Book Review: Toddler Time

I just checked out a book from my MOPS library; Toddler Time by Melissa Bogdany.

It's starting to get a bit nicer out (PRAISE GOD!), but we're still having some cold days and I thought it would be nice to get some ideas on things to do inside with the little pumpkin.

I really liked this book! Here are a few ideas I thought were especially good:

• Give your toddler a set of doubles when you get pictures developed. Gilly really does love to look at pics of all of us, and I'm sure giving her some of her own would keep her busy for a while!
• Stash a few new dollar-store toys, and pull them out when you have a busy day ahead of you.
• Open a snack to keep your toddler content at the grocery store. I must confess, I do this way too much. I've been trying to NOT do this so much, because Gilly was starting to think that every time we got in the car, she would get a snack. Not necessarily a good thing. This is definitely better to do in moderation. :)
• Let your toddler tear up lettuce for salad. I already try to incorperate Gilly as much as I can in the kitchen, but since she's not quite 2, this can be a challenge. I thought the lettuce tearing was a good (and not quite so messy) idea!
• Pop in an exercise video for your toddler to move along to. This one is great for both Mama and toddler. :)
• Give your toddler his/her own kitchen cupboard. I've always done this with Gilly. She's always had access to Mamas drawers and cupboards. She loves it! I just put the dangerous things in a place that she can't get to.
• Pack an activity kit that you take with you to appointments.
• Set up a tent or fort in your house.
• Make houses/forts out of cardboard boxes.

Some things that I've tried that weren't in this book are:

• Blow bubbles in the house. This can get a little messy - but the kids love it! :)
• Make "houses" or "tight wire ropes" with masking tape on the floor. She doesn't quite get this yet, but it won't be long! (This isn't my idea)
• Let her play with an old cell phone.
• Let her put groceries into the shopping cart at the grocery store. At this age, she really loves to help out and do the same things Mama is doing! So sweet!
• Have her help put her toys away. Again, she loves to help! We have a bag of blocks and she loves putting the blocks back in the bag.

What about you? What fun things have you tried to keep your toddler occupied?? Especially as the winter starts getting L O N G..... ugh.