Wanting to be more intentional with my DD

[CrunchyChristianMama]

My DD is a pretty independent little girl. A lot of our day is spent with me getting things done and her running around doing her own thing. There are portions of the day though when she's really clingy and wants my undivided attention for a while. Usually we read books, sing songs, play with a toy together, or go play outside. I would like some other activities though to start doing with her as she gets older so that I feel like I'm being more intentional with our time together.

Does anyone know of any good websites or anything that have fun adult-led activities for 1-2 year olds? She's 21 months now. Or if anyone is creative enough that they've come up with good ideas on their own I'd take those too!

[jwpsgurl]

I have the same kind of situation going with my 2 little girls. They play together pretty much all day, but I like to try for us all to do something together. What about doing an art project or craft?? or baking together??

[Jayray]

My friend has recommended the following website to me, but I have personally not looked very closely at it yet--so I can't really say if it's good or not. She said her DD really enjoyed doing the activities from it when she was about 18 mo.

http://www.pammshouse.com/toddlers.html#todbib

P.S. It appears to be focused toward Christians, but you could probably adjust easily if you are not one.

[foodymama]

Originally Posted by Jayray

My friend has recommended the following website to me, but I have personally not looked very closely at it yet--so I can't really say if it's good or not. She said her DD really enjoyed doing the activities from it when she was about 18 mo.

http://www.pammshouse.com/toddlers.html#todbib

P.S. It appears to be focused toward Christians, but you could probably adjust easily if you are not one.

I was just browsing the forum and came accross your suggestion Jayray. I love this! Thank you, I think it's just what we needed!

[tankgirl73]

I dunno... it sounds like what you're doing is already great. Lots of free-range exploration for her, and nice open-ended time with momma when she needs it. Kids that age (or any age, really) don't need a lot of "structured, adult-led activities" anyway.

If you do want to offer her some more variety though, I'd recommend looking into some Montessori-based activities. They're very gentle, child-led (you may introduce the activity, or you may participate in particular activities as well, but it's following her lead), and well-designed for age- and development-appropriateness.

At this age, you would focus primarily on practical skills -- things like pouring liquids and dry goods, scooping and spooning items, sorting and matching, fastening zippers, using tongs, water play, etc. Bring her in on cooking with you and any household chores, at this age they LOVE to help with vaccuuming and laundry and folding clothes and putting things away and putting dishes away and just everything. In other words, most 'activities' for this age (and most ages) would be about bringing her into real life, rather than something artificially created to be "for kids", if you see what I mean? That's what kids crave, after all.

There are a few great books out there about Montessori at home for preschoolers, and I've blogged a bit about things we did with DD and our whole approach with her -- motherbynature.ca. She's now 3.5yo and incredibly competent and capable and curious and helpful and independent!

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Originally Posted by tankgirl73

I dunno... it sounds like what you're doing is already great. Lots of free-range exploration for her, and nice open-ended time with momma when she needs it. Kids that age (or any age, really) don't need a lot of "structured, adult-led activities" anyway.

If you do want to offer her some more variety though, I'd recommend looking into some Montessori-based activities. They're very gentle, child-led (you may introduce the activity, or you may participate in particular activities as well, but it's following her lead), and well-designed for age- and development-appropriateness.

At this age, you would focus primarily on practical skills -- things like pouring liquids and dry goods, scooping and spooning items, sorting and matching, fastening zippers, using tongs, water play, etc. Bring her in on cooking with you and any household chores, at this age they LOVE to help with vaccuuming and laundry and folding clothes and putting things away and putting dishes away and just everything. In other words, most 'activities' for this age (and most ages) would be about bringing her into real life, rather than something artificially created to be "for kids", if you see what I mean? That's what kids crave, after all.

There are a few great books out there about Montessori at home for preschoolers, and I've blogged a bit about things we did with DD and our whole approach with her -- motherbynature.ca. She's now 3.5yo and incredibly competent and capable and curious and helpful and independent!

I agree with you that she doesn't need a ton of adult-led time or overly organized activities. My problem is that she gets really frustrated and clingy and wants me to do SOMETHING with her, and I've run out of ideas. I try to involve her in everyday chores and things (which is often not overly successful, but we try), but I need other type things too.

I like the idea of focusing on primary skills, so what type of activities do you do to work on that? I'm not feeling real creative in my massively pregnant state, so I could use anything right now!

[tankgirl73]

When she's clingy, would she sometimes just want to be held rather than do an activity? Maybe it's hard for you to wear her right now being massively pregnant -- just thought I'd make the suggestion just in case.

Practical skills activities:

http://www.dailymontessori.com/monte...d-preparation/

http://www.montessorimom.com/toddler...as-practical-/

http://www.montessorifortheearth.com/0002T.html (you have to pay to subscribe to her program, it's mostly information you can find for free elsewhere, but I did use it myself when starting out, it was inexpensive and for me was worth it to have it all laid out like that)

A couple good blogs:
http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogsp...ctivities.html
http://www.ourmontessorihome.com/200...ri-shelf-work/

Probably my top suggestion for a book would be "Teach Me To Do it Myself", but there are other good ones too. Hope this helps!

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Originally Posted by tankgirl73

When she's clingy, would she sometimes just want to be held rather than do an activity? Maybe it's hard for you to wear her right now being massively pregnant -- just thought I'd make the suggestion just in case.

Thank you for all those sites!

You're right, often times she does just want held. But, I just can't right now. I have some back issues as it is when not pregnant, so there is no long term holding going on right now. And if I just sit and hold her, she will just climb all over me and cause me more pain and discomfort unless I have something to occupy her with. I will have to look the sites over and find some fun things for us to do together.