DivyaAs most child experts say, never underestimate the toddlers. They can do so much more besides playing and socializing with other kids. There are ample toddler activities that one can learn. Here we will discuss a few of them.
Here are six activities your little one can learn to do even before they hit five years old:
1. Learn the Piano
If you’re in Utah, little ones can already take piano lessons. These classes can be both online or offline depending on the convenience or, in this day, pandemic protocols.
Ideally, the piano is best taught to children between the ages of 10 and 12. Around this time, they have better ears and are more capable of following simple to complex instructions.
However, it doesn’t mean toddlers cannot play the keys aided by an experienced teacher. They can already perceive rhythm, and many children around these ages can already appreciate music. Most of all, music can help improve your child’s sensory development.
2. Take Their First Swim
Before, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommended that only children ages 4 and above take swimming lessons. In 2010, they reversed it to say that toddlers as young as 1 can participate in this training. Reason: drowning.
According to healthychildren.org, the toddler years pose the highest risk of drowning than at any other time. It is also the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 1 and 4.
How about for children below a year old? The AAP doesn’t encourage it since studies don’t show evidence the risk of drowning is significant at this age.
Note, though, that not all swimming centers can handle toddlers. Find locations with great facilities and instructors trained to handle very young children.
3. Clean Their Room
Do you know that you can already give your toddlers chores? By the time they’re three, they can already:
- Put away their toys
- Arrange their beds
- Sort and stack books
- Throw away trash
- Sweep the floor
- Wipe the tables and chairs
4. Join Organizations
Children need to acquire and develop socialization skills. With these, they can:
- Help develop their personality or sense of self
- Reduce their feeling of entitlement
- Learn to be generous, patient, and understanding
- Improve their sense of boundaries
- Listen to others
- Express themselves
In fact, a 2007 study by Michigan State University revealed that the social skills a child learns when they’re three could help predict their social and academic outcomes later.
Toddlers can already go to school and interact with their teachers and classmates, but they can also join organizations. Although the options are limited, young girls can be Penguins under Frontier Girls, an alternative to Girl Scouts.
5. Run a Lemonade Stand Legally
Lemonade stands have become a symbol of youthful maturity, their first foray into business, and deeper social interaction. But not all states allow them. Even kids need to secure the right permits before they can sell cups for less than $3.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case in Utah. As of 2017, the state passed SB 81, which no longer requires permits or licenses to businesses run by kids.
6. Start a YouTube Channel
This one will feel like treading on murky waters. Allowing your child to have their social media account, more so upload content, is tricky due to many restrictions and federal and state policies.
Nevertheless, many kids now own a YouTube channel, some earning millions. Videos can also be modern ways to express themselves and communicate more effectively.
To safeguard children on social media, parents can consider these tips:
- Set up parental controls.
- Run a family account.
- Monitor the child’s use and access.
- Turn off comments.
Allowing your toddler to participate in these activities may be challenging, given their limited attention span and ever-changing interest. But these ideas are great too to learn more about their personalities and improve their skills.
[Read 10 Summer Indoor Activities for Kids]
Happy Parenting!
