Entertaining a toddler is hard work! But toddler games provide a way of spending time with your little one, concentrating on them - and enjoying yourself in the process.
Toddlers just love attention - and a game provides an activity with a purpose.
There are so many things your toddler is learning about now: counting, alphabet, opposites, what works, why it works - or why it doesn't... and they want you to be part of this learning curve.
They're also blossoming socially - beginning to want to do things by themselves, striving for independence - even if they scream the house down when they spot you leaving the room!
Toddlers can certainly test our patience as parents - but aren't these little folks wonderful? They respond brilliantly when they see your delight and affirmation of what they do. What better way of combining teaching and learning for children of this age and stage than by playing some great toddler games?
Games for toddlers - tips and tricks
Enjoy your games together One of the most important aspects of playing games with toddlers is making sure you have fun together. There's no pressure to play things a certain way, no rules, no winners or losers. That time will soon come. But for very small children, a competitive element is too much to cope with.
Base your toddler games around their daily routine Play regularly with your child. This doesn't mean exhausting yourself all day - you'll end up exhausting your child, too! But for two or three minutes, and several times a day, concentrate on making something extra special - by making it into a game.
Show your toddler how to play imaginatively This means you sitting down on the floor with the blocks, running around in circles in the park - and you laughing and enjoying it. The result? Not only will your child learn how to have fun with you and the family - they'll also be able to amuse themselves trying out the things you have shown them. Toddlers love to imitate - give them some ideas!
A variety of games and activities is useful It's great to have a variety of different games and activities that your toddler likes. This way, when they get bored doing one thing, you have another up your sleeve to distract them from their grumpy moments!
Toddler game resources
Toddler online games The best toddler online games for infants and young children - keyboard thumpers, online painting and coloring, songs and shapes - all within toddler-familiar situations.
Toddler party games Musical games, dancing games and story games for toddler party fun.
