Keep Her Busy

I have a degree in Child Development, years of experience teaching preschool, and almost two years of "Mom experience" under my belt.  One thing I know for sure is that keeping little ones busy is key.  Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a need for down time.  But usually babies, toddlers, and preschoolers need to be kept busy.  It makes them happy...and smart! :)  About a year ago I did a post about keeping Ellington entertained.  Not surprisingly, straws, hangers, and junk mail don't really get the job done anymore.  So, here's a little list of a few things I do to keep Ellington busy and happy!

Rotating toys is a MUST!!!  When children have toys and toys and more toys they just kind of shut down.  If you rotate your toys you will be shocked by how much more focused and interested they are!  I do this in my preschool classroom as well.  I can't imagine not rotating toys.  Seriously.  Try it!  The toys below are animals from Ellington's ark.  The ark had been stored away for several months and then brought back out.  For a solid week that's ALL she played with.  As you can see, those animals were all over our house!!

Cookie sheets and magnets are so much fun!  I got out my magnetic ABCs and Ellington had a blast.  She has become so interested in the alphabet lately.  This activity was right up her alley!

Using toys in a different way makes it fun.  After we got back from the beach Ellington saw her beach toys sitting out waiting to be stored away.  I handed them to her and she had the most fun pretending to be at the beach for the next week!  I wouldn't have thought to use them, you know since they are "sand toys".  Mamas can be so boring sometimes. :)

Art is always a great idea!  There are COUNTLESS art activities for little ones.  Ellington has been enjoying  a basic activity....coloring.

Scooping is so much fun for little ones!  On this particular day Ellington was moving ice from one bowl to another, but the posibilities are endles.  Beans, rice, cotton balls, etc.  You can use just about anything!

Structured activities are great, but often Ellington keeps herself busy all on her own!