Toddlers
- Make sure your home is completely child-proofed. This will help
keep your sanity as your multiples become mobile. You might want to
keep your multiples contained to one central room in the house that
is gated and completely child-proofed. Fill the room with plenty of
toys and keep a stash of diapers, wipes, and other essentials. In
the kitchen, you may want to leave one cabinet open to your toddlers.
You can fill it with a variety of containers and utensils (i.e. a wooden
spoon or plastic scoop). As you prepare dinner, your toddlers will
be entertained as they play with the toys from their own cabinet.
- Work with your twins on holding your hands. Your toddlers will most
likely lose interest in the stroller, so it is important to teach them
about holding your hands. It is not easy to chase two toddlers going
in different directions, so it is more of a safety concern about keeping
your children close to you at all times.
- Take your multiples and some of their favorite push/pull
toys to an enclosed tennis court. Let your toddlers push and pull their toys
around the tennis court once you’ve closed all of the doors.
- Find some local parks that are mostly enclosed. Your multiples will
love playing at the park, but we know how hard it is to keep a close
eye on two (or more) busy toddlers. Finding a park that is completely
enclosed is ideal, so that you can create a safe environment for them
to explore.
- Encourage your toddlers to play outside. Make sure your backyard
is safe and then let your toddlers explore. They will enjoy using
their push/pull toys on the patio, and they will find a number of ways
to use a bucket and shovel around the yard. Some other fun outdoor
activities include playing with balls; blowing bubbles; drawing with
chalk; and finger painting.
- Plan some structured activities each week for your multiples. Do
not be afraid to venture out of the house with your toddlers! It can
be challenging, but it is worth it! There are plenty of activities
in the community that will allow you to spend quality time with your
children. Not to mention, your toddlers will enjoy the opportunity
to learn new things. You can visit the library or bookstore for story
time; or you can find some great “Mommy & Me” classes at places
like “The Little Gym” or “Gymboree.” There are also many fun activities
that you can do right at home with your toddlers. It can be something
as simple as filling up a large container with dry pinto beans, and
letting your children play with the beans. They can stir the beans;
scoop them into various size containers; and transfer the beans from
one container to another. You can do a search online to find age appropriate
activities for your children. You can also start a playgroup with
other parents who have children around the same age, and you can each
take turns hosting the playgroup. The children learn social skills
and are easily entertained by the new toys found at a friend’s house.
Plus, it is always nice to compare notes with other parents!
- Build a relationship with each child. Spend one-on-one time with
each child, foster different interests and talents, and create special
memories.
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