journey, don’t be afraid to let your child use their hands and feet to create their masterpieces. Make sure your fridge has enough room to proudly display these gems.

Arty crafters

Arts and craft is an innovative way to while away the hours and the possibilities are impressively endless. Start a simple craft box with your children – include paper, ribbons, buttons, glue, felt, old socks, ink pads, magazines, egg cartons, fabric, magic markers, toilet roll tubes and paper plates – and add to it as you go along. When inspiration strikes, pull out the box and let your child put together anything they like.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Choose a puzzle that is likely to draw your child’s attention, be it in the form of a favourite cartoon, animal or story. Start with a puzzle with a smaller number of pieces to build interest and confidence then move on to more challenging options. Children love being engaged so guide them to noticing patterns and watch their sense of accomplishment each time a part fits correctly.

 

Baking up a storm

Why restrict playtime to the playroom when tasty excitement is to be had on the counters of your kitchen? Sugar, butter, vanilla and chocolate are winning combinations and muffins, cupcakes and pizza are some of the simplest food to whip up. Your toddler will take pride in helping and love that the finished product is a favourite snack. Whisk in fruit, ice cream, sprinkles and chocolate nibs to make it a real treat. Sugar high or not, this is an indulgence for the whole family that doesn’t need to fend off complaints.

For the love of books

Amazing worlds await to be discovered through the humble book and our children should be persuaded to happen upon them sooner rather than later. Whilst infants may not have the attention span to sit through a whole book, an introduction to a page every so often can result in an interest that will blossom soon enough. Some of the best moments to be cherished are with your children on your lap or beside you as you crack open a tome with stories of secret islands, flying chairs and enchanted trees.

Yes, some days, we could all do with a sprinkle of magic.

Read this next: Why I make DIY toys for my toddler.

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More from Makchic: 8 Ways to Engage Your Toddler in Meaningful & Creative Play

Toddler

Annabelle Josef is a girl from KL who married the best guy she knows and lives with him and their two little folk in the neighbouring red dot of Singapore. She runs a juggling act of school runs, swim classes, play dates and diaper changes, absolutely loves to travel and one day aims to complete a full marathon. Between one trip and the next, she is a freelance writer, amateur photographer and is earning her chops as a Lego master builder.

Image Credits: Annabelle Josef, pixgood.com, galleryhip.com & www.parentinghealthybabies.com.

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