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Dear <<$KEY5>>,
A time for the Toddlers!
Bruce
is off on some much needed rest and relaxation with his
family this week, so I offered to share some thoughts
with you. It's exciting for me to come out from beyond
the "editing" mode and into the creative side.
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Well, it's summer time again,
and the kids are in the house looking for something
to do! At the Toddler stage, this can be particularly
exciting! Toddlers are learning new things, they
are talking, and counting, and interacting with
others - all by imitating the adults around them.
Often
the simplest and sometimes the most enjoyable summer
activity for toddlers are those that don't take
much time, effort, or experience to pull off. Below
are some suggestions to take the "wiggles"
out of the toddlers this summer, and make it enjoyable
as well!
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| 1.
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Take
a walk. Most toddlers don't enjoy spending
much time in a car, so sometimes getting out for
a wal may be just what the doctor ordered. Toddlers
love to go for walks. However, you may need to bring
a stroller along - just in case. Make sure there
is plenty of sunscreen as well.
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| 2. |
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Visit
the Local Parks. I remember when my son was
younger how much he enjoyed climbing around the park
equipment, and testing his new "coordination"
skills. Swinging and going down the slide are popular
with children at this age (feel free to swing and
go down the slide yourself...!) |
| 3. |
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Visit
the Local Library.
Research has shown that the brain is developing fastest
at this stage in their life. over 90% of their vocabulary
that they will use later on in life is being formed
before they turn 5. Use this opportunity to read to
them, and let them sound out new words and sounds.
Most public libraries have a list of books appropriate
for this age. |
| 4. |
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Arts
and Crafts. Toddlers love to paint, color,
and work with clay. (as if this is a newsflash!) Grab
some drawing paper, and let their imaginations soar.
Be sure to affirm their use of colors, creative shapes,
neatness, etc... to encourage them. Stock up on some
arts and craft supplies from your local supply store
to have on hand - just in case! |
| 5. |
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Visit
Fun and Entertaining Places.
Visit a museum. They are a wonderful place for toddlers
to learn and explore. Visit a local farm or zoo. Allow
the children to view first hand how animals and humans
work together. Many of the local zoos have special
events for families and are worth taking advantage
of. Another great place is the miniture golf course.
This can be a great place for toddlers to test their
mobility and motor skills. Not to mention - it's a
lot of fun too! |
Hopefully, we have given you a couple of ideas to help
your toddler in their development, but also provide you
some wonderful family time as well. Well, Bruce will be
back next time, so thanks for letting me share some thoughts.
Celebrating Families,
Bruce
By the way, if you missed it last week, and you are interested in
downloading a Summer Job
Checklist, click here.
It is in an EXCEL spreadsheet, so you can modify it to suit your
family.
____________________________________________________________________
If you
found this information helpful you will want to visit our website
for more! Each month we feature
articles on the topics of: men's issues, marriage, blended families,
parenting, and church ministry to families. You will also find a
great deal more information about House on the Rock Family
Ministries! Thanks for visiting.
Please
feel free to forward this to friends and family … we just ask that you
keep it intact … thanks
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