Music, Dance, & So Much More!

Music, Dance, & So Much More!

There have been days when I’ve wondered if I am providing enough stimulation for my kids. My son is still young enough though - that I am confident I am meeting all of his needs. However, my mischievous little monkey of a toddler (& I say that with nothing but love in my heart) is 21 months old and ready to rule the world!

There are days when I need to stay close to home - to get household chores completed and such, but on those days especially, my toddler is NON STOP GO GO GO!!! The thought of putting her in a morning program has crossed my mind, however I am not ready for that - & I don’t know that she is yet either. So, I have found that I need to be a little more creative at times - especially on those days where her energy level is up, mine is not & there are other tasks that need my attention.

Having two children so close together (12 months), I had to learn how to organize and feel confident enough in myself to pack the kids up and partake in outings that lasted more than 2 hours. Once I felt comfortable doing that I learned that there are so many activities right here in our own backyard - & most are either free or relatively inexpensive.

Parent support groups, play-groups, music hours, and story hours, are just a few things that many stay-at-home parents can take part in. Some activities right here in the Triangle that I have taken my kids to include the following:

Some activities that you can do with your toddler when you are at home include:

  • Sticky Feet & Bubble Pop (tape contact paper on the floor sticky side up and tape bubble wrap to the floor beside the contact paper & let your toddler dance, hop, and jump on these very different textures
  • Bean Bag Bowling (set up plastic soda/water bottles or baby bottles on the floor and let your toddler bowl them over by tossing a bean bag at them!)
  • Pots & Pan Band (open up your kitchen cupboard, take out a few different sized pots, and safe utensils & make some music together! - this is great while you are in the kitchen attempting to prepare dinner)
  • Up It Goes (take a beach ball or other light weight ball & a towel, blanket or parachute and you & your chid hold opposite ends, place the ball in the middle & toss it up in the air & try to catch it!)

It is important to me that I make time during the day to focus completely on my kids; We play together & we learn together. It is also important that my kids learn how to play by themselves. By giving them ideas & materials they will learn how to use their imaginations and I can feel good about fostering positive self esteem in my kids!