Toddler Times
How My Toddler Plays
I have been blessed with a second child who can entertain herself. At two, she likes to know that I’m nearby, and she comes and goes with requests (her baby doll is hungry and would like a snack) or asks me to watch her do something, but overall she is happy interacting with her environment and her toys on her own for good stretches of time.
As my older child was not like this at all during her toddler years, I can’t tell you the secret, if there is one. Their personalities are completely different and that’s probably part of it. And I imagine being a younger sibling and having to share attention plays a (not insignificant) role as well. I am fascinated by the differences between them and also have a crazy desire to go back in time and watch myself as a toddler. How did I play? What captured my attention? By the time I was two, I had a baby sister and we lived on a farm. Would my mom remember how I played if I asked? Perhaps. And what about my husband? What I wouldn’t give to see his two-year-old self! I bet he was a character even then.
Here are some photos of my two year old at play. They span a few days, but you know how busy toddlers are. They could be from one day. Easily.
How does your toddler play? What is your toddler into? I would love to hear!
Read more of Jean’s writing at The Artful Parent.
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For more about how my toddler plays, see her list of ten favorite toys.
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1 Comment
Nolan Reynolds commented on Nov 19 11 at 8:11 amI have toddler twins and have noticed the same thing–one requires almost constant attention while the other plays for long stretches on her own. Luckily, I have two at once (did I really just say that?!) and they play together on their own a lot–one keeps the other occupied!
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