Guest Post from Mary at A Day in the Life

Before I was a stay at home mom for my two wonderful twins, I was a preschool teacher for 16 inquisitive two year old.  It was definitely good training.  Although if I'm being honest my two toddler can be more overwhelming at times the 16 of the kids I get to send home at the end of the day.  One thing I have learn from being home is planning activities is a life saver.  It has been a big help for me to have a few tricks up my sleeve when bad days come around.

So I have decided to share some of my favorite activities with you that can help to turn your day around if your babes have a case of the grumps.

Homemade edible finger paints

 

They love to do this!  I usually finger paint in the bath tub because with two it can be hard to clean up two babes at once.  They love to finger paint.  Mainly right now they love to feel and squish the paint, but sensory activities are a great way for toddlers to learn.  Speaking of sensory activies

Sensory Paint Bags 

We did this activity last week.  They had a lot of fun with it.  They loved to squish the paint all round and mix it up.  I got all kinds of idea when they are a little older.  It would be a fun way to practice drawing shapes and letters.  People also told me they have taped the bags to the windows for them to play with.  I think that sounds like a super fun idea too!

Fine Motor Skills Practice Activity

I love this idea because it works those fine motor and problem solving skills.  Also it is done with things you can just find around the house.  This one does require supervision because the pipe cleaners are pointy for really little ones, but I tell you my daughter loved this and was very entertained by it for about 20 minutes.  That is a long time for a 1 year old.  I love when they are engrossed in activities that are actually helping them learn and grow.

Another Fine Motor Skills Activity

This is another great activity for fine motor and problem solving skills, and it's fun!  I mean what toddler doesn't like putting things in other things.  These are also items I had around my house.

Bringing out any of these activities I learned while being a preschool teacher really a help on days where nothing is helping your child.  Those days where it just feels like they are unhappy with every toy and are just not content.  Whip out one of these idea and see if any of them help.  I also have more on my blog if you wanna check them out.

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