Oh my poor baby toddler. He has a severe case of Third Child Syndrome. Never mind the fact that he can now climb out of the Pack N’ Play while I take a shower (oh, about 8 months earlier than his big brother did), or that he can eat more than his two older brothers combined, or that he talks like a 5-year-old and blows me away with his choice of words (and sassy facial expressions). My poor baby desperately wants to go to school!
He comes with me every morning, and every afternoon, to drop off and pick up his two big brothers– one in 4th grade, the other in Pre-K. We say “bye-bye” to the big 4th grader (as I try to pry him away from the huddle of big boys playing Beyblades) and head over to the Pre-K area of the school. There he plays on the playground like he is one of them (he is as tall as 90% of them), and wanders into the classroom… and don’t get me started on the hooks of backpacks.
CARS! WOODY! BUZZ! CHOO-CHOO!
The child gets an eye twitch when he sees the super cool (miniature) backpacks. Again, perfect for his size. Sadly he gets back in the car with me and we go… home.
Well, not all the time. Here are just some things we do together to make him feel special. To make him feel like he’s a big kid, too!
- Go to your family’s favorite park, just the two of you. Your toddler will love the time that he or she usually has to share.
- Read books together.
- Do fun learning activities like- puzzles, stacking, sorting and counting.
- Sing songs, dance and jump like no one is watching.
- Draw, paint and color in coloring books, on a low easel or on a roll of paper outside.
- Take a walk without the stroller (just make sure you go to a safe area where there are no cars).
- Snuggle up at TV time. We watch an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba together every day and it’s one of my favorite times of the day. The look on my son’s face is priceless when I start singing the songs with him.
- Do housework together but pick and chose wisely. Chances are, you wont get a lot done but “folding” a small basket of laundry together can be a lot of fun.
- Sign up for Mommy and Me classes- yoga, dance, swim, gym play… they are all a lot of fun and a great way to get your toddler interacting with children his or her own age.
This post can also be seen at Rated By Mom
I’ve been called “maternal” since the day I could hold a baby doll. I’ve become a pregnancy, baby and parenting resource since having my first child almost 10 years ago. This is my blog and where I share my journey through parenthood with you.
I bought my 2 year old ( next month, don’t mind if I practice typing that, right?aaah!) a backpack for vacation. We packed it with what he. Need wherever he was going. Diaper and wipes, a toy car, a snack… I love it! Maybe a cute little backpack he could ‘pack’ for himself while running rrands or hitting the park?
I have thought about the backpack idea but fear he will want to take it TO school with us, hang it on the hook and follow his older brother’s lead. Which will lead to even more confusion and frustration. He does have a mini bag that he carries around the house… maybe I’ll try associating that with errands and park trips
Happy (almost) Birthday to you and your little one!!