Tips for visiting toddlers
I got a DM this morning from my pal @sinpantalones on twitter. She was asking if I could check out her post about stuff to stock for her visiting granddaughter this Thanksgiving. I’m not an expert by any means, but I do have a toddler so I turned on my random-thought-generator and this is what came out:
Baby Einstein flicks are essential for Cadie. If you have a Netflix account, that’s probably the best bang for your buck. Even if not, get one for just a month and grab as many as you can to try. if they don’t work, you can have more in 2 days. Cadie LOVES PIXAR movies (and so do I) those help too. Especially the Toy Story ones. Not sure where you live, but sidewalk chalk if you can still go outside. Ok, random list coming…
Play-doh for sure! Something bouncy like a bouncy horse or rocking horse. Several different sized balls. Washable crayons and markers. Roll of butcher paper for drawing on. Cardboard box, endless fun! I also second the iPhone/iTouch apps if you have one.
For the car, Cadie likes anything with lights, sounds and letters or numbers. Loves to sing her version of the ABC’s and count to 10 (out of proper sequence of course). For a little of your sanity, a simple popup type toy seems to work well. You know, the ones you turn or push a button and a little flap pops up with a character on them. Ours has no music or anything so it’s a nice break. Also, the iPhone/iTouch can come in handy too. We have Pixar movies and shorts loaded on ours as well as the toddler apps for car trips.
Oh! there are these little cups with rubber tops that the kid can stick their hand through to get stuff like crackers and stuff. Saves on the spills.
Snack-wise, Cadie likes the cheddar bunnies (whole foods, hippie version of goldfish). Honey-nut pretzels. Rice crispy treats, Corn chips, mini cookies, apples, carrots, cheese, and those gummy fruit snacks. Just be careful not to sugar out the kid.
Food: Eggs, eggo waffles, mac & cheese (she prefers the white cheddar shells – again Michelle is kind of a hippie haha so Whole Foods has a lot of great options), turkey dogs, kid’s oatmeal/cereal. YoBaby yogurt, rice, etc.
Remember, they don’t eat a lot so don’t overstock and their attention span is very short so it’s not about the amount of stuff you have for her but the time you spend with her. Bottom line, you are the best toy a kid could ever have. They tend to occupy themselves. Just play with them and all will be well but if you are getting tired, maybe SOME of the above ideas will help. You’re gonna have a blast! Enjoy it!
Who knows if it will help but it’s a shot. My best! Have a happy holiday!
I love, love this article. A gramma always wants to know what will entertain the babes when visiting. Good suggestions, but since we don’t see her very often maybe update if you are coming up or we are coming down.
Love Gramma S
From my friend Barb on Facebook:
1. Smile and nod. Prepare for charades.
Depending upon the age and speech clarity of the child, you probably won’t understand 80% of what is said. So be prepared to smile, nod, and play the “show me” game. Especially if they’re talking about something outside the room. Who KNOWS how many times you can flush a toilet in 10 seconds?? And Mommy probably wouldn’t like them to have the ice cream they just found hidden in the back corner of the freezer.
2. Work out for at least 2 weeks prior to visit.
This child has not been alive that long, so the bones and muscles have not worn out yet (like some of yours).
a.Stretch out those leg muscles – prepare to run, (chasing or being chased) and sit in weird positions on the floor. Just be sure someone is available to help you off the floor later.
b.Build up the arms. It’s amazing how much 30 pounds can actually weigh when it’s excited or wiggling or doesn’t really want to be buckled into the car seat.
c.Tone those abs. Same 30 pounds feels like 300 when it’s standing on your stomach and decides to do a split jump and land on its backside.
3. Stimulate your imagination and study, study, study.
You will be called upon to answer such questions as:
a. Why is the sky blue?
b. Why is your hair that color?
c. Where do birds fly to?
d. Why does the dog eat poop?
4. Be prepared to memorize at least one movie/dvd/tv show. If variety is the spice of life, the average toddler is not interested in spicing up their life. Consistency, repetitive viewing, and downright monotony are key!
5. If you don’t already know how, learn to fall asleep in an instant, take 3 second naps, and sleep with your eyes open. Don’t ask . . . just trust me on this.
6. Get ready for lots of sticky hugs, slobbery kisses, and more love than you’ve felt in ages!
TODDLERS ARE THE BEST!
Thank you so much! And please share my thanks with your friend Barb.
My son is 27–it’s been a long time since I’ve had a little one in the house. Fortunately, my granddaughter’s mom will be here with her the entire time, but I don’t want her to have to pack the world, and it’s always good to be prepared.
Loves your list. Can hardly wait to see Cadie again!