Expect a 15- to 18-month-old to play freely with Play-Doh unless they have previously tried it. Here are a few suggestions: Provide a few utensils to play with, and always demonstrate how to use each one. Let your child help you create designs by pressing the material down in desired shapes.
Young children should not be left alone with toys that have small parts such as buttons or springs. Explain these items why they should not be swallowed. Put stickers on dangerous objects to warn others of their presence.
Playdough is great exercise for toddlers. Have them roll the dough between their hands and watch what fun games they can come up with. This activity helps develop fine motor skills that will help them later when writing letters, using scissors, and more.
The best way to avoid choking is by never placing anything larger than your elbow into your toddler's mouth. You should also keep plastic toys away from young children because they can melt in your baby's mouth if he or she puts them in there.
If your child does manage to eat some plastic, then don't worry about it. Just like any other food, your little one will pass out the plastic if he doesn't eat it all. So just take him or her to the hospital in case something goes wrong.
Children begin to play pretend between the ages of 14 and 18 months, and fortunately, they don't need much to get started. All they really need is imagination and something with which to make noises. Some young children may even enjoy playing with dolls or action figures instead of toys that move or make noise.
Toys that help develop motor skills and increase awareness of your surroundings also benefit young children who are just beginning to play pretend. Building blocks, cars, trucks, and trains are all good options for this age group. A dollhouse or castle can be used as inspiration for many different types of games.
If you're not sure what type of game to give your child, simply asking them how they'd like to play is a great way to connect with them on a creative level. The more involved they are in deciding the type of game they'll play, the more opportunity there will be for them to experience new things and try new things. That's what makes play so fun!
The important thing is to let children know they can always come to you with questions about playtime.
Here are some pointers to assist your youngster learn to play alone.
Most youngsters do not show much interest in playing with other children by the age of 18 months. They do, however, participate in "parallel play." When youngsters play next to or beside one another but do not interact. Adults are their primary focus for social development. By 24 months most children are developing skills they need for future relationships with adults and others.
By age three, most children are becoming more interested in playing with others. They start by playing alone, but soon begin building blocks or cars with their parents' help. Parents can encourage these activities by keeping everything new and fun. For example, if a child just sees his parent's face every time he eats something new, he will want to do the same thing all the time!
The best way to learn about your child's interests is by watching what she likes doing. Does she like building things? Then take time each day to build with her. Does she love music? Let her listen to songs on the radio or have a music box played for her. The more you know about your child's interests, the better chance you have of encouraging that activity once she gets a little older.
Younger children may simply enjoy observing others playing. They may even try some simple games themselves.
Ideas for 12–18-Month-Olds' Activities
45+ Learning Activities for 18-24 Month Old Children Activities for toddlers
Making time for both indoor and outdoor play is vital for your youngster to learn how things function. Open-ended toys, such as blocks, pegs, balls, ice cream tubs, and cardboard boxes, are ideal for play. Your toddler will also like playing games like pat-a-cake or peekaboo with you. If he's old enough, let him help make dinner or put away groceries.
Young children enjoy entertainment that involves movement, lights, sounds, and touch. Toys that move together, such as dancing dolls, come apart to be put back together; this keeps play fun for everyone involved. Sound-producing toys, such as buzzers, drums, and maracas, are other entertaining options for toddlers. Toys that light up, like flashlight batteries, are other ways to keep kids' attention during long sessions of playtime.
Tiny tots also love feeling textures against their skin, so bring out the tactile toys such as soft hats, mittens, and socks for some fun in the snow or rain. The more your child experiences through play, the better prepared he will be for school and life later on. Try not to worry too much about what kind of entertainment you should be giving your toddler. Just keep an open mind and have some fun!
Thus, the ideal age for playschool is between the ages of 2 and 3 years. But if he or she is doing it, you have a prodigy on your hands. The infant can respond to simple queries such as "What is your name?" The infant makes it quite simple to put things away. So make him/her put the toys away in the proper location. This will help develop motor skills as well as eye-hand coordination.
There are many studies that show that children who attend preschool perform better academically than those who do not. They are able to learn from more experienced peers as well as adults. These kids are also less likely to be identified with ADHD or other learning disorders. Therefore, attending preschool should be considered by parents as important for their child's future success in school.
Preschools vary greatly in what they offer their students. Some provide only an early education program while others include afterschool care as well. It is important for parents to know what their child's preschool offers so they can best meet his/her needs. For example, some schools may require children to wear uniforms while others allow parents to choose whether or not to dress their children in special clothes.
Most states require children to attend school until they reach the age of 18. However, there are options available for parents who want to take time off before then.