10 Fun Things to Do with Your Toddler During The Lockdown
Don't let Covid spoil your day
Whenever a lockdown is announced, the rants and complaints flow on Facebook. Particularly from parents who do not know what to do with their kids. As the father of a 10-month-old son, I can relate. There is nothing worse than having a disgruntled, fussy baby at home who cries all day.
When I come home from work, I am greeted with a smile from my wife who has to deal with our toddler all day. Last week, I asked her how she does it. She listed out 10 activities she has added to her schedule. Since a lot of these have proven to be successful, I thought I might share them with you.
1. Take them outside for a walk
This is our go-to whenever our son is in a grim mood that can’t be rectified by food, milk, or changing his nappy. A few minutes outside is complete bliss to a curious toddler. His senses are stimulated by the variety of sounds, fresh air, and colorful sights.
If your baby is old enough to walk, encourage him to do so. Otherwise, a pram is a good option so your hands don’t get sore. Since our baby is quite light, I prefer carrying him for short walks. I like the feeling of him being close to me and I can watch his expressions as he looks around eagerly.
2. Blow bubbles with them
There is something about bubbles that makes a baby go quiet. Maybe it's the magic of seeing a ton of bubbles materialize and disappear. Or the way they hover around and pop just as you go to touch them. Whatever the reason, blowing bubbles works.
A pack of soap solution and wands should only set you back a few dollars, so this is definitely a cheap and cheerful solution. Our son bobs up and down in delight while watching the bubbles appear, which is very sweet.
3. Give them ‘new’ toys every day
Before you balk at the idea of buying new toys daily to give your toddler, allow me to explain. From our observations, our son takes a fancy particularly to common household items that are not ‘toys’. Examples include container lids, sealed toothpaste, and the remote control.
However, within a few days, the novelty fades away. To combat this behavior, my wife gives him a new ‘toy’ every day. She has 7 items that are allocated for this purpose, and she allows him to play with them once a week. This keeps him engaged without losing the novelty that results in boredom.
Of course, if the toys you bought for him serve their purpose, then cycling through those is an obvious first choice. But if that fails, definitely consider repurposing common household items.
4. Allow them extended bath time
My son loves water. The soothing effect of water on his skin is something he craves. Even while we remove his clothes and prepare him for his bath, he shrieks in delight, bobbing up and down with an enormous smile on his face.
On days when time is not a limitation, and you are stuck at home with your toddler, an extended bath means he will be in a good mood for longer. A bonus of this activity is that your baby will probably fall asleep not long after and give you precious time to look after yourself and complete chores.
5. Play nursery rhymes
Every kid loves listening to rhymes. Our son is no different. As soon as the audio kicks in, his ears perk up and he listens carefully. He might be physically playing with a toy, but he follows along with the music and occasionally smiles or looks into the distance.
6. Read them a book
If you have a toddler who loves stories, then this is your best option. Books are splendid because they improve children’s vocabulary and take them to unreal worlds where dragons breathe fire and lions go shopping. It enhances creative thinking and keeps them in one place.
Book choice is crucial to keep them engaged. Choose ones with bright colors and good rhyme and rhythm. Read slowly with pausing and emphasis to maintain the kid’s interest.
7. Play on the bed
My son loves his pillow. He enjoys throwing it around and lying on it. Playing on the bed is fun because the soft cushioning means he can throw himself around without succumbing to injuries or pain. Another advantage of playing on the bed is that it's readily available at no cost.
Beds also serve as suitable backdrops for profile photographs. I have shot a ton of baby photos with my son crawling around on the bed. The happiness he derives from such a simple activity is priceless.
8. Give them a sweet treat
On busy weekdays, it's hard enough to get a kid to eat their regular meals, let alone think about treats. However, the lockdown gives you the luxury of time. Consider fitting in a sweet treat like chocolate or ice cream into your feeding schedule. Kids absolutely love it, and a happy baby means a happy household. Do make sure you brush their teeth afterward, though!
9. Take them on a drive around the neighborhood
Kids love looking around. My son adores cars. Every time I take him out for a drive his eyes go wide in happiness and he follows every single car that passes by. Going for a drive also has the added benefit of lulling him to sleep if timed right. The movement of the car and the white noise throw kids into a comfortable, relaxed state and improves their mood significantly.
10. Give them lots of hugs and cuddles
Finally, remember to give them lots of hugs and cuddles. Babies and toddlers need to feel loved and the best way to do this is through physical touch. Who doesn't like a warm hug? Our son absolutely enjoys being cuddled and carried around. He makes a cooing happy sound and lays down on my chest feeling my heartbeat. There really is no better feeling in the world than cuddling your child and making them feel loved.
In summary, the next time there is news of a lockdown do not fret! The world is not going to end. You now have 10 fantastic ideas to spend time at home with your child. Why not give it a go and let me know what happens?
