https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:01:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1504812 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:16:52 +0000 regberadaisy 1504812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone for these great tips!!!</p> <p>Since LO will still be in daycare, for now, for 2 days a week I think I'm going to ask her teacher for their daily schedule. I'm going to try and mimic it as best as possible.</p> <p>I really like the idea of having a (loose) schedule. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1503531 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:13:49 +0000 Cole 1503531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It really helps me and the two year old I watch to have a predictable rhythm to our days. Usually it is breakfast, get dressed, hair and teeth then we do a craft or bake (sometimes the crafts are elaborate art projects and sometimes we just color together). After that is preschool pickup for the older one. They have twenty minutes to play while I unpack the back pack and get lunch ready. Then lunch, twenty minutes to play, nap and then we usually play something together or go to the park. A few times a week we pack a lunch and go somewhere after preschool, naps just happen in the car those days or when we get back but thankfully she is super flexible on naps now.</p> <p>I try to incorporate 3 really interesting art project/science experiment/baking projects each week and 2-3 guided play things for the late afternoon where we set up a grocery store or lemonade stand or build a fort. We usually do two "field trips" a week when the weather is gross, more when it is nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1503379 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 07:06:28 +0000 looch 1503379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went back to work when my son was 2, but my plan had been to set up some montessori stations for him. It has kind of fallen by the wayside with all of the other stuff that's going on, but in the last year, my son has been really into art, especially gluing things, so I'd set up a nice full art center somewhere.</p> <p>I also researched sensory boxes with treasure hunts, that could be something you can put together rather easily from things you already have.</p> <p>2 was also the age where my son got really into playdough and it is continuing, so I haunt Marshalls for discounted sets, he especially loves manipulatives and the fun factory.</p> <p>Lastly, he really likes to help with chores, so i fill a spray bottle with water and let him mist the plants outside. He will also "clean" the windows and sort clean laundry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1502766 Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:01:04 +0000 gingerbebe 1502766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Back when I was nannying 2 year olds, it was all about a schedule and predictability to keep them occupied. It was easier to remind them that it was "time for...." then to keep responding to requests for Elmo or whatever. (Unless Daniel is at a scheduled time).</p> <p>Obviously, time at a local park is ideal, but also think of a back-up plan to automatically roll with if the weather doesn't comply. For instance, playing in the snow in the yard. Or getting dressed up in rain gear and bringing the potted plants outside to get watered (puddle stomping if you're okay with that sort of thing).</p> <p>There's usually a scheduled story time at local libraries to go to.</p> <p>Also, have a toy or an activity that is reserved for independent play. For instance, only let your kid play with a certain doll or toy when they are sitting quietly in their room (or on a blanket within eyeshot). If they fuss or demand attention, explain they will only get the toy if they play quietly like a big kid. This can be started with 10 minutes and extended gradually so that you can get yourself some time to do chores or return phone calls/e-mails. (Or in my case, give me time to fix lunch and tend to the other children I was watching).</p> <p>If your child is transition to being at home after being used to a daycare setting, finding a mom's group and scheduling some play dates or play groups at the park with a familiar bunch of children might help with their social needs. </p> <p>If this applies to you, you can also build a daily religious activity into your day, like reading a Bible story from a children's bible, learning a new song (maybe even with hand motions), and doing a coloring sheet related to that lesson. (Think of it as a daily Sunday school). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1502748 Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:55:14 +0000 photojane 1502748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a Pinterest account? There are tons and tons of ideas on there. </p> <p>Also, a friend of mine did a letter a week project with her daughter. They started the week with a letter art project (e.g. "R" - rainbow, made a rainbow with fruit loops), and then read books/played games/sang songs/did activities that emphasized that letter throughout the week (e.g. "row row row your boat," books about rain...). I thought that was neat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahp-keeping-2-yo-engaged#post-1502732 Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:48:25 +0000 regberadaisy 1502732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>SAHP: what do you do at home with your toddlers to keep them engaged? </p> <p>LO will start being home with me 5 days a week. I'm trying to come up with things to do so that she doesn't ask for Daniel all the time! Hopefully the weather will continue being nice we can do outdoor stuff too! </p> <p>Looking for low cost to no cost ideas! </p> <p>Thanks! </p>