Do you sometimes see your toddler being restless or fussy?
If so, you may have a toddler who is very bored on your hands.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Boredom does affect just about anyone, but younger children are especially more susceptible to it.
Thus, it brings a question.
Why Tackle Toddler Boredom?
Boredom in toddlers usually means that they are not getting much stimulation to the brain.
This results in a restless, unruly child.
Subsequently, this may potentially increase the tendency of which the child will have tantrums or meltdowns.
So, it is extremely important for us as parents to find ways to help their mind stay engaged.
How to Encourage Creativity in Toddlers
1. Brain-Stimulating Play
Toys or games that can help keep your child’s mind active can be a way to encourage your toddler’s creativity.
Here are some of our suggestions.
Sensory Toys
The toddler stage of your kid’s life is when they spend time to explore all the senses and surrounds they have.
This is generally a good thing, but if left unchecked, it may potentially make your little one interact with a dangerous environment.
So, try out this tip!
Create a sensory toy or basket for your toddler using items readily available at home.
This type of playtime can help your child explore all the senses and textures around them.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games are one of the most surefire ways to get children to think creatively while still having fun.
Additionally, puzzles nowadays have so much variety from type of puzzle to even theme of the puzzle!
Some games even let your kid to play alone, or with peers.
You can also use flashcards to create an array of different puzzles, too!
2. Reading Time
Reading is also another way to keep your toddler’s brain thinking and active- even when sat down.
Books are, to put it simply, a gateway to imagination.
Try out different types of books that may attract your child’s attention.
Sensory Books
Sensory books, which are books that involve touch-and-feel features can teach your child association skills.
These books also fit well with the age range between one to four year-olds, given its simplicity and colourful imagery.
Not only will these books keep them engaged with things to do, but it also inadvertently teaches them to read simple words.
This accelerates their process of learning to read, too.
Read-Along Session
Take some time to sit down with your toddler and do a read-along session.
Children tend to look at parental attention as positive affirmation towards their behaviour.
So, try and find a book your child may be interested in, and then sit together to read the book to them.
This will let your child to ask questions, all the while having some bonding time with you.
Additionally, you can even do this anytime you can, such as before their bedtime.
This behaviour is highly encouraged as it can also encourage a positive reading habit onto your toddler.
3. Exploration
Hit two birds in one stone by keeping your toddler both physically, and creatively active by exploring the outdoors!
This way you can avoid toddler boredom, while keeping fit and healthy.
Walk Around
Take a nice, leisurely walk with your little one to combat toddler boredom!
It can be anywhere; even a walk around your housing area can be enough to keep them engaged.
Kids are generally curious by nature- there are a lot of things they have yet to experience.
Take advantage of this opportunity to have some one-on-one time with them.
Not to mention, there are a lot of benefits of daily walks with your child, so it is definitely a good option to consider.
Scavenger Hunt
Organise a scavenger hunt for your child- and maybe other children in the neighbourhood, too!
Scavenger hunts can promote creative thinking in your toddler, and enhances their problem-solving skills as well.
Adding more children to the event can also help nurture teamwork and good morals onto them too.
To make things more fun, do it in a themed setting that fits a genre your child may like.
Additional Advice
While boredom can be normal for toddlers who are getting to know the world around them, there is also a possibility that there may be an underlying medical conditions.
Take note for signs of signs of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) instead of boredom here.
Make sure to also show support when they play and solve problems.
Through this, your toddlers can be able to gain self-confidence.
You should also avoid the usage of technological devices to pacify their tantrums.
While tech devices can be helpful to distract a young child, it is also something that is prone to cause a tech addiction.
But, the most important advice when it comes to combating toddler boredom is to stay patient.
Toddlers, unlike older children, are still learning about their surroundings, which can be a little difficult time.
So, make sure to supervise and help your toddler if they need any.
You’ve got this, parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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